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

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Teledyne LABS

Thermo Fisher Scientific

C&EN

Waters Corporation

A virtual event sharing the latest in Agilent´s smart, connected Gas Chromatography instruments.
This series of three presentations builds on how to improve your GC analysis and includes tips and tricks of which things to be aware of when you want to improve or troubleshoot your GC analysis and prevent downtime of the GC.
During these training sessions, Agilent Smart solutions and the latest developments in both consumables and instrumentation will be discussed. 
The meeting is a mix of on demand content and live Q&amp;A sessions.
<h3>Agilent Troubleshooting with Agilent Smart GC</h3>
We´re discussing the most common top 3 issues seen in GC and how to troubleshoot them. It will deal with some common issues with GC and what possible actions to take to prevent them or to solve them. This session will also contain a LIVE demonstration of Smart GC diagnostics and troubleshooting functionality.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Mads Lundgren Petersen (GCMS Product Specialist, Agilent Nordics)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Jan Willem Marinissen (Consumables Support)
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: This is how you do GC, Better!

Agilent Troubleshooting with Agilent Smart GC

The high degree of specificity provided by high-resolution accurate-mass capabilities of the Thermo Scientific™ Orbitrap Exploris™ GC mass spectrometer provides the most crucial information for confident elemental composition determination of each observed mass fragment in a mass spectrum.
Combining this with new tools in Thermo Scientific™ Compound Discoverer™ software for EI and CI mass spectrum analysis provides a powerful method to identify compounds. Furthermore, statistical tools within Compound Discoverer software allow the detection of differences between samples that is required in many application areas, including food authenticity testing. 
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Suresh Seethapathy (Senior Applications Scientist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Suresh is a Senior Applications Scientist and a member of the GC and GC‑MS applications support team at Thermo Fisher Scientific. Suresh obtained his Ph.D. at the University of Waterloo in Canada and has special interest in the areas of sample preparation, GCxGC, and small molecule compound identification. He currently supports GC and GC-MS hardware, software, and applications demonstration, specializing in the GC Orbitrap series.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: GC Orbitrap Digital Demos

Food Authenticity Testing using High-Resolution Accurate-Mass Orbitrap GC-MS and Thermo Scientific Compound Discoverer Software

Separation Science, in collaboration with Agilent, offers an upcoming webinar in which the presenters will impart their expert knowledge from examples that they have experienced and worked through to help troubleshoot GC/MS problems.
Have you ever been sitting in front of your GC/MS instrument trying to troubleshoot a problem and thought, &quot;I have no idea what to do? What do I look at first? I bet an expert knows exactly what is wrong.&quot;
<ul>
<li>When we observe peak tailing, do we immediately change a column?</li>
<li>If we observe peaks that are ¼ expected size, do we immediately vent the GC/MS to clean the source and change the column? Or, is it better to check the samples, syringe, and inlet before jumping into those time-intensive actions?</li>
<li>Does the deactivation of a column or liner REALLY matter? (The short answer is Yes!)</li>
</ul>
We’ll discuss how to use artifacts observed in chromatograms and tune reports to diagnose the problem, fix the problem, and &#39;future proof&#39; your analysis with the best supplies, columns, and solutions.
<h3>By attending this presentation you will:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to half-split and troubleshoot through problems on a GC/MS, just like we do as Agilent scientists</li>
<li>Learn about GC and MS supplies and columns and how choosing the right supplies can affect the outcome of your analysis…for better or worse!</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Angie Smith-Henry (Applications Chemist for GC and MS Supplies, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Angie is is an applications chemist for GC and MS Supplies at Agilent in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. Previously, she was an applications chemist for the MSD Solutions and Applications group with a focus on developing analysers and applications for energy, chemical and environmental markets. Angie holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry from Lehigh University and BS in Chemistry from Juniata College.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter:Vanessa Abercrombie (Gas Chromatography Applications Chemist, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Vanessa is a GC Applications Chemist at Agilent in Folsom, California, USA. Vanessa has a broad background in GC and GC/MS, including experience as an instrument chemist at Bode Technology in Virginia working under contract to the FBI’s Laboratory Division. Prior to that, Vanessa worked for ETS Labs in St. Helena, California as an Analytical Chemist where she researched and developed quantitative separations by GC/MS and UHPLC for beer, wine, and spirits. She holds a Master of Forensic Science from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Sonoma State University. 
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: How to Troubleshoot and Improve your GC/MS like an Agilent Scientist

