Determination of volatile organic compounds by HS-GC-IMS to detect different stages of infection in Xiang Ling walnut.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for evolution monitoring and early detection of () contamination in walnuts. We successfully applied headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) to evaluate walnut VOC changes caused by contamination. A total of 48 VOCs were identified in walnuts contaminated with . After identification of VOCs, a heat map and principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted ethyl acetate-D, 3-methyl-2-butanol, and cyclohexanone as potential biomarkers specific to contamination in walnuts. These results provided valid targets for the development of sensors to evaluate the early mold contamination in stored walnuts.