Analysis of characteristic flavor compounds in coffee peels subjected to different thermal processing treatments based on GC–IMS and HS-SPME–GC–MS combined with chemical pattern recognition

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

Article

Environment

Food

Scientific article

Science and research

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

Agilent Technologies

Teledyne LABS

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Wasson-ECE Instrumentation

SelectScience

Wiley

VWR/Avantor

Waters Corporation

As we aim to make our environment safer, it is important to detect contaminations at very low levels. Hundreds of pesticides are routinely used for crop protection across the globe and most of these pesticides can leach into our water systems. Therefore it is important to monitor these compounds down to very low levels in both environmental and drinking water. European regulations are under constant review, one good example is the proposed amendments to the Directive 2008/105/EC.
Given the challenges brought in by the new regulations, it is becoming ever so important to have sensitive and robust methodologies. The growing target list now include multiple pesticides groups such as pyrethroids, organochlorines and organophosphorus. 
Our recommendation for the GC amenable pesticides analysis is APGC. This technology allows analysts to reach lower levels than ever before. The APGC ionization is considered ‘soft‘ when compared with techniques such as EI, which means that less fragmentation is observed for many compounds. Reduced fragmentation simplifies pre-cursor ion selection, subsequently resulting in higher sensitivity and specificity in MS/MS analyses.
Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: 
<ul>
<li>Sensitivity</li>
<li>Selectivity</li>
<li>Robustness</li>
</ul>
You will also hear from the industry experts about their experiences about APGC and how it helps to advance them further and stay in line (or exceed) regulatory limits, while also dealing with throughput demands.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Rhys Jones (Principal Consulting Scientist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Rhys has worked for Waters in research and development for 20 years with a strong focus on gas chromatography mass spectrometry. ​The early part of his career was spent developing and supporting the AutoSpec magnetic sector instrument. ​One of his current responsibilities is the research, development and support of the atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) chemical ionization source, which has allowed the full range of Waters’ mass spectrometry techniques to be applied to GC analyses.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Janitha de Alwis (JD) (Senior Applications Chemist, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Janitha de Alwis (known as JD) is an applications chemist in the European demo lab, based in Wilmslow, UK. His main role focuses on application development work for the food and environmental sector. JD takes great pride in speaking to, and advising, many food and environmental customers. His position requires him to be reactive and proactive to the changes in the food industry, such as changing regulations, topical issues and food safety risks.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Change the Game Part II - Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Change the Game Part II - Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Join our webinar to find out how APGC could improve your methods with: Sensitivity, Selectivity, Robustness.

Pesticide Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Join us in this live webinar, as our speakers take you on a virtual tour to our laboratories in Germany and Italy.
There is a myriad of analytical challenges when performing analysis with GC-MS and one of the first is configuring the correct GC instrumentation for the application at hand. You will get to learn the key aspects of selecting the right GC instrumentation for your application, the benefits of GC-MS, advantages of moving to GC-MS/MS as well as what high resolution Orbitrap GC-MS can offer. Theory and real-world data examples will be given to highlight the benefits and limitations of each technique. Analysis of pesticides, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and PFAS will also be covered during this interactive session.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Daniel Kutscher (Application Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
After graduation in Chemistry in 2007, Daniel obtained his PhD from the University of Oviedo in 2011. In the same year he joined Thermo Fisher Scientific and has had different roles in application development and marketing. Currently, he manages the Application Development for trace elemental analysis and GC/GC-MS products.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Nicholas Warner (Product Applications Specialist GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nicholas is a product specialist with a strong scientific background in GC and GC-MS applications. Originally from Canada, he has worked as an environmental researcher for 14 years within Norway before moving to join the Thermo Fisher Scientific team in Bremen, Germany in 2021. With a background in Environmental/Analytical chemistry, he is a specialist in the analysis of emerging harmful substances in the environment using gas chromatography mass spectrometry and high-resolution mass spectrometry.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Giulia Riccardino (Senior Product Applications Specialist GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Giulia Riccardino is a senior applications specialist for the GC-GC/MS business unit. Before joining Thermo Fisher Scientific, she worked for more than 10 years as a biologist in a clinical and toxicology lab where she had an extensive experience with both gas and liquid chromatography. She started at Thermo Fisher Scientific as a product specialist for GC standalone and autosamplers and then joined the applications specialist team. Giulia holds a degree in Biology from the University of Milan with a further Specialization in Clinical Biochemistry.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Back to Basics – GCMS

Back to Basics – GCMS

Key aspects of selecting the right GC instrumentation for your application.

