Chromatographic fingerprints and quantitative analysis of isoflavones in Tofu-type soybeans

Tofu-type soybeans can differ from conventional soy varieties in seed size, seed composition, flavour and nutrition. Using HPLC coupled with ESI-MS and PDA detection, a total of 19 isoflavones were detected and identified from Tofu-type soybean seeds, more than previously reported forms from many other soybeans. An HPLC/UV fingerprint study was performed for qualitative evaluation, which enabled the isoflavone profile of Tofu-type soybeans to be characterised and differentiated from other vegetative soybeans by similarity comparison. To meet the frequent quantitative application for isoflavone contents, a simple, precise and reliable method using HCl hydrolysis during sample extraction and LC/UV for the detection was developed and validated to quantitate total isoflavones in soybeans, and then applied to determine the total isoflavone contents of different Tofu-type soy varieties grown in different field locations over two growing seasons. A range of total isoflavone contents for Tofu-type soybeans was established to confirm the use of this analytical approach for quality control applications.