Application of untargeted UHPLC/Q-TOF-MS, GC-MS and ICP-MS techniques for new metabolites discovery of White Acqualagna truffle (Tuber magnatum Pico)

White Truffle is the most expensive edible underground mushroom that grows in symbiosis with the roots of plants, and it is appreciated food for its extraordinary aroma. In this study, a first characterization of white Acqualagna truffle was carried out, due to the scarce scientific literature. The volatile profile was identified by GC-MS, and it was compared with the descriptors obtained by sensory analysis. The elemental composition was investigated through ICP-MS. To analyze the non-volatile profile of Tuber magnatum an untargeted metabolomics approach using an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UHPLC-Q-TOF) was applied. Mass spectra were processed using MS-DIAL, which provides information about mass accuracy, isotopic pattern, and spectral matching with the library of each compound. Analysis were performed both in positive and in negative polarity acquisition modes allowing the identification of 322 and 134 potential metabolites. More than 60 compounds, in a total of 456, reported a total identification score match greater than 90%. This untargeted approach enabled the discovery of potential white truffle metabolites that have not yet been studied. The data obtained by ICP-MS analysis revealed a higher content of K, P, S, Ca and Mg, representing 97% of elements investigated. The composition of the elements between the truffles and the water released from the soils was also compared, to investigate which elements of the soil have been assimilated into the truffle. The volatile profile consists mainly of Bis(methylthio)methane (78.72%) and other 50 minor constituents. In conclusion, this project is the first step for the enhancement of local food, characterized by specific qualities and constituents. Furthermore, for the first time Tuber magnatum was characterized by non-target approach to obtain a metabolite profile.