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

Separation Science

Agilent Technologies

Technology Networks

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Wasson-ECE Instrumentation

Waters Corporation

<ul>
<li>Wait what?! Who knew!? There are so many things that a mass spec can do.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve used it for years, yes this may be true.
</li>
<li>I&#39;ve processed some samples, more than a few.
</li>
<li>But between me and you, I had no idea all the things it could do!
</li>
<li>From sample prep to separation, you just won&#39;t believe…
</li>
<li>All of the tips and tricks we have up our sleeve.
</li>
<li>So, take a few minutes, about 15 should do.
</li>
<li>And learn all the things your mass spec can do.
</li>
</ul>
Thinking of developing a new method utilizing MS? Selecting the best analytical method begins with a decision on how to best separate the analytes of interest. This choice will affect sample preparation and sample introduction, so it is important to get it right early. In this webinar we will review analyte structural properties that make the compound more amenable to either liquid chromatography or to gas chromatography.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Karen Yannell (LC/MS Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
</blockquote>
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Karen E. Yannell is a LC/MS Application Engineer at Agilent Technologies. She is an expert in small molecule high throughput analysis by triple quadrupole (TQ) and quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry for applied markets. Her recent work has focused on developing routine Q-TOF workflows for both expert and non-expert users alike. Previously, Karen worked on forensic, metabolomics, and biomarker discovery applications with ambient ionization sources. She received her PhD in Analytical Chemistry from Purdue University where studied under the advisement of Prof. R. Graham Cooks. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoys cooking unique dishes and hiking along the beach with her dog.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: David Weil, PhD (Senior Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
David Weil is a senior applications scientist in Agilent located in Wood Dale with over 30 years of experience using mass spectrometry. Prior to joining Agilent in 2004, he worked for 14 years at 3M in the Corporate Research Analytical Laboratories (St.Paul, MN) and 4 years at Nicolet/Extrel doing ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry. David received his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and Post Doc with Dr Charles Wilkins at University of California-Riverside developing laser desorption FTMS and ion-molecule reactions. David has three grown sons and live with his wife Naomi just blocks from Wrigley Field and Lake Michigan.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Matt Curtis, PhD (GC/MS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Matt joined Agilent in 2013 as a GC/MS applications scientist in the Santa Clara, CA Center of Excellence. His primary responsibility is focused on providing instrument demos for customer interested in each technology Agilent offers; the GC/MS single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and the quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The variety of different samples submitted to the demo lab provide a unique knowledge of optimizing parameters for different applications to provide the best quality data from the instrument.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Selecting your Separation: Are my Compounds Better for GC or LC

Selecting your Separation: Are my Compounds Better for GC or LC

We will review analyte structural properties that make the compound more amenable to either liquid chromatography or to gas chromatography.

Separation selection: Are my Compounds Better for GC or LC

This presentation will introduce you to the Agilent flow path solutions for residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticide testing in cannabis and hemp. We will discuss how we have made it easier for you to get up and running quickly with e-Methods, application notes, and consumable kits.
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Presenter: Simon Jones (GC Applications Engineer/Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Simon Jones has over 23 years of GC experience. For the last 15 years, he has been with Agilent as a GC applications engineer/scientist based out of the GC column manufacturing facility in Folsom California. In his roles he has assisted with application development, troubleshooting chromatographic issues, and assisting with instrument configurations. Prior to joining Agilent in 2005, he worked in an analytical lab for the power industry, developing and optimizing testing methodologies for insulating fluids and materials in transformers.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Agilent GC/MS Solutions for Cannabis and Hemp Testing

Agilent GC/MS Solutions for Cannabis and Hemp Testing

This presentation will introduce you to the Agilent flow path solutions for residual solvents, terpenes, and pesticide testing in cannabis and hemp.

