A rapid validated UHPLC–PDA method for anthocyanins quantification from Euterpe oleracea fruits

The aim of this work is to develop the first validated UHPLC–PDA method for major anthocyanins quantification in Euterpe oleracea fruits after fast extraction procedures and samples preparation. The separation was performed on HSS C18 column (1.8 μm) using a gradient elution with acetonitrile and 5% formic acid in a total run time of only 17 min. Total error and accuracy profiles were used as criteria for the validation process. Calibration in the matrix was found to be more accurate than calibration without matrix. Trueness (<6.76% relative bias), repeatability (<4.6% RSD), intermediate precision (<5.3% RSD), selectivity, response function and linearity for major anthocyanins, cyanidin-3-glucoside and cyanidin-3-rutinoside, were evaluated. The concentration range validated was 1–48 μg/mL for both compounds. In addition two cyanidin-di-O-glycosides were detected for the fist time in this fruit. We also showed that a first extraction of the fruits with ethyl acetate removes the lipophilic compounds and allows an easier extraction by methanol and quantification of anthocyanins in this extract.