How to Troubleshoot and Improve your GC/MS like an Agilent Scientist

Gain insight from our presentations that are focused on everyday analytical challenges with non-targeted fragrance and flavor applications. Following the speakers sessions, you are invited to interact with our application chemists and engineers who will be available to provide guidance and expertise for all your hardware, software, and application related questions. Please make sure to bring your questions or submit them when you sign up. We hope to see you there!
<h3>Day 1</h3>
<h5>18:30 – 18:55 (CEST) Enhanced Extraction using a combination of Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction and Thin Film-Solid Phase Microextraction</h5>
Abstract: The analysis of flavor components faced many challenges due to the complexity of its nature. In this study, a new method combining stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and thin-film solid-phase microextraction (TFSPME) was developed and optimized. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated SBSE and PDMS/carboxen (PDMS/CAR)-coated TF-SPME were used, and both headspace and direct immersion extraction modes were also studied. Using 40 common volatile compounds, the combined method generally showed improvements in terms of linearity range, coefficient of determination, sensitivity and recoveries when compared to SBSE-only or TFSPME-only techniques. Furthermore, despite the combined use of two extraction devices, the repeatability and reproducibility of the combined method were comparable to SBSE-only or TFSPME-only results. Finally, the developed method was being successfully applied onto tea and coffee samples.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ms. Huang Yunle (Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, collaborating with Mane)
</blockquote>
<h5>18:55 – 19:25 (CEST) Utilizing SPME and SBSE With Automated internal Standard Dosing via Gerstel Robotic Pro MPS for Unknown Samples</h5>
Abstract: Many flavor companies are looking to increase efficiencies and reduce waste in the laboratory. Turning to automated, semi-automated and solventless extraction techniques for gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis is becoming increasingly more common, partly because it reduces solvent usage and waste generation. These techniques include Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME) and Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction (SBSE) aka Gerstel Twister ™, Direct Thermal Desorption (DTD), Dynamic Headspace (DHS) and Thin Film SPME (TF-SPME). Using more than one of these techniques on a given sample can yield different results based on the chemistry of the compounds present in the sample and the complexity of the matrix thus providing a more detailed analytical profile. In addition, these techniques are compatible with automated internal standard dosing via the Robotic Pro MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) which increases both efficiency and accuracy while decreasing waste.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michelle Rose (Sr. Analytical Chemist, Synergy Flavors, Inc)
</blockquote>
<h5>19:25 – 20:00 (CEST) Panel Discussion</h5>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ms. Huang Yunle (Department of Food Science and Technology, National University of Singapore, collaborating with Mane)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
The analysis of flavor components faced many challenges due to the complexity of its nature. In this study, a new method combining stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) and thin-film solid-phase microextraction (TFSPME) was developed and optimized. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-coated SBSE and PDMS/carboxen (PDMS/CAR)-coated TF-SPME were used, and both headspace and direct immersion extraction modes were also studied. Using 40 common volatile compounds, the combined method generally showed improvements in terms of linearity range, coefficient of determination, sensitivity and recoveries when compared to SBSE-only or TFSPME-only techniques. Furthermore, despite the combined use of two extraction devices, the repeatability and reproducibility of the combined method were comparable to SBSE-only or TFSPME-only results. Finally, the developed method was being successfully applied onto tea and coffee samples.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michelle Rose (Sr. Analytical Chemist, Synergy Flavors, Inc)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michelle Rose is a Senior Analytical Chemist at Synergy Flavors in Wauconda, Il, where she uses advanced analytical techniques and testing methods to support teams across Research &amp; Development, Quality Control and Operations in the US and Brazil.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Specializing in the testing of volatile and non-volatile components in foods, beverages, flavors, extracts and essences, Michelle plays a crucial role in the development and quality manufacturing of flavor solutions for growing CPG brands. She keeps her team one step ahead in the highly competitive flavor industry through the continual expansion of knowledge, best practices and efficiencies in analytical science.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michelle started her career at Quest International and Kerry Biosciences before joining Synergy Flavors in 2006. She holds a BS of Chemistry from Iowa State University
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Flavor and Fragrance Virtual Users' Workshop

