Techniques and application in comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography - mass spectrometry.

In contrast to the well-known comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) method, it is possible to define comprehensive multidimensional gas chromatography. 'Comprehensiveness' relates to analysis of the whole sample. Two-dimensional and multidimensional here refer to the use of at least two separation stages for analysis, however comprehensive 2DGC now appears to be reserved for the GC×GC method. This may be differentiated from comprehensive MDGC (CMDGC) simply by the analysis time assigned to the second (2D) column, although there does not appear to be a specific definition that relates to this analysis time parameter. A number of different implementation protocols for comprehensive MDGC are described here, that may involve either a single, or multiple, injection(s). In all cases, independent retention must be achieved on each dimension to ensure the probability of enhanced separation. An original application of a crude oil sample is presented to illustrate development of the MDGC approach that incorporates two Deans switches (DS) and a cryogenic trapping approach, performed using a sequential heart-cut (H/C) event method incremented by 0.5 min for each injection; a total of 40 injections is used to analyse the total sample. The higher peak capacity and consequently greater resolution on the long 2D column is illustrated, compared with that expected for conventional GC×GC, with tentative identification in order to classify chemical classes. Incorporating an approach to acquiring retention indices may be implemented, although its utility for petroleum hydrocarbons is limited. Structured groupings of different chemical classes, as exemplified by mono and diaromatics for the crude oil sample, were noted.

Magnetic solid-phase extraction of benzoylurea insecticides in tea samples with Fe3 O4 -hyperbranched polyester magnetic composite as sorbent.

In this work, a method for the analysis of benzoylurea insecticides, including hexaflumuron, flufenoxuron, lufenuron and chlorfluazuron, in tea samples by high-performance liquid chromatography with Fe3 O4 -hyperbranched polyester nanocomposite as the adsorbent for magnetic solid-phase extraction was developed. The magnetic nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and scanning electron microscopy. The as-prepared nanocomposite was used as a sorbent for the extraction and preconcentration of pesticide residues in tea samples. The extraction and desorption conditions, including mass ratios of raw materials, amount of sorbent, pH value, extraction time, and desorption time, were investigated. Under the final conditions chosen for the analysis, good linearity was obtained for all the tested compounds, with R2 values of at least 0.9979. The limits of detection were determined in the range of 0.15-0.3 µg/L. The recovery obtained from the analysis of tea samples with various spiked concentrations was between 90.7 and 98.4%, with relative standard deviations (n = 4) lower than 4.1%. Furthermore, the present approach was successfully applied to the quantitative determination of residues of benzoylurea insecticides in real samples.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of sapucainha oil (Carpotroche brasiliensis) triacylglycerols comprising straight chain and cyclic fatty acids.

Sapucainha oil, which may be used to treat leprosy, comprises straight chain and cyclic fatty acids (FA), and triacylglycerols (TAG). The FA and TAG content of the oil sample was analysed using gas chromatography-electron ionisation mass spectrometry (GC-EIMS). FA analysis was performed after derivatisation to fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). For free FA and TAG analysis, the oil sample was dissolved in hexane and injected into a short, high-temperature column, for GC with MS analysis. Free FA and FAME were tentatively identified based on mass spectrum information of their molecular and fragment ions, as well as library matching. Overlapping TAG peaks were deconvoluted based on mass fingerprint data. The FA composition was utilised to predict possible TAG identities. FA residues of TAG were identified based on characteristic fragment ions, such as [M-RCO2]+, [RCO+128]+, [RCO+74]+ and RCO+ where R is the aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. FAME analysis showed that the cyclic FA hydnocarpic (36.1%), chaulmoogric (26.5%) and gorlic (23.6%) acids were the major components. In addition, straight chain FA such as palmitic, palmitoleic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were detected. Palmitic, oleic, hydnocarpic, chaulmoogric and gorlic acids were also detected as free FA in the oil sample. Six groups of TAG peaks were eluted from GC at temperatures ≥330 °C. After deconvolution and mass spectrum analysis, each TAG peak group was revealed to comprise 2 to 5 co-eluted TAG molecules; >18 TAG were identified. These TAG consisted of a mix of both cyclic and straight chain FA, but were mostly derived from cyclic FA.

Sequential Hybrid Three-Dimensional Gas Chromatography with Accurate Mass Spectrometry: A Novel Tool for High-Resolution Characterization of Multicomponent Samples.

