Theses and Dissertations

ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6988-0753

Advisor

Zhang, Dongmao

Committee Member

Creutz, Sidney

Committee Member

Mlsna, Todd

Date of Degree

12-12-2025

Original embargo terms

Immediate Worldwide Access

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Chemistry

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Department of Chemistry

Abstract

Presented herein is rapid kinetic fluorogenic method to quantify malondialdehyde (MDA) in ground beef, utilizing 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) as the fluorogenic probe. This assay significantly shortens the total analysis time, from sample preparation to data acquisition, to just six minutes presenting a major advancement over traditional methods that typically require two hours and multiple instruments. The assay’s robustness against matrix interferences was validated using sample volume variation and standard addition calibration methods. Additionally, the effects of ambient exposure to air, washing, and cooking on MDA content in raw ground beef were quantified. While both ambient exposure to air and cooking increased MDA levels, washing raw ground beef and decanting cooked ground beef broth effectively reduced MDA content in the ground beef. The findings contribute to food safety by offering a rapid, reliable method for MDA detection and provide actionable insights into how ground beef handling affects MDA concentration, which could help consumers reduce their intake of this carcinogenic compound. This thesis represents a significant contribution to the fields of food science and safety, showcasing a practical solution for rapid MDA quantification that could be widely adopted in both research and industry settings.

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