The most essential part of a GC×GC system is the modulator, so it is important to choose the right device for the application.
Join this webinar to hear from Dr. Laura McGregor, Product Marketing Manager at SepSolve Analytical, as she explores recent advances in GC×GC technology and how they are extending their capabilities from the niche to the mainstream.
Dr. McGregor will demonstrate the advantages of both flow and thermal modulation to help simplify the decision-making process. She will also show how robust and repeatable flow modulation allows GC×GC to be a productive member of high-throughput labs, while thermal modulation delivers the enhanced sensitivity and increased peak capacity for unparalleled characterisation of even the most challenging samples.
Furthermore, Dr. McGregor will share some examples of real-life applications that have benefited from the separating power of GC×GC using both flow and thermal modulation.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the benefits of GC×GC and what it offers over and above standard GC
</li>
<li>Discover the advantages of both flow and thermal modulation
</li>
<li>Learn about the new INSIGHT-Thermal modulator for GC×GC
</li>
<li>Explore the latest GC×GC applications for both research and routine laboratories, including odor profiling, petrochemical fingerprinting and environmental monitoring
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>GC users who want to enhance their ability to analyse complex samples
</li>
<li>GC analysts who want to find out more about GC×GC
</li>
<li>GC×GC practitioners wanting to further their knowledge on recent advances in applications, hardware and software
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Laura McGregor (SepSolve Analytical)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Laura McGregor received an M.Chem in chemistry from the University of St Andrews, UK, followed by an M.Sc. in forensic science at the University of Strathclyde, UK. Her Ph.D. in environmental forensics, also at the University of Strathclyde, sparked her interest in GC×GC and she has been a strong advocate of the technique ever since. In her current role as Product Marketing Manager at SepSolve Analytical, she continues to apply GC×GC–TOF MS to challenging applications.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Jemima Arnold (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Jemima studied Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Bristol, UK, and as a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Adapting GCxGC for every challenge

Adapting GCxGC for every challenge

Recent advances in GC×GC technology and how they are extending their capabilities from the niche to the mainstream.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are universally used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles (EVs). Despite the rapid growth and use of LIBs, there is a need for batteries that can store more energy, are smaller and lighter, and can charge faster. A critical step in the advancement of LIB performance is the analysis of common electrolyte components used in the batteries.
This application note demonstrates the use of the Agilent Cary 630 FTIR spectrometer with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling technology for the fast and reliable material identification of LIB electrolyte salts
<blockquote>
Presenter: Louis Tisinger, PhD (Application Engineer, Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Louis (Lou) Tisinger has a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from Miami University in Oxford Ohio, where his graduate research involved the study of ATR imaging and microscope performance in vibrational spectroscopy. Most of his career has been related to pre- and post-sales support of FTIR spectrometers, microscopes, imaging systems, and thermal analytical instruments, focusing on analyzing customer samples, demonstrations, post-sales training, troubleshooting, and R&amp;D.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Identification of Raw Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries Using the Cary 630 FTIR

Identification of Raw Materials in Lithium Ion Batteries Using the Cary 630 FTIR

Agilent Cary 630 FTIR with attenuated total reflectance (ATR) sampling technology for the fast and reliable material identification of LIB electrolyte salts.

FTIR Raw Materials Identification in Lithium Ion Batteries

In today’s economy, the price for everything is on the rise. Helium is becoming increasingly more expensive and harder to source, making it a less desirable purge gas for the Purge &amp; Trap process. The good news is, there are less expensive, easier to obtain alternatives that get the job done. And if helium remains your gas of choice, there are budget-friendly methods for conserving it during analysis. 
We welcome you to join us as Teledyne Tekmar, designer and manufacturer of analytical instrumentation for laboratories, presents this 30-minute webinar hosted by Amy Nutter, Teledyne Tekmar’s VOC technical product specialist.
During the webinar, you will gain expert insight into:
<ul>
<li>What Purge &amp; Trap is and how it works</li>
<li>Alternative purge gases that can be used during the Purge &amp; Trap process</li>
<li>Purge gas comparisons</li>
<li>Comparisons of different purge parameters with helium conservation in mind</li>
</ul>
Who should attend this webinar (Audience profile/ experience):
Anyone working with soil, wastewater, and/or drinking water in an organic laboratory will benefit from taking 30 minutes to save money and conserve helium. This includes:
<ul>
<li>Any scientist or analyst that wishes to learn more about Purge &amp; Trap analysis</li>
<li>Environmental scientists/technicians</li>
<li>Analytical chemists/technicians</li>
<li>Laboratory managers</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Amy Nutter (Teledyne Tekmar’s VOC technical product specialist)
</blockquote>

Teledyne Tekmar: Helium Conservation in Purge & Trap Analysis

Helium Conservation in Purge & Trap Analysis

What Purge & Trap is and how it works. Alternative purge gases that can be used during the Purge & Trap process. Purge gas comparisons.

Learn how to intelligently manage your risk by signing up for “How to Buy a GC”.
Presenter: John Wasson (Presindent)

How to Buy a GC

Learn how to intelligently manage your risk by signing up for “How to Buy a GC”.