In response to the problems laboratories have had with helium shortages, a holistic solution was developed for predictable transition of GC/MS analysis to hydrogen carrier gas. This presentation provides an overview of several successful hydrogen implementations, including pesticides, volatile organics (VOAs), semivolatiles (SVOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), flavors and fragrances (F&amp;F), and explosives.
New MassHunter with AI Peak Detection will revolutionize how labs operate by dramatically reducing turnaround time and providing globally consistent and accurate peak analysis using the latest in AI/machine learning. The new product will be announced at ASMS 2023 for subsequent release to GC/MS labs to begin using AI/machine learning to assist, automate, and accelerate their data analysis.
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Presenter: Anastasia A. Andrianova (GC/MS Application Scientist, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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<blockquote>
Anastasia Andrianova is a GC/MS Applications Scientist in the Mass Spectrometry Division of Agilent Technologies, located in Wilmington, Delaware. She received a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of North Dakota (Grand Forks) in 2017 and a combined masters’ and bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry from the Moscow State University (Moscow, Russia) in 2014. Anastasia has been at Agilent Technologies since 2018. She has authored or co-authored over 30 journal articles and application notes, as well as 1 patent in the field of analytical chemistry, focusing on chromatography and mass spectrometry. Anastasia is currently working in GC/MS applications in multiple areas with a focus on food and environmental analysis.
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Thomas Bispham (Analytical AI/Machine Learning, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
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Agilent Technologies: Revolutionize your GC/MS analysis with the power of hydrogen carrier gas and AI technology – Faster, More Reliable and Efficient Results Guaranteed!

Revolutionize your GC/MS analysis with the power of hydrogen carrier gas and AI technology – Faster, More Reliable and Efficient Results Guaranteed!

This presentation provides an overview of several successful hydrogen   implementations with New MassHunter with AI Peak Detection.

GC/MS analysis with the power of hydrogen carrier gas and AI

Focus will be given to the safety, authenticity and quality of food and beverages as well as the future of food products such as meat substitutes and alternative proteins.
This online symposium will cover:
<ul>
<li>Untargeted food analysis using different MS platforms</li>
<li>Applications of near-infrared hyperspectral imaging in food quality control</li>
<li>Applications of behavioral science in food research</li>
<li>Solid phase micro-extraction for beverage analysis</li>
<li>Challenges and opportunities in fermentation for production of alternative proteins</li>
<li>ELNs to support data management in food and beverage labs</li>
<li>Key strategies for pesticide analysis using GC-MS</li>
<li>Nutritional and toxic plant-based elemental analysis using ICP-MS</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Brian Quinn, PhD (Head of Mass Spectrometry, Queen&#39;s University Belfast)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vincent Baeten, PhD (Scientific Director, Walloon Agricultural Research Centre)
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Michelle Niedziela, PhD (VP of Research &amp; Innovation, HCD Research)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Erich Leitner, PhD (Professor, Graz University of Technology)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Stefan Cretnik, PhD (Product Manager, PAL System)
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Theresa Liao (Content Specialist, SciNote)
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<blockquote>
Presenter: Wade Opperman (Manager of the Americas, SciNote)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Moran Farhi, PhD (VP of Research, The Better Meat Co.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Liyan Xing, PhD (Senior Application Scientist, PerkinElmer)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Anastasia Andrianova, PhD (GC/MS Applications Scientist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>

Technology Networks: Advances in Food & Beverage Analysis 2023

Advances in Food & Beverage Analysis 2023

The third edition of this online symposium will provide industry and academic scientists with the opportunity to hear from experts from across the field.

The food industry spends a lot of time and effort analyzing products for their flavors and off-flavors. This analysis is very important since we all like our products to consistently taste the same.
In the last few years, we have seen a tendency in the food market to go towards vegan products and lactose-free products. The composition of vegan food is mainly plant-based, but not all plants taste the same. For example, soy and lupine — in some people — cause a bitter aftertaste. Since our taste buds are all different, not every one tastes the same thing.
This is where off-flavors come in. Off-flavors are considered those that are “not tasty,” ranging from bitter to rancid. If you buy a strawberry yogurt, you may want it to taste the same whether it is dairy or plant-based. This is often not the case. For the food industry, consistency in taste is a very important factor, since they don`t want their products to sit on the shelf.
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Presenter: Petra Gerhards (Regional Marketing Manager EMEA GC &amp; GC-MS, Thermo Fisher Scientific)
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Petra has more than 30 years of experience in the field of GC-MS, SPE and LC-MS and she joined the EMEA Regional Marketing Team in 2016. Petra has been involved in a lot of workflow solutions combining vials and closures with SPE solutions, GC-MS and LC-MS. She works with KOLs on data for regional specific marketing campaigns, organizes in-house seminars and works on customer specific solutions. She has deep knowledge in the field of doping and drugs of abuse analysis.
</blockquote>

Thermo Scientific: Orbitrap technology for off-flavor analysis in food

Orbitrap technology for off-flavor analysis in food

The food industry spends a lot of time and effort analyzing products for their flavors and off-flavors. This analysis is very important.

