Authenticity screening of seized whiskey samples using electrophoresis microchips coupled with contactless conductivity detection

Abstract

This report describes for the first time the use of microchip electrophoresis (ME) devices integrated with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) to investigate the authenticity of seized whiskey samples, which were probably adulterated by simple dilution with tap water. The proposed microfluidic platform was explored for the monitoring of anionic species (Cl− and F−) in both original and tampered samples. The best separations were achieved within 70 s using a running buffer composed of lactic acid and histidine (pH = 5.9). ME-C4D devices were used to analyze samples from three different brands (five samples each). Based on the presence of inorganic anions like Cl−, F−, SO42− and NO2− in different amounts, the authenticity of seized whiskeys was compared to original samples. According to the reported data, the proposed microfluidic platform can be useful to help regulatory authorities in the investigation and monitoring of authenticity of commercialized whiskey beverages.