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

DataApex

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Thermo Fisher Scientific

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Dioxins and POPs analysis is evolving as historic instrumentation reaches its limits and obsolescence. Learn how you can equip your lab for the future with APGC-MS/MS technology that simplifies operation while exceeding regulatory performance requirements.
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 I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Change the Game Part I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

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

Part I - POPs Analysis with Atmospheric Pressure GC (APGC)

Pyrolysis is one of the most challenging analysis types in GC-MS.
A lot of matrices and analytes that are not volatile can be analyzed with pyrolysis. This can be samples from the industrial field such as plastic bottles or car tires, environmental samples and food samples. The spectra is broad. Every sample contains its own issues.
Our pyrolysis expert in this session is Dr. Michael Soll from Frontier Labs who will answer all your questions on pyrolysis, from plastic samples, to micro and nano plastic, from qualitative results to quantitative results.
This webinar is relevant for:
<ul>
<li>Researchers from the food, plastic and environmental field
</li>
<li>Control and governmental labs
</li>
<li>Plastic manufactures
</li>
<li>Cosmetic industry or research and control labs for this industry
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Michael Soll (European Business Development Manager, Frontier Laboratories Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Michael Soll studied biology and received his PhD in 1993 at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
He has over 25 years of experience in business development, marketing and sales at various companies active in analytical instrumentation and analytical services in Europe. His functional experience includes marketing, application and sales of LC- and GC-coupled mass spectrometry, MALDI-TOF MS and chromatographic tools. End of 2014, he joined Frontier Laboratories, a global leading company in GC/MS coupled analytical pyrolysis. Here, he is managing and supporting distribution partners and supports users of analytical pyrolyzers in whole Europe in terms of applications and technical concerns.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
His most recent employment history is as follows:
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Frontier Laboratories Ltd, Koriyama, Japan, 2014 to present: European Business Development Manager - Responsible for support of distribution partners and users in Europe, marketing directed to sales channels and customers
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
LECO Germany, Mönchengladbach, Germany, 2008 to 2014: Managing Director - Responsible for achievement of sales targets, strategic directions, marketing and service optimization.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
SGS, Geneva, Switzerland, 2006 to 2008: Business development manager biopharma quality control Europe.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
ABSciex, Darmstadt, Germany, 1999 to 2006: Sales Manager Proteomics products in DACH territory: increase sales of Mass Spectrometry and Chromatography products.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager GC&amp;GC-MS, EMEA, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Petra holds a diploma engineer in instrumentalized analytical chemistry from the Technical University Krefeld/Germany. For more than 30 years, she worked in the field of GC and GC-MS and covered many technologies in GC and GC-MS. Currently, she supports users and customer application teams all over EMEA in her position as EMEA Regional Marketing Manager.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Ask-the-expert on the analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Ask-the-expert on the analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Questions on pyrolysis, from plastic samples, to micro and nano plastic, from qualitative results to quantitative results.

The analysis of microplastics with pyrolysis GC-MS

Testing for pesticides, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) traditionally requires labour-intensive sample handling and preparation that utilise large sample and solvent quantities at a considerable cost for our environmental analytical chemistry testing laboratories.
Join this webinar and discover an automated workflow to reduce solvent usage and costs, increase sample throughput, and improve data quality.
In this webinar, Dan Carrier, a specialist at ThermoFisher Scientific, will discuss how liquid-liquid extractions for SVOC analysis can be automated for high throughput environmental testing using the Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH SMART autosampler coupled to GC-MS. Dan will share customer experiences with automation and a recent collaboration with John Quick at ALS Environmental using Dispersive Liquid-Liquid Microextraction (DLLME) for environmental contaminants. A video will show the instrumentation in action!
Learning points:
<ul>
<li>How to significantly reduce labor-time for sample preparation
</li>
<li>How to save costs on solvent usage and reduce waste 
</li>
<li>How to improve data quality and reliability through automation 
</li>
<li>How to increase confidence in meeting regulatory requirements
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend:
<ul>
<li>Environmental and water testing laboratories 
</li>
<li>Laboratory scientists and technicians using GC 
</li>
<li>Analytical chemistry laboratory managers
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dan Carrier (Senior Applications GC &amp; GC-MS Specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dan Carrier is a Senior Applications GC Specialist at Thermo Fisher Scientific where he is developing analytical methods and providing customer support in GC and GC/MS. He is a strong advocate of Laboratory Automation and he has been working on Automated Sample Preparation methods for many years. Dan has previously worked at GSK and Anatune.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Daniela Cavagnino (Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Daniela Cavagnino received a Master Degree in Chemistry at the University of Milan, Italy. She started her career in gas chromatography at Thermo Fisher Scientific spending several years in the R&amp;D laboratories working on GC technology innovation and more than 15 years in product and marketing management roles promoting GC/GCMS technology and applications.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Reducing costs for environmental companies through advances in automation

Reducing costs for environmental companies through advances in automation

Automated workflow to reduce solvent usage and costs, increase sample throughput, and improve data quality.

