Comprehensive analysis of the dynamic changes of volatile and non-volatile metabolites in boletus edulis during processing by HS-SPME-GC–MS and UPLC-MS/MS analysis

In order to investigate the dynamic changes of flavor compounds, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) combined with Headspace Solid Phase Microextraction Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC–MS) was used to detect the metabolites in different drying processes. A total of 80 volatile compounds and 1319 non-volatile compounds were identified. The trend in the changes of C-8 compounds and sulfur-containing compounds were generally consistent with the trend of key enzyme activities. 479 differential metabolites were identified and revealed that metabolic profiles of compounds in Boletus edulis were altered with increased organic acids and derivatives and lipids and lipid-like molecules. Fatty acids and amino acids were transformed into volatile compounds under the action of enzymes, which played a significant role in the formation of the distinctive flavor of Boletus edulis. Our study provided a theoretical support for fully comprehending the formation mechanism of flavor from Boletus edulis during drying processes.