Quantitative profiling of coenzyme Q10 and vitamin K1 in Brassica microgreens and microleaves by a sensitive RPLC-APCI-HRMS method

Innovative vegetables such as microgreens and microleaves are increasingly recognised for their rich nutraceutical profiles, often matching or surpassing those of mature plants. In this study, an analytical method based on liquid chromatography - atmospheric pressure chemical ionization high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-APCI-HRMS) was developed and validated to quantify two key bioactive compounds, CoQ10 and vitamin K1, in microgreens and microleaves obtained from two Brassica landraces of Apulia (Southern Italy): “cavolo riccio” (kale) and “cima di rapa novantina” (broccoli raab) and in the corresponding raw or cooked (steamed or boiled) mature forms. Nutraceutically relevant levels (1.5–2.5 μg/g of fresh weight) of CoQ10 and vitamin K1 were found in the two early growth stage products and were not significantly increased by the use of additional LED lighting during cultivation. CoQ10 remained consistent across growth stages in broccoli raab, whereas it progressively declined in the case of kale. Vitamin K1 was slightly more concentrated in broccoli raab microgreens and microleaves, whereas it peaked in raw mature kale, although a slight decrease was then observed upon cooking of the latter. The impact of cooking on quantitative levels in mature forms was found to be almost negligible for CoQ10 in both plants and for Vitamin K1 in broccoli raab. The occurrence of short-chain analogues of CoQ10 (CoQ9, CoQ8, CoQ7) was also assessed in both plants. Overall, microgreens and microleaves of the studied Brassicaceae species emerged as convenient ready-to-consume sources of CoQ10 and vitamin K1, thus representing promising alternatives to mature forms.