Supplies - GERSTEL Twister ® and Twicester ®

Significance of the topic

The GERSTEL Twister® technology provides a solvent-free, efficient method for extraction and preconcentration of organic compounds from complex matrices, which is critical for environmental analysis, food quality control, and bioanalytical applications.

Objectives and overview of the product

This document outlines the design and performance of the Twister® stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) system, including headspace and liquid-phase extraction modes, different sorbent phases, and complementary accessories such as the Twister Back Extraction (TBE) kit and the Twicester® holder. The aim is to demonstrate workflow integration with GC/MS and LC/MS platforms to achieve high sensitivity and throughput.

Methodology and instrumentation

• Extraction principle: SBSE uses coated magnetic stir bars (Twisters) to sorb analytes from aqueous, food, beverage, or biological samples.
• Desorption techniques: Thermal desorption with a Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU/TDS) for GC/MS analysis; Twister Back Extraction (TBE) for LC/MS analysis of polar or thermally labile compounds.
• Headspace Sorptive Extraction (HSSE): Placement of Twister in the headspace for volatile analytes, combined with TDS or TDU for GC/MS.
• Accessory tools: MultiPurpose Sampler for automated TBE; Twicester magnetic clips for multi-phase extraction (mSBSE); specialized vials, caps, and desorption tubes.

Main performance highlights and discussion

• Extraction efficiency up to 1000 times higher than SPME due to greater sorbent volume.
• Reusability of Twisters up to 200 cycles depending on matrix and desorption.
• Phase options: PDMS for nonpolar analytes (log Kow > 4), EG-Silicone for polar hydrogen-bonding compounds.
• High throughput enabled by simultaneous extraction of multiple samples and multi-desorption GC/MS mode.
• Flexible application range: pesticides, PAHs, flavors, off-flavors, phenols, trace contaminants in water, food, beverages, and biofluids.

Benefits and practical applications

• Solvent-free extraction reduces sample preparation time and environmental impact.
• Enhanced sensitivity and lower detection limits for trace analytes.
• Integration with existing GC/MS and LC/MS systems under unified software control.
• Adaptability for field sampling and laboratory analysis.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging developments include tailored sorbent phases for targeted metabolomics, real-time monitoring of environmental pollutants, and miniaturized portable SBSE devices. Integration with advanced mass spectrometry techniques and data analytics will further expand applications in clinical diagnostics and quality assurance.

Conclusion

GERSTEL Twister® technology offers a versatile, high-sensitivity extraction platform compatible with thermal desorption GC/MS and solvent-based LC/MS workflows. Its robustness, reusability, and phase diversity make it a valuable tool in analytical laboratories seeking efficient sample preparation solutions.

Reference

• Baltussen H.A., New Concepts in Sorption-Based Sample Preparation for Chromatography, 241 pages, 2015.