Flavor and Fragrance Virtual Users' Workshop: Day 1

Gain insight from our presentations that are focused on everyday analytical challenges with non-targeted fragrance and flavor applications. Following the speakers sessions, you are invited to interact with our application chemists and engineers who will be available to provide guidance and expertise for all your hardware, software, and application related questions. Please make sure to bring your questions or submit them when you sign up. We hope to see you there!
<h3>Day 2</h3>
<h5>18:30 – 18:55 (CEST) Routine simultaneous quantification of 61 allergens in fragrance raw materials by a GC×GC-qMS method</h5>
Abstract: Quantifying allergens in fragrances is a novel challenge where development in methods is needed to increase speed, reliability, and quality. This presentation looks at the analysis of 64 fragrance allergens using bi-dimensional gas chromatography hyphenated with mass spectrometry and a flame ionization detector. This work developed a quantification method for fragrance allergens using GCxGC-MS/FID that allows quantification of a wide variety of allergens in a single run without the need for sample dilutions, multiple injections and obtains reliable and robust results.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emilie Belhassen (Analytical Scientist, Firmenich SA, Switzerland)
</blockquote>
<h5>18:55 – 19:25 (CEST) State-of-the-art Sample preparation techniques for Flavor Analysis: New Trends Towards more Automation, Miniaturization and Solventless Sample Preparation Techniques</h5>
Abstract: Food and beverage companies rely on accurate and detailed aroma profiling to deliver high-quality products with consistent key flavour compound profiles and to develop new products. Quality and reliability of aroma analysis by capillary gas chromatography (GC) is greatly affected by the applied sample preparation technique. Conventional solvent-based extraction techniques can now be miniaturized and automated, but still suffer sometimes from severe matrix contamination resulting in poor chromatographic performance. New GC technologies can be implemented to avoid such matrix influence on performance. 
Solvent-based extraction techniques are also increasingly being replaced by solventless techniques, such as dynamic headspace sampling (DHS), which is suitable for the characterization of aromas in food and beverages. The technique can also be fully automated and delivers full aroma profiling covering a wide volatility range due to less selectivity than other headspace enrichment techniques. Besides the principle of DHS, the flexibility of working in different DHS modes and the high sensitivity that can be reached with DHS enrichment, it will be shown how to successfully implement DHS for aroma profiling purposes depending on the type of food matrix and the volatility range that needs to be covered
<blockquote>
Presenter: Christophe Devos (Senior Scientist / Project Manager, RIC Technologies Group)
</blockquote>
<h5>19:25 – 20:00 (CEST) Panel Discussion</h5>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Emilie Belhassen (Analytical Scientist, Firmenich SA, Switzerland)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Emilie Belhassen is currently an analytical scientist at Firmenich in Switzerland. She obtained her PhD in 2014 from the University of Nice working on oderants analysis using two-dimensional GC techniques and subsequently joined Firmenich as a post-doctoral researcher working on fragrance allergens.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Christophe Devos (Senior Scientist / Project Manager, RIC Technologies Group)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Christophe Devos received his Ph.D. degree in Analytical Chemistry in 2007 from the Ghent University. During his Ph.D study he developed analytical methods for ultra-trace analysis of organometallic compounds in environmental samples that he then applied in a laboratory complying under GMP regulation. He then joined the Research Institute for Chromatography (RIC group), Kortrijk, Belgium in 2005where he initially was involved in the development and automation of novel sample preparation methods for gas chromatographic analysis. He presently occupies the position of Senior Scientist / Project Manager within the RIC Technologies group developing and supporting new analytical solutions and important market applications.
</blockquote>

Flavor and Fragrance Virtual Users' Workshop: Day 2

With the onset of Covid-19, a pivot was required to facilitate online labs and distance learning. This posed a significant challenge to our laboratory sessions which are integral to our programs. Laboratory videos were created to show the students what they would have done, with synchronous session narrated by our teaching assistants to create an engaging session. To allow for asynchronous learning we worked to develop augmented reality experiences to allow students to interact with the equipment and have a better idea of what they would have done in the lab.
Augmented reality experiences were created to increase student confidence in lower-level labs but were used quite differently in upper-level labs. In our Chromatography and Spectroscopy courses we are using augmented reality to show the inner workings of the instrumentation. This dispels the black box aspect that modern equipment has. Being able to view the beam path or the working of a quadrupole on a mass spectrometer helps students visualize things that they would never be able to see in the lab.
<h3>Key Learning Objectives</h3>
<ul>
<li>The changes required to reach the modern learner</li>
<li>How to appropriately deploy training videos</li>
<li>The process of creating augmented reality experiences (the design side, not the IT side)</li>
<li>The challenges of remote learning of laboratories</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who Should Attend</h3>
<ul>
<li>Educators</li>
<li>Trainers</li>
<li>Laboratory Managers</li>
<li>and anyone looking to reach the modern learner.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Shawn McFadden (Technical Specialist, Lab Coordinator, Ryerson University)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ann Thayer (Contributing Editor, C&amp;EN Media Group)
</blockquote>