Comparing MS spectra to libraries of reference spectra is one of the most widely used and successful methodologies in the identification of unknown mass spectra. Using this approach, access to an expansive, quality dataset is critical to achieving reliable results.
In this session we will introduce the latest release of the Wiley Registry / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries to provide comprehensive compound coverage and ensure identification across multiple use cases and a wide variety of analytes. In this session, we will also demonstrate through a series of live examples how this library can be used to successfully identify unknown spectra.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Nadia Laschuk (Product Manager, Software &amp; Databases – New Techniques, Wiley Science Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Nadia Laschuk is a Product Manager for Wiley Science Solutions, for which she manages new products and databases while supporting existing KnowItAll capabilities. Nadia previously completed her PhD in Materials Science from Ontario Tech University, where she performed research applying a wide array of instrumental techniques to analyze metal-organic coordination compounds. Nadia has since pursued cheminformatics and software, joining Wiley in 2022.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Michelle D&#39;Souza (Product Manager, Software Products, Wiley Science Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. D’Souza brings years of insight and knowledge in the area of spectral informatics with leadership roles at Wiley and Bio-Rad Laboratories. In addition to multiple years as a scientific researcher at Abbott (now AbbVie) and DuPont. She has a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Northern Illinois University and a Masters in Analytical Chemistry form the Chinese Academy of Preventative Medicine. She earned a BS degree from Chemistry Department of Beijing University.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Zille Huma (Senior Editor, Wiley Science Solutions)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Zille Huma is a senior editor for Wiley Science Solutions, where she supports new and existing database releases. Zille previously completed her bachelor&#39;s degree in chemistry at Rutgers University and has been with Wiley since 2018.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Birgit Foltas (Scientific Editor, Wiley)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Birgit Foltas is the editor-in-chief of Imaging &amp; Microscopy. She has worked at Wiley for more than 20 years as a scientific editor. She studied biology at the Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany, and received her PhD in cellular immunology from the German Cancer Research Center in Heidelberg, Germany.
</blockquote>

Wiley: Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

Increase the Likelihood of MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

We will introduce the latest release of the Wiley Registry / NIST Mass Spectral Library 2023, which combines the power of two trusted MS spectral libraries.

MS Identification with the Wiley Registry / NIST Library

Over the past decade, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) have been detected in groundwater and soil at hundreds of military sites as well as a number of industrial sites, raising questions as to the potential migration of PFAS vapor concentrations from the subsurface into nearby buildings.
In order to investigate the fate and transport of PFAS vapors in the environment, an analytical method using Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry has been developed to measure fluorotelomer alcohols and other volatile PFAS in soil vapor and indoor air. Data will be presented to demonstrate method performance and challenges of measuring PFAS in environmental vapor samples.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Heidi Hayes (Technical Director, Eurofins Air Toxics LLC)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Heidi Hayes is the Technical Director at Eurofins Air Toxics. Ms. Hayes has a MS in Chemistry from the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO, and over 27 years in the environmental laboratory industry with the last 25 years at Eurofins Air Toxics. In her role as Technical Director, Ms. Hayes oversees the development and validation of new media, protocols, and technology related to air phase measurements.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Róisín Murtagh (Editor, Wiley)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Róisín Murtagh has been an editor for Wiley Analytical Science since 2021. She holds a science degree from Maynooth University, Ireland, and an MSc in Medicinal Chemistry from the Open University, UK. With a background encompassing over 10 years of experience in analytical science, she has actively contributed to both industry and academic research.
</blockquote>

Wiley: Measuring PFAS in Air using Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

Measuring PFAS in Air using Thermal Desorption Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

TD-GC/MS data of volatile PFAS in soil vapor and indoor air will be presented to demonstrate method performance and challenges of measuring PFAS.

Measuring PFAS in Air using Thermal Desorption GC/MS

We will examine how small changes to your vials &amp; closures can lead to a big impact to your recovery rates and reproducibility in your workflow.
Let´s be realistic: you will never get 100% of your analyte out of your sample handling container but we can help to secure your valid sample and improve the accuracy of your results.
During this webinar, we will examine developments and tips to:
<ul>
<li>eliminate or at least reduce adsorption in an autosampler vial</li>
<li>reduce the risk of moving your analyte out of the target pks/pka value for reliable LC analysis</li>
<li>eliminate sample loss due to evaporation by poor seals</li>
</ul>
We hope you will leave this webinar with an understanding on how to identify small fixes to reduce or eliminate sample loss for significant improvements. The session will finish with a short Q&amp;A and include a live chat with an expert.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Detlev Lennartz
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Detlev Lennartz brings almost 30 years of experience in chromatography consumables (HPLC columns, GC columns, SPE cartridges, TLC products, and vials and closures). Twenty-four of those years he has been within product management developing and improving consumables for today’s researcher. His customer sales and technical support experience allows him to understand what challenges researchers face. The last twelve years Detlev has been the Thermo Scientific sample handling (autosampler vials, closures and well plates) worldwide product manager. Together, with a team of specialists, focusing on developing and launching new and innovative sample handling products, he hopes to share this knowledge to drive better efficiencies and improve results for researchers.
</blockquote>

VWR: How to reduce your sample loss to significantly improve your results

How to reduce your sample loss to significantly improve your results

We will examine how small changes to your vials & closures can lead to a big impact to your recovery rates and reproducibility in your workflow.

How to reduce your sample loss to improve your results

Discover a new tool for multi projects search in Empower. This session shows you how you can use a new tool for answering questions that took a lot of effort in the past.

Waters Corporation: Waters Empower search tool

Empower search tool

This session shows you how you can use a new tool for answering questions that took a lot of effort in the past. 