A novel sequential three-dimensional gas chromatography-high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (3D GC-accTOFMS) approach for profiling secondary metabolites in complex plant extracts is described. This integrated system incorporates a nonpolar first-dimension (1Dnp) separation step, prior to a microfluidic heart-cut (H/C) of a targeted region(s) to a cryogenic trapping device, directly followed by the rapid reinjection of a trapped solute into a polar second-dimension (2DPEG) column for multidimensional separation (GCnp-GCPEG). For additional separation, the effluent from 2DPEG can then be modulated according to a comprehensive 2D GC process (GC×GC), using an ionic liquid phase as a third-dimension (3DIL) column, to produce a sequential GCnp-GCPEG×GCIL separation. Thus, the unresolved or poorly resolved components, or regions that require further separation, can be precisely selected and rapidly transferred for additional separation on 2D or 3D columns, based on the greater separation realized by these steps. The described integrated system can be used in a number of modes, but one useful approach is to target specific classes of compounds for improved resolution. This is demonstrated through the separation and detection of the oxygenated sesquiterpenes in hop ( Humulus lupulus L.) essential oil and agarwood ( Aquilaria malaccensis) oleoresin. Improved resolution and peak capacity were illustrated through the progressive comparison of the tentatively identified components for GCnp-GCPEG and GCnp-GCPEG×GCIL methods. Relative standard deviations of intraday retentions (1 tR, 2 tR,, and 3 tR) and peak areas of ≤0.01, 0.07, 0.71, and 7.5% were achieved. This analytical approach comprising three GC column selectivities, hyphenated with high-resolution TOFMS detection, should be a valuable adjunct for the improved characterization of complex plant samples, particularly in the area of plant metabolomics.

Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation enhances expression of fatty acid-binding protein 5 at the blood-brain barrier and brain docosahexaenoic acid levels.

The cytoplasmic trafficking of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a cognitively beneficial fatty acid, across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is governed by fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5). Lower levels of brain DHA have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD), which is associated with diminished BBB expression of FABP5. Therefore, up-regulating FABP5 expression at the BBB may be a novel approach for enhancing BBB transport of DHA in AD. DHA supplementation has been shown to be beneficial in various mouse models of AD, and therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether DHA has the potential to up-regulate the BBB expression of FABP5, thereby enhancing its own uptake into the brain. Treating human brain microvascular brain endothelial (hCMEC/D3) cells with the maximum tolerable concentration of DHA (12.5 µM) for 72 h resulted in a 1.4-fold increase in FABP5 protein expression. Associated with this was increased expression of fatty acid transport proteins 1 and 4. To study the impact of dietary DHA supplementation, 6- to 8-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed with a control diet or a DHA-enriched diet for 21 days. Brain microvascular FABP5 protein expression was up-regulated 1.7-fold in mice fed the DHA-enriched diet, and this was associated with increased brain DHA levels (1.3-fold). Despite an increase in brain DHA levels, reduced BBB transport of 14 C-DHA was observed over a 1 min perfusion, possibly as a result of competitive binding to FABP5 between dietary DHA and 14 C-DHA. This study has demonstrated that DHA can increase BBB expression of FABP5, as well as fatty acid transporters, overall increasing brain DHA levels.

Comprehensive 2D gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry with 2D retention indices for analysis of volatile compounds in frankincense (Boswellia papyrifera).

Frankincense gum resin secreted from Boswellia papyrifera was analysed by comprehensive 2D gas chromatography hyphenated with accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-accTOFMS). Direct multiple injection experiments with stepwise isothermal temperature programming were then performed to construct isovolatility curves for reference alkane series in GC×GC. This provides access to calculation of second dimensional retention indices (2I). More than 500 peaks were detected and 220 compounds mainly comprising monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes and oxygenated forms of these compounds were identified according to their 1I, 2I and accurate mass data. The study demonstrates the capability of GC×GC-accTOFMS with retention data on two separate column phases, as an approach for improved component identification. A greater number of identified and/or tentatively identified terpenoids in this traditional Chinese medicine allow for a more comprehensive coverage of the volatile composition of frankincense.

Ionic liquid phases with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography of fatty acid methyl esters.

