Combining elemental analysis and molecular techniques to characterize Ancient Egyptian mummification balms

Microplastics have emerged as one of the most widely discussed environmental contaminants of our time. Regardless of where we live, daily exposure to microplastics has become virtually unavoidable—these tiny plastic particles are present in the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the environments we inhabit. As researchers work to better understand the sources, transport pathways, and impacts of microplastics, the demand for reliable microplastic analysis methods continues to grow.While techniques such as FTIR and Raman spectroscopy have become standard tools for identifying microplastics, their utility is limited for smaller particles (i.e. nanoplastics) and in complex matrices. More advanced microplastic analysis methods can provide a deeper understanding of what these particles contain and how they may change over time in the environment.<div><h3>The Limits of Spectroscopic Microplastic Analysis Methods</h3>Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy are widely used microplastic analysis methods because they can identify polymer types by measuring how electromagnetic radiation interacts with a material. These techniques are valuable for determining whether a particle is polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, or another common plastic. For many studies, this information is sufficient to confirm the presence of microplastics, especially in clean samples with sufficient microplastic density.However, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/application/environmental/">environmental samples</a> are rarely clean and compositionally simple. Microplastic particles can become weathered and obscured by other materials in the environment, making their accurate identification with spectroscopy difficult. Additionally, if researchers want to understand what additives, degradation products, or pollutants are associated with the plastic, particle identification alone is not enough. Thus, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy methods alone struggle to thoroughly characterize these complex chemical components, particularly in challenging environmental matrices. As questions surrounding microplastic exposure become increasingly important, researchers require analytical techniques capable of examining the chemistry of a sample in greater detail, not simply confirming the presence of the physical particle itself.</div><div><h3>Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS For Deeper Microplastic Analysis</h3>Thermal Desorption (TD) and Pyrolysis (Py) coupled with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and time-of-flight mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/core-analysis/gc-and-gc-ms/">GCxGC-TOFMS</a>) offer a powerful alternative for investigating nano- and microplastics in complex samples. These techniques provide complementary information about sample composition.&nbsp;Thermal desorption releases volatile and adsorbed compounds, including environmental contaminants, degradation products, and VOCs associated with microplastic particles. This can reveal important information about chemicals present within or on the plastic.Pyrolysis thermally deconstructs the polymeric material, breaking it into GC-amenable characteristic degradation compounds. These compounds act as chemical markers that can be used to identify the various polymers present. When analyzing complex or heavily weathered microplastics that may be difficult to characterize using traditional spectroscopic techniques, pyrolysis is particularly advantageous.The most significant benefit comes from pairing these techniques with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography. Environmental samples often contain hundreds or even thousands of compounds that coelute in 1D GC-MS, making it difficult or impossible to identify each compound. GCxGC provides significantly greater separation capability, helping analysts distinguish important polymer markers from background matrix components. This enhanced separation improves the mass spectrometer’s ability to identify characteristic polymer pyrolysis products, even in highly complex environmental samples. As a result, researchers can detect and identify challenging microplastics without the extensive purification steps often required by other analytical workflows.Another unique advantage of this approach is that thermal desorption and pyrolysis can be used in series on the same sample. Together, they create a more complete chemical profile of the sample.</div><div><h3>A Powerful Microplastics Analysis Workflow for Deeper Insight into the Effects on Our Environment</h3>FTIR and Raman spectroscopy remain valuable tools for rapid screening and flagging samples containing microplastic particles. However, by combining thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and GCxGC-TOFMS, analysts can obtain a much more comprehensive view of plastics in their samples and their environmental implications. As environmental research continues to advance and concerns surrounding microplastic contamination grow, researchers will increasingly require information that extends beyond answering the question,&nbsp;“What plastic is present?”&nbsp;&nbsp;Ultimately, this deeper level of characterization can provide new insights into the environmental fate of microplastics and help scientists better understand their potential impacts on ecosystems and human exposure.</div>

Surpassing the Limits of Traditional Microplastic Analysis Methods with Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis GCxGC-TOFMS

