Quantification of Nε-(2-Furoylmethyl)-l-lysine (furosine), Nε-(Carboxymethyl)-l-lysine (CML), Nε-(Carboxyethyl)-l-lysine (CEL) and total lysine through stable isotope dilution assay and tandem mass spectrometry

•Tandem mass spectrometry and stable isotope dilution ensured reliable performances.•The method achieved simultaneous detection of CML, CEL, lysine and furosine.•CML, CEL, lysine and furosine were quantified in several foods.•The analysis of the four markers paved the way for a better quality control. The control of Maillard reaction (MR) is a key point to ensure processed foods quality. Due to the presence of a primary amino group on its side chain, lysine is particularly prone to chemical modifications with the formation of Amadori products (AP), Nε-(Carboxymethyl)-l-lysine (CML), Nε-(Carboxyethyl)-l-lysine (CEL). A new analytical strategy was proposed which allowed to simultaneously quantify lysine, CML, CEL and the Nε-(2-Furoylmethyl)-l-lysine (furosine), the indirect marker of AP. The procedure is based on stable isotope dilution assay followed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. It showed high sensitivity and good reproducibility and repeatability in different foods. The limit of detection and the RSD% were lower than 5ppb and below 8%, respectively. Results obtained with the new procedure not only improved the knowledge about the reliability of thermal treatment markers, but also defined new insights in the relationship between Maillard reaction products and their precursors.