New generation inert ionic liquid (iIL) GC columns IL60i, IL76i and IL111i, comprising phosphonium or imidazolium cationic species, were investigated for separation of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). In general, the iIL phases provide comparable retention times to their corresponding conventional columns, with only minor selectivity differences. The average tailing factors and peak widths were noticeably improved (reduced) for IL60i and IL76i, while they were slightly improved for IL111i. Inert IL phase columns were coupled with conventional IL columns in comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC × GC) with a solid-state modulator which offers variable modulation temperature (TM), programmable TM during analysis and trapping stationary phase material during the trap/release (modulation) process, independent of oven T and column sets. Although IL phases are classified as polar, relative polarity of the two phases comprising individual GC × GC column sets permits combination of less-polar IL/polar IL and polar IL/less-polar IL column sets; it was observed that a polar/less-polar column set provided better separation of FAME. A higher first dimension (1D) phase polarity combined with a lower 2D phase polarity, for instance 1D IL111i with 2D IL59 gave the best result; the greater difference in 1D/2D phase polarity results in increasing occupancy of peak area in the 2D space. The IL111i/IL59 column set was selected for analysis of fatty acids in fat and oil products (butter, margarine, fish oil and canola oil). Compared with the conventional IL111, IL111i showed reduced column bleed which makes this more suited to GC × GC analysis of FAME. The proposed method offers a fast profiling approach with good repeatability of analysis of FAME.

Reduced blood-brain barrier expression of fatty acid-binding protein 5 is associated with increased vulnerability of APP/PS1 mice to cognitive deficits from low omega-3 fatty acid diets.

Lower levels of the cognitively beneficial docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are often observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. Brain DHA levels are regulated by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) transport of plasma-derived DHA, a process facilitated by fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5). This study reports a 42.1 ± 12.6% decrease in the BBB transport of 14 C-DHA in 8-month-old AD transgenic mice (APPswe,PSEN1∆E9) relative to wild-type mice, associated with a 34.5 ± 6.7% reduction in FABP5 expression in isolated brain capillaries of AD mice. Furthermore, short-term spatial and recognition memory deficits were observed in AD mice on a 6-month n-3 fatty acid-depleted diet, but not in AD mice on control diet. This intervention led to a dramatic reduction (41.5 ± 11.9%) of brain DHA levels in AD mice. This study demonstrates FABP5 deficiency and impaired DHA transport at the BBB are associated with increased vulnerability to cognitive deficits in mice fed an n-3 fatty acid-depleted diet, in line with our previous studies demonstrating a crucial role of FABP5 in BBB transport of DHA and cognitive function.

Qualitative analysis of Copaifera oleoresin using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography and gas chromatography with classical and cold electron ionisation mass spectrometry.

Improved separation of both sesquiterpenes and diterpenic acids in Copaifera multijuga Hayne oleoresin, is demonstrated by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) coupled to accurate mass time-of-flight mass spectrometry (accTOFMS). GC×GC separation employs polar phases (including ionic liquid phases) as the first dimension (1D) column, combined with a lower polarity 2D phase. Elution temperatures (Te) of diterpenic acids (in methyl ester form, DAME) increased as the 1D McReynolds' polarity value of the column phase decreased. Since Te of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons decreased with increased polarity, the very polar SLB-IL111 1D phase leads to excessive peak broadening in the 2D apolar phase due to increased second dimension retention (2tR). The combination of SLB-IL59 with a nonpolar column phase was selected, providing reasonable separation and low Te for sesquiterpenes and DAME, compared to other tested column sets, without excessive 2tR. Identities of DAME were aided by both soft (30eV) electron ionisation (EI) accurate mass TOFMS analysis and supersonic molecular beam ionisation (cold EI) TOFMS, both which providing less fragmentation and increased relative abundance of molecular ions. The inter-relation between EI energies, emission current, signal-to-noise and mass error for the accurate mass measurement of DAME are reported. These approaches can be used as a basis for conducting of GC×GC with soft EI accurate mass measurement of terpenes, particularly for unknown phytochemicals.

Determination of Enantiomeric Distribution of Terpenes for Quality Assessment of Australian Tea Tree Oil.

A number of papers have appeared in recent years proposing the use of enantiomeric ratios of key monoterpenes in Australian tea tree oil (TTO) for detection of adulterated oils. There are however a range of reported values, even from exactly the same suite of authentic oils, and we address here probable reasons for these differences and stress the importance of establishing reference ratios within each laboratory based on oils of known provenance. Any biological variation in the ratio for the key terpene terpinen-4-ol has been demonstrated to be effectively unmeasurable, because the standard deviation on multiple measurements of the same oil is of the same order as that of multiple authentic oils.

