Analyses of Different Grades of Olive Oil by Volatile Mass Spectrometry

In this application note, we demonstrate the use of the Advion Interchim Scientific expression® CMS with a volatile APCI (vAPCI) ion source to analyze extra-virgin, virgin, and lampante olive oil samples. We show statistical analysis allowing us to categorize and identify olive oil samples by their grade. This technique allows us to test individual olive oil samples and determine if they are truly extra-virgin, virgin, or lampante grade.

Classifying Cheeses by Volatile APCI (vAPCI) Compact Mass Spectrometry

Cheese is one of the world’s most popular food types, with a wide variety available for consumers. The characteristic scents and flavors of cheeses stem from a complex mixture of chemicals, including free fatty acids. Use mass spectrometry to characterize the different volatile profiles of cheese.

In this application note, we demonstrate the capability of the Advion expression® Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS) to analyze volatile fatty acids of various types of cheeses using volatile APCI (vAPCI). By heating the cheese samples, we released various volatile compounds and analyzed the headspace without any sample preparation or derivatization. We then performed statistical analysis to group the cheese samples by their volatile profiles.

 

Real-time and near real-time Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Analysis by vAPCI- Compact Mass Spectrometry

The Loughborough University team has utilized the expression® CMS vAPCI source for a variety of applications including breath analysis, monitoring flavor and fragrance, plant metabolomics, food authenticity and spoilage, and microbiological monitoring. With the use of the expression® CMS, the team was able to successfully execute detection required for these applications quickly and easily.

Chemically Tracking Spoilage of Meat Using Volatile Mass Spectrometry

This application note demonstrates the use of the Advion Interchim Scientific expression® CMS (compact mass spectrometer) coupled with a volatile APCI (vAPCI) ion source to directly detect several key chemicals given off of meat as it spoils at ambient temperature. Evolution of putrescine, cadaverine, and indole were measured  over several days as meat spoiled.

Development of an Interface for the Analysis of Volatiles Using a Portable Mass Spectrometer

P. P. Hurtado1, E., Palmer1, C. Aldcroft2, H. Moore2, A. Baker2. M. Allen2, J. Jones2, M.A. Turner1, J.C. Reynolds1

1Centre for Analytical Science, Department of Chemistry, Loughborough University, Ashby Road, Loughborough, Leicester, LE11 3TU, UK 2Advion UK Ltd

The development of new interfaces that enable direct analysis of VOCs represents an attractive and low cost alternative for rapid analysis. For example, the food industry is particularly interested in this type of analysis, where the freshness of different foods can be rapidly measured by the release of its volatiles. Numerous techniques have been used for this purpose. However, mass spectrometry remains the gold standard technique enabling chemical specificity of detection.

expression® CMS: Mass Spectrometers Designed for Chemists

With decades of mass spectrometry and chemistry expertise, Advion Interchim Scientific has produced a family of compact mass spectrometers designed for the chemist. The affordability, small size and ease of use make them ideal for use directly at the chemist’s bench, giving immediate answers and informed decisions instead of waiting.

The Advion Interchim Scientific expression® compact mass spectrometer (CMS) is a fast and easy analytical tool for the organic chemist. Ideal for fast reaction monitoring, the expression® CMS features a single quadrupole that can adapt to multiple ionization sources in seconds, including both ESI and APCI. The mass spectrometer works in a variety of applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, biomedical, peptides and proteins, drug discovery and more. The expression® CMS offers a variety of novel sampling techniques, including:

  • Direct mass analysis of TLC plates in 30 seconds at the push of a button with Plate Express™
  • One-touch analysis of solids and liquid samples with the ASAP® probe
  • LC/CMS
  • Many more options and configurations to suit your needs

Learn more about the different sample techniques available with the expression® CMS, including fast assay methods for liquids, solids, gases, and even air-sensitive compounds.

Fill out the form to download the full expression® CMS brochure now.

University of Loughborough, Centre for Analytical Sciences

Q: WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LAB’S RESEARCH?

A: My group specializes in developing new methods for pharmaceutical, metabolomic and security applications. In particular, this has involved the analysis of volatiles, either by direct analysis of breath, or through using thermal desorption to extract volatiles from solid or liquid matrices.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR PREVIOUS WORK FLOW OR CHALLENGES?

A: Previously, we used a quadrupole time-of-flight instrument for volatile analysis. These instruments are not really designed with the analysis of small volatiles in mind and required preconcentration for breath analysis.

Q: WHY DID YOU INCORPORATE THE EXPRESSION CMS INTO YOUR LABORATORY?

A: The expression CMS offers excellent performance in the low m/z range and proved highly sensitive for determining volatile species in breath, requiring no preconcentration. Secondly, the instrument is transportable and can be deployed at the site of sampling giving high sample throughput and real-time measurements.

Q: WHO WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO PURCHASE THE EXPRESSION CMS?

A: Anyone interested in volatile analysis would find the CMS an excellent instrument for targeted analysis.

Ambient Ionization

Compact Mass Spectrometry for Fast, Quantitative VOC Screening

Breath analysis is a valuable and widely-used technique that is gaining popularity in medical diagnostics, sports science, substance abuse and other fields where immediate, reliable detection of a variety of in-vivo compounds and their metabolites is required.

However, the actual analysis can be complicated because of the type of data required, the need to sample directly from humans and animals, and the need for real-time access to proximate analytical equipment.

In this recent study by Loughborough University, breath was sampled directly from test subjects into Advion’s expression Compact Mass Spectrometer (CMS). The data collected during this pilot study was very positive and resulted in the go-ahead of a larger study of real-time breath profiling of a much greater population of subjects. Results were superior to those acquired by collection and concentration on TD tubes and then desorbing into large, expensive mass spectrometer systems costing more than 4 times that of Advion’s CMS.