Webinars will cover the following Gas Chromatography topics:
<ul>
<li>6/27 - Vaporizers for LPG Samples</li>
<li>7/11 - Dynamic Blending for Linearity and LDL</li>
<li>7/18 - GC Valves: Purposes and Service</li>
<li>7/25 - Calibration Techniques for Accurate Data</li>
<li>8/1 - Sample Capture, Transport, and Introduction</li>
<li>8/8 - GC Detectors I: PDHID and SCD</li>
<li>8/15 - GC Autosamplers for Gas and LPG Samples</li>
<li>8/22 - GC Detectors II: The Strengths of Mass Spectrometry</li>
<li>8/29 - Methanizers for Trace CO &amp; CO2</li>
<li>9/5 - Training Program for GC Operators</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: John Wasson (President, Wasson-ECE Instrumentation, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
John Wasson has over 40 years of experience in Gas Chromatography and Chemical Instrumentation.
</blockquote>

Wasson-ECE Instrumentation: Free GC Webinar Series

Dynamic Blending for Linearity and LDL

GC Valves: Purposes and Service

Following up from our very successful previous sessions, we are delighted to offer another panel discussion in the ever popular “Ask the Agilent Experts” series.
Have you ever had a question about your GC/GCMS analysis and thought, “I have no idea what to do,” or that since the question seemed so simple, everyone must already know the answer and &quot;Am I the only one who doesn’t know what to do?” We can assure you that you are not alone.
If you have a question, we can guarantee that you are not the first...nor the last person to ask the question. Sometimes the simplest of questions can have the most complex answers. A question about which liner to use can lead to a discussion on the benefits of glass wool versus glass frits. A question about how long a column should last may trigger a discussion about the importance of a leak free system, the maximum temperature limit, proper phase selection, and how an application may benefit from using backflush. There’s no such thing as an easy answer because the answer always “depends” on many different factors. 
We will discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about GC and GCMS that we have received. Some may seem like simple questions, but they have anything but simple answers. Experts from Agilent as well as from the field will also answer new questions that we hope you will submit to us in advance.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Vanessa Abercrombie (MFS, GC Applications Chemist, Agilent Technologies)
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<blockquote>
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 Masters of Forensic Science from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry from Sonoma State University.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Samuel Haddad (Ph.D., Application Development Chemist, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Samuel Haddad is a GC Application Development Chemist at Agilent Technologies in Wilmington, Delaware. Samuel specializes in GC and GCMS applications of trace analysis in environmental and heavy matrix samples. His specialty includes sample preparation techniques to separate analytes from matrix components and extraction from a wide variety of matrix including water, fish, aquatic life, soil, and complex fluids. Samuel holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Science from Baylor University and a B.S in Biology from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Moderator: Diane Turner (Director &amp; Senior Consultant, Anthias Consulting Ltd)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
A Warwick University graduate, Diane completed her masters in Analytical Chemistry and started her career in environmental chemistry, later gaining significant experience as an Applications Chemist. Diane’s area of research through her PhD studies at The Open University was disease diagnosis. She has developed methods and given support and training for companies in most industries around the world for more than 20 years. Diane holds voluntary roles with The Royal Society of Chemistry and other scientific organizations.
</blockquote>

Separation science: Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 4: GC and GC/MS Scientists Discuss & Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 4: GC and GC/MS Scientists Discuss & Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions about GC and GCMS that we have received.

Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 4: GC and GC/MS

How about a 20 minute coffee break along with a bite of Empower? Here you go!
Empower custom fields and Excel in Empower LMS - not a conflict of interest?
Excel Compliance is designed as the solution for customers operating in a regulated environment to use excel spreadsheet with confidence. It provides full audit trail that is compliant to regulatory requirements for electronic records and signatures. 
<ul>
<li>Mitigate the compliance risk of traditional uncontrolled spreadsheets and documents
</li>
<li>Enhanced compliance features such as:
<ul>
<li>authorized access control
</li>
<li>automated version control
</li>
<li>document level and cell by cell audit trails
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>Centralize and secure laboratory spreadsheets and documents for use in a regulated environment
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ralf Schröder (Informatics Product Marketing Europe·Waters GesmbH)
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Excel and Compliance in Empower LMS

Excel and Compliance in Empower LMS

Empower custom fields and Excel in Empower LMS

What&#39;s the connection between nirosamine impurities and mass spectrometry?
How do you ensure your lab is ready to handle and analyze any API or formulation sample at any time?
Get answers to these questions in this The Lab Central premiere.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Preeti Bharatiya (Application Engineer LC-MS/MS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Soma Dasgupta (Application Engineer GC/MS, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>