Evaluation of fast enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography methods for monoterpenic compounds: Authenticity control of Australian tea tree oil.

This work demonstrates the potential of fast multiple heart-cut enantioselective multidimensional gas chromatography (GC-eGC) and enantioselective comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (eGC×GC), to perform the stereoisomeric analysis of three key chiral monoterpenes (limonene, terpinen-4-ol and α-terpineol) present in tea tree oil (TTO). In GC-eGC, separation was conducted using a combination of mid-polar first dimension ((1)D) column and a chiral second dimension ((2)D) column, providing interference-free enantioresolution of the individual antipodes of each optically active component. A combination of (1)D chiral column and (2)D polar columns (ionic liquid and wax phases) were tested for the eGC×GC study. Quantification was proposed based on summation of two major modulated peaks for each antipode, displaying comparable results with those derived from GC-eGC. Fast chiral separations were achieved within 25min for GC-eGC and<20min for eGC×GC, while ensuring adequate interference-free enantiomer separation. The suitability of using these two enantioselective multidimensional approaches for the routine assessment of chiral monoterpenes in TTO was evaluated and discussed. Exact enantiomeric composition of chiral markers for authentic TTOs was proposed by analysing a representative number of pure TTOs sourced directly from plantations of known provenance in Australia. Consistent enantiomeric fractions of 61.6±1.5% (+):38.4±1.5% (-) for limonene, 61.7±1.6% (+):38.3±1.6% (-) for terpinen-4-ol and 79.6±1.4% (+):20.4±1.4% (-) for α-terpineol were obtained for the 57 authentic Australian TTOs. The results were compared (using principle component analysis) with commercial TTOs (declared as derived from Melaleuca alternifolia) obtained from different continents. Assessing these data to determine adulteration, or additives that affect the enantiomeric ratios, in commercially sourced TTOs is discussed. The proposed method offers distinct advantages over eGC, especially in terms of analysis times and selectivity which can serve as a reliable platform for authenticity control of TTO.

Application of integrated comprehensive/multidimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometry and olfactometry for aroma analysis in wine and coffee.

Component coelution in chromatographic analysis complicates identification and attribution of individual odour-active volatile molecules in complex multi-component samples. An integrated system incorporating comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC × GC) and multidimensional gas chromatography (MDGC), with flame ionisation, olfactometry and mass spectrometry detection was developed to circumvent data correlation across different systems. Identification of potent odorants in Shiraz wine and the headspace of ground coffee are demonstrated as selected applications. Multiple solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling with GC-O located odour-active regions; GC × GC established the complexity of odour-active regions; MDGC provided high-resolution separation for each region; simultaneous 'O' and MS detection completed the analysis for target resolved peaks. Seven odour regions in Shiraz were analysed with MDGC-O/MS detection, revealing 11 odour volatiles through matching of mass spectrometry and retention indices from both separating dimensions, including acetic acid; octen-3-ol; ethyl octanoate; methyl-2-oxo-nonanoate; butanoic acid, 2-methylbutanoic acid, and 3-methylbutanoic acid; 3-(methylthio)-1-propanol; hexanoic acid; ß-damascenone; and ethyl-3-phenylpropanoate. A capsicum odour in ground coffee was identified as 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine with a 5-fold increase in S/N of the odorant when acquired using a 6-time cumulative SPME sampling approach.

Miniaturized molecularly imprinted polymer extraction method for the gas chromatographic analysis of flavonoids.

In this study, the use of monolithic molecularly imprinted polymers in a micropipette tip format allowing the simple and fast extraction of flavonoids from standard solutions and a black tea sample is demonstrated. The imprinted polymer employed quercetin, methacrylic acid or 4-vinylpyridine, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as template, functional monomer, and cross-linker, respectively. Surface morphologies of the quercetin-imprinted polymers and the corresponding nonimprinted polymers were characterized by SEM. Extraction of flavonoid standards was performed to evaluate the selectivity and recovery with these imprinted and nonimprinted polymers. Flavonoid compositions in aliquots eluted from the tips were identified using fast GC with flame ionization detection. Maximum specific capacities of 0.2, 5.7, and 16.0 mg/g for catechin, morin, and quercetin, respectively, were obtained with the imprinted polymer prepared with methacrylic acid, with the corresponding recoveries of 99.8, 98.8, and 95.4%, respectively. Efficient extraction by the quercetin-imprinted polymer of epicatechin, catechin, and quercetin from an apple-flavored black tea sample was achieved, with GC-MS employed for compound identification for both the tea and extracted samples.