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 39, 2026

Article

Application

Environment

Scientific article

Science and research

Poster

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Shimadzu Corporation

Forensic chemists face the challenge of identifying new psychoactive substances (NPS), whereby the general structures of controlled drugs are modified to evade legislative banning.
Hence, a plethora of synthetic cathinones and cannabinoids has been available to the public, causing a global social problem. It is therefore crucial that analytical methods are developed for identifying and differentiating new analogues of synthetic drug substances, to prevent potential trading and abuse. Additionally, drug legislation is made more challenging with the use of synthetic cannabinoid containing products, typically marketed as “herbal mixtures”, which consists of analogues of synthetic cannabinoids. In this study, simultaneous multi-reaction monitoring (MRM) and product ion scan (PIS) acquisition methods have been developed for detection and differentiation of isomeric synthetic cannabinoids.
Data were acquired using a GC-MS/MS system (GCMS-TQ8050, Shimadzu Corporation, Japan) in electron ionization mode. Two classes of synthetic cannabinoids were analysed. They are a mixture of JWH-018 (1-pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole) and its seven other structural isomers, and a mixture of four positional isomers of fluoro-PB-22 (Quinolin-8-yl 1-pentyfluoro-1H-indole-3-8-carboxylate).
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Background of New Psychoactive Substance (NPS) and the types of synthetic cannabinoids
</li>
<li>Method development for the differentiation of eight structural isomers of JWH-018
</li>
<li>Method development for the differentiation of four positional isomers of Fluoro-PB-22
</li>
<li>Method applications on NPS-fortified samples
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Crystal Yeong (Ph.D.) (Senior Field Application Chemist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Crystal Yeong is a senior field application chemist for GC and GCMS at Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd in Singapore. She has experience in forensic applications, nitrosamines impurities detection and PAH analyses in edible oils. Prior to joining Shimadzu, she was a lab analyst with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Singapore. Crystal holds a PhD in Inorganic Chemistry and B.Sc. in Chemistry &amp; Biological Chemistry from Nanyang Technological University.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Digital Classroom: Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS to Perform Detection and Differentiation of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Digital Classroom: Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS to Perform Detection and Differentiation of Synthetic Cannabinoids

Simultaneous multi-reaction monitoring and product ion scan acquisition methods have been developed for detection and differentiation of isomeric cannabinoids.

Using MRM/Product Ion Scan Mode in GC-MS/MS

This webinar introduces Shimadzu&#39;s latest solutions for chemical ionization technique with GC/MS.
Three innovative solutions for chemical ionization will be introduced. Join us to learn about how seamless it is to adopt solvent-based chemical ionization technique in your current workflow with the solvent-mediated chemical ionization (SMCI) system. In addition, get to know how an innovative direct sampling tool and a unique Smart EI/CI ion source are capable of enabling consecutive electron and chemical ionization to supercharge your GC/MS analysis.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Principle of chemical ionization
</li>
<li>Solvent mediated chemical ionization for safe and affordable CI capability
</li>
<li>Direct sampling for analysis of high molecular weight compound
</li>
<li>Smart EI/CI ion source for consecutive EI and CI analysis modes
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Chua Chun Kiang (Ph.D.) (Senior Application Chemist, Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Chun Kiang is a Senior Application Chemist in Shimadzu Asia Pacific. He obtained his PhD from the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2013 and has a diverse range of experiences in analytical and chemical sciences research. Prior to joining Shimadzu, he ventured into the vibrant Singapore tech startup scene.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Innovative Chemical Ionization Solutions for GC/MS

Innovative Chemical Ionization Solutions for GC/MS

Shimadzu's latest solutions for chemical ionization technique with GC/MS.