Reducing costs for environmental companies

Headspace sampling is a powerful GC introduction technique that, when used appropriately, can reduce or eliminate most sample prep and improve throughput.
Several applications are defined using headspace samplers (USP &lt;467&gt;, blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for forensics, and volatiles in water), but there are many eligible candidates. Is headspace a better fit for your sample and analytes? You might be surprised! Let’s review the principles of headspace and start thinking about headspace potential.
All current and prospective GC-Headspace users can gain knowledge from this event. Consumables, columns, and accessories available for Agilent Headspace GC systems are discussed. New and existing software tools and intelligent features are demonstrated on the Agilent 8697 Headspace platform.
By attending this presentation you will:
<ul>
<li>Gain a better understanding of when it is more appropriate to use headspace versus liquid injection
</li>
<li>Learn how to add headspace capabilities to your laboratory in a practical and economical way
</li>
<li>Refresh your knowledge on the tools and workflows that the most advanced headspace labs use to maximize efficiency
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Adam Bivens (Product Manager - GC Headspace, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Adam Bivens is the Product Manager of GC Headspace at Agilent. A chemical engineer turned chromatographer, Adam has over 10 years of experience in both liquid and gas chromatography products. Before joining Agilent, Adam was a customer using GC to analyze fuel cells and electrolyzers.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Abbey Fausett (Applications Chemist - Gas Phase Separations Division, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Abbey Fausett is an applications chemist within Agilent’s Gas Phase Separations Division, where she develops methods and training focused on new features released in GC and GC/MS systems. Before joining Agilent in 2011, she was an Agilent customer for 10+ years, dedicated to multi-technique method development and validation.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling and recent improvements in headspace technology

How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling and recent improvements in headspace technology

Is headspace a better fit for your sample and analytes?

How to decide between liquid or headspace sampling

In this session, join Pascal Fuchsmann, Head of Flavor Analytics at the Agroscope research center, and Stefan Cretnik, Product Manager at CTC Analytics as they discuss a fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX), a simple and fully automated technique using PAL system autosamplers.
The application examples include flavors, fragrances, off-flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers by extractions directly from the food sample matrix, such as honey, bee wax, cheese, onions, blood, and urine.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ederina Ninga (Postdoc, Research Group for Analytical Food Chemistry, Danish Technical University)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Gwen Lim (Specialist for automated sample preparation, CTC Analytics)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Thomas Preiswerk (Senior Account Manager, CTC Analytics)
</blockquote>

SelectScience: Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Analysis of flavors, pesticides, and biomarkers directly from complex food matrix using the automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Fully automated approach to vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX).

Automated vacuum in-tube extraction (V-ITEX)

Microplastics pose an alarming issue in India, as the country ranks third globally in plastic waste generation.
However, we are still at an early stage of understanding and mitigating its impact. The lack of regulatory guidelines and standardised methods leads to variations in results, hindering the comprehensive understanding of the issue. Join us as we uncover India&#39;s Microplastics problem- Challenges, Impact and Solutions. 
Gain in-depth insights and engage in discussions with our expert speakers: Dr. V Arya (a leading researcher &amp; Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, IIT Delhi) will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Microplastics and their Impact on Environment and Human Health
</li>
<li>Prevalence and urgency of microplastics pollution in India
</li>
<li>Need for clear regulatory guidelines and standardized analytical solutions for characterizing microplastics in environmental samples.
</li>
</ul>
Dr. Andreas Kerstan (Product Specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies, Germany) will present:
<ul>
<li>Agilent&#39;s innovative 8700 LDIR Chemical Imaging System, a faster and more reliable alternative for Microplastics Analysis
</li>
<li>How it outperforms traditional methods offering a fully automated workflow, high identification accuracy, repeatability, and enhanced sample throughput.
</li>
</ul>
Who Should Attend:
<ul>
<li>Environmental Researchers, 
</li>
<li>Environmental Regulators, 
</li>
<li>Professionals, and stakeholders in environmental labs and industries.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. V Arya (Assistant Professor, Dept. of Environmental Engineering, IIT Delhi)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Arya V is an Assistant Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Her research interests include the occurrence and fate of emerging contaminants in the environment and affordable technologies for wastewater treatment with a special focus on the removal of emerging contaminants.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Andreas Kerstan (Product Specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Andreas Kerstan works as a product specialist for Molecular Spectroscopy at Agilent Technologies in Germany. After his doctorate in 2011, he started at Agilent as an application chemist for FTIR and imaging and then two years later became a product specialist for the DACH region. For 3 years now he has also been responsible for the development of the new IR-based QCL imaging system LDIR 8700, which is specialized for the analysis of microplastics.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Tackling India's Microplastics Menace: Impact and Solutions

