Fingerprint Analysis of Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa) Using Paper Spray Mass Spectrometry

A straightforward and efficient approach using paper spray ionization mass spectrometry (PS-MS) was employed to detect fixed constituents in all anatomical parts of buriti, a native Brazilian fruit. This ambient mass spectrometry technique requires minimal sample preparation and was applied in both positive and negative ion modes. In total, 61 compounds were identified, predominantly in the negative mode, 26 of which had not been previously reported in the literature for this fruit. Although the pulp had been the sole focus of prior studies on fixed constituents, this work reveals novel findings for other fruit parts (peel, endocarp, and almond). Flavonoids emerged as the major phenolic compounds across all fractions, with the peel showing the highest compositional diversity. Given that existing literature focuses almost exclusively on the commercially exploited pulp—and considering the biological significance of the compounds identified here—this study demonstrates the potential for whole-fruit utilization. Such an approach could not only add value to buriti-derived products but also generate income for local producers and contribute to preserving the Cerrado biome.