Have you ever wanted an alternate sample introduction method?
Maybe the sample of interest needs to be hotter than a standard inlet will reach. Pyrolysis is a sample introduction technique that uses elevated temperatures to break down organic materials. The starting samples can be anything from liquids to solids from many different application areas. Attend to get your questions answered by the experts.
On June 28th, Shimadzu Scientific and Frontier Ltd will be presenting “Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS” where you will learn not only the fundamentals of this technique, but also the application uses.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicole Lock (GCMS Product Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicole Lock is the GCMS Product Manager at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments. Nicole graduated from Seton Hill University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her career as a service engineer in a small third-party service organization repairing multiple brands’ GC and GCMS units. This skill set led Nicole to Shimadzu where she has spent the last 12 years working in both the service and marketing department representing the GC and GCMS product lines. Her passion is training others on Shimadzu GCMS and helping customers make the most of their systems.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rojin Belganeh (Technical &amp; Marketing Director, Frontier Laboratories-North America)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rojin Belganeh is the Technical &amp; Marketing Director at Frontier Laboratories-North America. Rojin graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. She started her profession as an analytical chemist in oil &amp; gas industry in 2012. As an analytical chemist, Rojin worked with various analytical instruments, such as Pyrolysis GCMS, TGA, FTIR, and X-Rays for material characterization, polymer identification, and contamination analysis. She also holds an MBA degree concentrating in strategic marketing from the University of Houston-Victoria. As a former user for more than five years, Rojin joined Frontier Laboratories in May of 2017. She is very passionate in creating awareness about Frontier technology and providing technical support to users.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: William Pipkin (Global Marketing, Frontier Laboratories)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
William Pipkin has over 30 years experience in commercializing technology. This includes all aspects: sales, support, marketing, R&amp;D, and management. He has directed inception and development through sales, support, and obsolescence. William has expertise in strategy, market research, market segmentation, advertising, sales promotion, pricing, and customer service. His experience is international including Europe, Japan, and China. His teams and collaborations have been cross-functional, cross-entity, and cross-cultural.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
William received a Bachelor of Science in analytical chemistry (American Chemical Society certified) from Brigham Young University and an MBA in entrepreneurship and finance (Dean’s List) from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He has been a Senior Fellow in Wharton&#39;s Emerging Technology Management Research Program.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Atsushi Watanabe (Vice President, Frontier Laboratories)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Atsushi Watanabe (known as Ichi-san) obtained his Associate of Chemistry and Biochemistry from Fukushima National College of Technology. He then studied in Vancouver, Canada at the University of British Columbia where he earned a BS in Commerce and General Business Management. He is currently in the process of defending his PhD in analytical pyrolysis at Tohoku University. He is a Vice President in Frontier Laboratories and a member of the board. Currently Ichi-san heads up global marketing and IT. Ichi-san has 4 publications in Japanese and 13 international publication in English. He also serves as a committee member of Japan Gas Chromatography Research Group.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS

Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities Using Pyrolysis GCMS

Learn not only the fundamentals of this technique, but also the application uses.

Expanding Material Characterization Capabilities by Py-GC/MS

The increasing complexity of the food supply chain, the exponential growth of chemical hazards and their regulations have brought several challenges to the field of food safety.
The need for productive gains and increased confidence in reporting non-compliant samples are particularly noteworthy challenges for laboratories that are routinely relied upon for maintaining a safe food supply chain. To meet these demands, mass spectrometric techniques such as tandem mass spectrometry and quadruple-time-of-flight mass spectrometry have emerged as the detectors of choice for the analysis of organic chemical hazards in foods and beverages.
One of the more recent significant developments is Shimadzu’s ultra fast family of mass spectrometric detectors that provide opportunities to increase both productivity and reporting confidence compared with more conventional mass spectrometric detectors. The importance of these state-of-the-art instruments to the analysis of chemical hazards in food will be discussed in the context of the regulatory requirements for the analysis of contaminants in foods and a general overview of chemical hazards in foods.
By viewing this webinar you will:
<ul>
<li>Understand the core challenges for food testing
</li>
<li>Recognize the key elements that can accelerate and streamline your workflow and increase your data confidence
</li>
<li>Learn and apply in various food safety analysis (e.g. multi-residual pesticides, veterinary drugs and mycotoxins).
</li>
</ul>
Who should view it?
<ul>
<li>Scientists and lab personnel conducting food analysis
</li>
<li>Lab managers in testing lab, regulatory agency and the food industry
</li>
<li>Everyone who is keen to increase their lab productivity and data confidence for food and beverage analysis.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presdenter: Dr Peter Varelis (Applications Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments (Oceania) )
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Peter Varelis has more than 20 years of research experience in both government and industry. He was also on an Elsevier editorial board (Food Chemistry and Analysis). His current research interest is the application of mass spectrometry to investigate organic compounds that have implications for human health and nutrition.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: The Importance of Ultra Fast Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Chemical Hazards in Food & Beverages

The Importance of Ultra Fast Mass Spectrometry for the Analysis of Chemical Hazards in Food & Beverages

Understand the core challenges for food testing.