Tackling India's Microplastics Menace: Impact and Solutions

Microplastics and their Impact on Environment and Human Health.

Ensuring the cleanliness and integrity of substrates before bonding or coating is a crucial application in numerous industries.
Contaminants, even in trace amounts, can significantly impact a substrate&#39;s surface, affecting its stiction (static friction) properties. This, in turn, can lead to compromised bond strength and adhesive properties, causing premature wear and, ultimately, material failure.
Our webinar will delve into the cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface. This powerful tool enables precise identification of substrate materials and evaluation of the presence of contaminants. Moreover, it allows for accurate quantification of these contaminants, ensuring your substrates meet the highest quality standards.
Why attend this webinar?
<ul>
<li>Understand the importance of substrate analysis identifying and characterizing various substrate materials.
</li>
<li>Gain insights into the cutting-edge Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer.
</li>
<li>Discover practical techniques for detecting and characterizing various substrate materials and contaminants.
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Donald Inglis (Product Specialist EMEAI for FTIR, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Donald Inglis has worked in analytical instrumentation for over 30 years. He started his career as a field service engineer in chromatography and mass spectroscopy before moving into commercial sales; he has been a product specialist in portable and handheld FTIR and Raman systems at Agilent for over a decade. His role at Agilent involves advising customers on, and building solutions for, the various analytical challenges they face in their workspace.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminants by Handheld FTIR

Cutting-edge technology of the Agilent 4300 handheld FTIR spectrometer, specially equipped with the specular reflectance interface.

Non-Destructive Analysis of Substrates and Contaminant

Every organization has unique needs regarding their laboratory processes, workflows, and overall mission.
When considering ways to meet those needs, it is vital that an organization evaluates the potential resources they can implement, from laboratory instrumentation to software solutions. The goal is to add value and increase optimization. 
Selecting a software solution is a decision that will have a direct, intense impact on your lab. It will affect how efficiently your staff works, how streamlined your processes are, and how accurately your work can be accomplished. You want to make sure that the impact is positive. A laboratory information management system (LIMS) is a necessary resource because it can store and aggregate your data in one place, streamline your workflows and processes, and increase efficiency, reliability, and value – all which are limited when managed manually. It’s important to choose a solution that is easy-to-use, with minimal customization that addresses the key challenges of your industry and can integrate with existing instrumentation and software systems. Understand the key considerations when selecting a LIMS to best meet your goals and elevate your lab.
By attending this presentation you will learn about:
<ul>
<li>The value of choosing a LIMS solution that meets your laboratory’s requirements and needs
</li>
<li>The impact of making the right choice to elevate your lab’s productivity, efficiency, and ability to deliver high quality results
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Adam Collins (Senior Product Specialist, Digital Science Solutions, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
As Senior Product Specialist for Digital Science Solutions at Thermo Fisher Scientific, Adam specializes in providing software demonstrations and technical support for organizations across multiple industry sectors who are assessing Thermo Fisher Scientific’s LIMS solutions for their laboratory needs. He has over five years of experience as a technical product specialist for laboratory software. Adam has Doctor of Philosophy and Bachelor of Science degrees in Microbial Genetics and Microbiology from the University of Nottingham.
</blockquote>

Separation Science: How to choose the right LIMS solution

How to choose the right LIMS solution

Understand the key considerations when selecting a LIMS to best meet your goals and elevate your lab.

Free webinar focusing on new Clarity 9.0 features, including the improved workflow for batches, the new integration algorithm, and much more. We will add some Tips on how to use Clarity software effectively and provide space for your questions.

Clarity 9.0 Webinar 

Free webinar focusing on new Clarity 9.0 features, including the improved workflow for batches, the new integration algorithm, and much more.

In Part II we describe how Empower supports both Step 2 – Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme and Step 3 – On-going verification through the setup of Trend reports in Empower

Waters Corporation: USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

USP 1220 & ICH Q14-Q2(R2) Part II – Validation & Verification

Validation by translating your written SOP into an Empower Method Validation Manager (MVM) scheme.