Date of Completion

2023

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

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Keywords

Adulteration, Biosurfactant, Honey

Abstract

Nowadays, honey is rampantly being adulterated to emulate its high demand, such as in the Philippines where 75 to 86.5% of local honeys in the market were reported to be adulterated. Previous studies have shown various ways in authenticating honey, as well as showing the possibility of biosurfactant activity within honey samples. Thus, this study aimed to detect honey adulteration and potential biosurfactant activity of honey samples from selected bee farms in Cavite in order to provide awareness and knowledge in response to the prevalent honey adulteration and the occurrence of potential biosurfactants in honey. Data from eight honey samples collected from seven different bee farms in Cavite were acquired. Then, all honey samples were subjected to authentication through the primary test––interphase emulsion. Furthermore, Internal Standard Stable Carbon Isotope Ratio Analysis (ISCIRA) method was used to confirm the resulting authentic honey samples and drop collapse test was used to validate the resulting honey samples with potential biosurfactant activity. All eight honey samples were

deemed authentic during the interphase emulsion test as samples F08, F11, F17, F22, F27, F28, and F42 exhibited three phases and sample F69 exhibited one phase, indicating a potential biosurfactant activity. Following these results, ISCIRA method was done for all honey samples which showed that the apparent C4 sugar contents were 25.3% (F08), 101.9% (F11), 3.1% (F17), 8.3% (F22), 4.5% (F27), 99.0% (F28), -1.0% (F42), and 5.4% (F69). Contrary to the results of the initial test, samples F08, F11, F22, and F28 were concluded as adulterated due to the apparent C4 sugar contents being greater than 7%. Moreover, drop collapse test was also done for sample F69 which contrarily showed no biosurfactant activity due to the drop failing to be more than 1 mm of the negative control, water. Based on the overall results, honey samples from the Tetragonula bee species were most likely to be non-adulterated or authentic. This suggests that it is best to purchase honey––labelled as "stingless bee honey"––from Amadeo, Indang, General Emilio Aguinaldo, and General Mariano Alvarez in Cavite. The findings of the study indicated that authentication of honey by using the ISCIRA method has higher accuracy as it analyzes the honey samples on an isotopic level. Furthermore, other more specific molecular tests may be done to further analyze the possible biosurfactant activity in honey.

First Advisor

April O. Bermejo-Ambita

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