Ultra Fast Mass Spectrometry in Food & Beverages analysis

This exclusive Shimadzu Food Safety Webinar will provide an in-depth know-how about the various mass spectrometry (MS/MS) workflows that are needed to conduct high throughput pesticide analysis in challenging matrices.
You will learn about the latest state-of-the-art technologies that mass spec leaders are using globally to deal with pesticide analysis in difficult matrices such as spices and tobacco.
This webinar will be useful for anyone who is keen to learn about the latest advanced MS/MS technologies and will be particularly interesting for those who have faced difficulties while using challenging matrices.
By viewing this presentation you will learn...
<ul>
<li>about the practical aspects of MS/MS analysis using challenging matrices
</li>
<li>how these methods can be applied to such samples as spices and tobacco
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr Kaushik Banerjee
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr Kaushik Banerjee is a National Fellow and Principal Scientist from the ICAR-National Research Centre for Grapes, Pune, India.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Spice Up Your Life with MS: Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis by MS/MS in Challenging Matrices such as Spices and Tobacco

Spice Up Your Life with MS: Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis by MS/MS in Challenging Matrices such as Spices and Tobacco

Know-how about the various mass spectrometry (MS/MS) workflows that are needed to conduct high throughput pesticide analysis in challenging matrices.

MS/MS Workflows for High Throughput Pesticide Analysis

This webinar will clarify the regulatory status and analytical methods applied for the analysis of mineral oil contaminants, in the form of both saturated (MOSH) and aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH), in edible oils and food contact materials.
While LC-GC-FID is the standard instrumentation to monitor the levels of these contaminants, multiple sample clean-up techniques must be performed to improve the method robustness and sensitivity.
Join us to learn how Axel Semrau and Shimadzu come together to deliver the best automated solution for your food safety analysis needs.
For the love of food!
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>An update on the regulatory status and analytical methods for MOSH/MOAH analysis
</li>
<li>LC-GC-FID is the standard instrumentation to monitor the levels of these contaminants
</li>
<li>Automated clean-up techniques for the analysis of MOSH/MOAH samples
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Yoann Costa (R&amp;D Engineer, Phytocontrol)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Started working for Phytocontrol in 2017 at the end of my study in chemistry. Currently a R&amp;D engineer working on development and validation of analytical method for contaminants in food. Had the opportunity to work on different types of contaminants in food such as pesticides and MOSH/MOAH with a large variety of analytical techniques (LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, LC-GC-FID,...)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Andreas Bruchmann (Managing Director, Axel Semrau GmbH &amp; Co KG)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After studying Analytical Chemistry at the University of Bochum, Andreas Bruchmann joined Axel Semrau in 1992. He worked in different departments before becoming Managing Director in 2010. Now he is responsible for the business unit Chromatography, which supplies worldwide automated application solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industry. He was involved in the development of the CHRONECT MOSH/MOAH Workstation from the beginning in 2010.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ang May Yen (Application Manager, Shimadzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Graduated with a Master Degree in Science (Marine Biotechnology) and Bachelor Degree in Science (Industrial Chemistry) from Universiti Malaysia Sabah. 13 years experienced in handling and conducting training on analytical instruments such as UV-VIS spectrophotometer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), Gas Chromatography (GC), High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (LCMS, LCMSMS) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GCMS, GCMSMS).
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Currently holding a position as Application Manager for Customer Support Centre, Analytical Instrument Division, Shimadzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: For the Love of Food! Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

For the Love of Food! Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

The regulatory status and analytical methods applied for the analysis of mineral oil contaminants, in the form of both saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Food Safety and the Analysis of MOSH/MOAH Contamination