C&EN Media Group: Augmented Reality as a Complement When In-Lab Is Not Possible

Augmented Reality as a Complement When In-Lab Is Not Possible

Determination of cannabinoid content in cannabis and cannabinoid products derived from cannabis and hemp is regulated in every jurisdiction where medicinal or adult use recreational programs have been legalized. A primary purpose of this testing is to quantify the total amount of psychoactive Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol and other pertinent cannabinoids such as total cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabigerol content.
High performance liquid chromatography with ultra-violet detection is the most common choice for the analysis. Gas-phase applications can also be used but the laboratory must determine if they will chemically modify (derivatize) the target cannabinoids or analyze them in their natural state. This choice affects sample preparation procedures and the analytical conditions of the gas chromatography (GC) system. 
This article focused on the use of GC–mass spectrometry (MS) for the analysis of derivatized cannabinoids in hempseed oil matrix. Sample preparation and synthetic conditions for silylation are discussed. Analytical results and observations of artifacts resulting from the derivatization processes and the analytical system are presented.
Agilent products and solutions are intended to be used for analytical testing of cannabis in laboratories where such use is permitted under state/country law.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anthony Macherone, PhD (Senior Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
For the past several years, Anthony has been leading a team of Agilent scientists for the development and deployment of analytical testing methodologies to assure quality and safety of cannabis products. Anthony has written extensively on cannabis testing methodologies, solving complex problems encountered when using certain analytical systems, and contributed several chapters to books on the subject. In June 2020, Anthony joined Cannabis Science and Technology®’s Editorial Advisory Board.
</blockquote>

Pixabay/Erin Stone: Derivatization Chemistries for the Analysis of Cannabinoids Using GC–MS

Derivatization Chemistries for the Analysis of Cannabinoids Using GC–MS

This 2nd episode of our Pesticide Thursdays is dedicated to the Quantification of pesticides in food using GC-MS/MS with APGC (Atmospheric Pressure Gas Chromatography)
<h3>During this episode we will demonstrate:</h3>
<ul>
<li>The performance of a large suite pesticide method using APGC which meet SANTE/12682/2019 method validation requirements</li>
<li>The performance of troublesome toxic pesticides of concern</li>
<li>The unmatched selectivity and sensitivity of this approach to GC-MSMS in challenging matrices such as infant food</li>
</ul>

Pixabay/PublicDomainPictures: GC-MS/MS multi-residue method: Using APGC for baby food analysis

GC-MS/MS multi-residue method: Using APGC for baby food analysis

We will compare the processes, methods and consistent accuracy using the Atomx XYZ Multi-matrix Concentrator.
<h3>This webinar will cover the following:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Purge and Trap Theory</li>
<li>Changes made from EPA Method C to D</li>
<li>Results of each method using prep method 5030 vs 5035</li>
<li>Challenges and Tips</li>
</ul>
The webinar is designed for analysts looking to understand EPA method 8260 C &amp; D for wastewater metrices, how it works and the process involved.
<blockquote>
Jeramiah Bradley (Applications Chemist)
</blockquote>

Tekmar Teledyne: Comparing EPA Method 8260C and D

Comparing EPA Method 8260C and D

<h3>Questions answered include:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Where does that contamination come from?</li>
<li>Where does that contamination go? </li>
<li>How do I know it needs to be cleaned? </li>
<li>Why do I need to clean it? </li>
<li>How often does it need to be cleaned? </li>
<li>How do I take it apart? </li>
<li>How do I clean it? </li>
<li>How hard do I clean it? </li>
<li>What do I use to rinse the parts? </li>
<li>How do I put it back together? </li>
<li>What parts should I have on hand?</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Paul Salverda (GCMS Regional System Specialist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Paul Salverda was hired into Hewlett-Packard as a college intern in December 1982 and graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry/Chemical Sciences in 1983. He transitioned to full-time after graduation as a Customer Engineer supporting Gas Phase products for the next eleven years, and as an Application Customer Engineer for two. He was a support manager in the US West for eight years, back as a Field Service Engineer for nine more, and has been the America’s Field Operation GCMS Regional System Specialist since early 2014. December 2020, he celebrated 38 years with HP/Agilent.
</blockquote>

How to clean an Agilent GCMS Ion Source: A comprehensive guide