In this webinar, our panel of experts will discuss the market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy to ensure the purity, potency, and safety of alcohols and hand sanitizers.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nicole Zhang (Senior Product Specialist, Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicole studies in UK in Microbiology and Immunology, prior joining Shimadzu, she worked in different companies in analytical instrument industry for more than 10 years, from Chemist to marketing and in charge of different technologies from LC, MS to Spectro products. She joined Shimadzu at the year of 2018 as spectroscopy product specialist and in charge of food quality and safety market.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jackie (Product Specialist (GC &amp; GCMS), Shimadzu Asia Pacific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduating from the National University of Singapore, Jackie has garnered over 6 years of research, training and facilitation experience. Jackie meets scientists from various industries to share technical knowledge and collect feedback, understanding their problems and helping them find well-suited solutions in GC-related analyses.
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

Stay Safe! Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

The market for alcohol-based hand sanitizers, the current regulatory environment, as well as analytical solutions including gas chromatography.

Comprehensive Analysis of Alcohols and Hand Sanitizers

This series is perfect for anyone currently using GC, who&#39;d like to understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced.
It&#39;s also suitable for anyone who is new to GC and who&#39;d like to understand more about it. This webinar is designed to overview of the selection of the most common sampling technique outside of liquid injection.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Expand your understanding of the versatility of gas chromatography
</li>
<li>Understand the principles and configuration for headspace sampling, SPME, thermal desorption (TD), pyrolysis and gas sampling valves (GSVs)
</li>
<li>Explore the various applications that these techniques can be used for
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ollie Stacey (GC/GCMS Technical Specialist, Shimadzu UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Alternatives to Liquid Injection for Gas Chromatography

Alternatives to Liquid Injection for Gas Chromatography

The selection of the most common sampling technique outside of liquid injection.

This series is perfect for anyone currently using GC, who&#39;d like to understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced.
It&#39;s also suitable for anyone who is new to GC and who&#39;d like to understand more about it.
Learning Objectives:
<ul>
<li>Know when split/splitless inlets are not suitable for analysis and explore the alternatives below
</li>
<li>Understand the principles of Programmable Temperature Vaporisation (PTV)
</li>
<li>Understand the principles of On-Column Injection (OCI) or Cool On-Column (COC)
</li>
<li>Multi-Mode Inlets (MMI) and their multiple injection technique in a single device
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ollie Stacey (GC/GCMS Technical Specialist, Shimadzu UK)
</blockquote>

Shimadzu: Advanced Liquid Injection Techniques for Gas Chromatography

Advanced Liquid Injection Techniques for Gas Chromatography

Understand more about the technique, the hardware and the data produced.

<div><div container-id="cq-colctrl-lt0" comp-id="A1"><div>Join us as we demonstrate how you can customize data processing workflows in Thermo Scientific™ Compound Discoverer™ software using Scripting Nodes. This session will guide you through enhancing your workflows by accessing the Compound Discoverer software result database and integrating any custom calculations via R -or Python scripts. Learn how to seamlessly integrate your existing in-house software, allowing you to export, read, and process result tables, and directly return the results as new columns or tables within the Compound Discoverer software.<h5>Webinar Objectives:</h5><ul><li>Understand the various methods to customize data processing workflows</li><li>Learn how to access the Compound Discoverer software result database, understand connections between tables, and how to export relevant information</li><li>Gain practical knowledge on developing scripts that read information from the database and return results as new columns or tables, enhancing the functionality and utility of your workflows</li></ul><blockquote>Presenter: Dr. Ralf Tautenhahn (Manager, Product Applications, Thermo Fisher Scientific)Dr Ralf Tautenhahn earned his PhD in Bioinformatics (2009) at the Martin-Luther University. In 2013, Ralf joined Thermo Fisher Scientific as a platform manager for metabolomics software. Over the last 10 years he has overseen the development of the Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer software for small molecule research.Presenter: Zoe Julian (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)</blockquote></div></div></div>

Thermo Fisher Scientific: Customizing Compound Discoverer Software: How to Create a Scripting Node

Customizing Compound Discoverer Software: How to Create a Scripting Node

How you can customize data processing workflows in Thermo Scientific™ Compound Discoverer™ software using Scripting Nodes. 