Organophosphorus pesticide and ester analysis by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame photometric detection.

Thirty-seven phosphorus (P)-containing compounds comprising organophosphorus pesticides and organophosphate esters were analyzed by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography with flame photometric detection in P mode (GC × GC-FPD(P)), with a non-polar/moderately polar column set. A suitable modulation temperature and period was chosen based on experimental observation. A number of co-eluting peak pairs on the (1)D column were well separated in 2D space. Excellent FPD(P) detection selectivity, responding to compounds containing the P atom, produces clear 2D GC × GC plots with little interference from complex hydrocarbon matrices. Limits of detection (LOD) were within the range of 0.0021-0.048 µmol L(-1), and linear calibration correlation coefficients (R(2)) for all 37 P-compounds were at least 0.998. The P-compounds were spiked in 2% diesel and good reproducibility for their response areas and retention times was obtained. Spiked recoveries were 88%-157% for 5 µg L(-1) and 80%-138% for 10 µg L(-1) spiked levels. Both (1)tR and (2)tR shifts were noted when the content of diesel was in excess of 5% in the matrix. Soil samples were analyzed by using the developed method; some P-compounds were positively detected. In general, this study shows that GC × GC-FPD(P) is an accurate, sensitive and simple method for P-compound analysis in complicated environmental samples.

Fast comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography method for fatty acid methyl ester separation and quantification using dual ionic liquid columns.

Safflower oil is a complex mixture of C18 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids amongst other fatty acids, and achieving separation between these similar structure components using one dimensional gas chromatography (GC) may be difficult. This investigation aims to obtain improved separation of fatty acid methyl esters in safflower oil, and their quantification using comprehensive two-dimensional GC (GC×GC). Here, GC×GC separation is accomplished by the coupling of two ionic liquid (IL) column phases: the combination of SLB-IL111 with IL59 column phases was finally selected since it provided excellent separation of a FAME standard mixture, as well as fatty acids in safflower and linseed oil, compared to other tested column sets. Safflower oil FAME were well separated in a short run of 16min. FAME validation was demonstrated by method reproducibility, linearity over a range up to 500mgL(-1), and limits of detection which ranged from 1.9mgL(-1) to 5.2mgL(-1) at a split ratio of 20:1. Quantification was carried out using two dilution levels of 200-fold for major components and 20-fold for trace components. The fatty acids C15:0 and C17:0 were not reported previously in safflower oil. The SLB-IL111/IL59 column set proved to be an effective and novel configuration for separation and quantification of vegetable and animal oil fatty acids.

Evaluation of Coptidis Rhizoma-Euodiae Fructus couple and Zuojin products based on HPLC fingerprint chromatogram and simultaneous determination of main bioactive constituents.

CONTEXT: Coptidis Rhizoma-Euodiae Fructus couple (CEC) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine preparation consisting of Coptidis Rhizoma and Euodiae Fructus at the ratio of 6:1, and used to treat gastro-intestinal disorders. Alkaloids are the main bioactive component. This research provides comprehensive analysis information for the quality control of CEC. OBJECTIVE: To develop a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection fingerprint for chemical composition characteristics of CEC and its products. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were separated with a Gemini C18 column by using gradient elution with water-formic acid (100:0.03) and acetonitrile as mobile phase. Flow rate was 1.0 mL/min and detection wavelength was 250 nm. Similarity analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were employed to evaluate quality consistencies of analytes. Mean chromatograms and correlation coefficients of analytes were calculated by the software "Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of Traditional Chinese Medicine". RESULTS: Fingerprint chromatogram comparison determined 20 representative general fingerprint peaks, and the fingerprint chromatogram resemblances are all better than 0.988. Consistent results were obtained to show that CEC and its related samples could be successfully divided into three groups. Contribution plots generated by PCA were performed to interpret differences among the sample groups while peaks which significantly contributed to classification were identified. Seven bioactive constituents in the samples were verified by quantitative analysis. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The chromatographic fingerprint with similarity evaluation and PCA assay combined with quantification of seven compounds could be utilized as a quality control method for the herbal couple.

Chemical characterisation of two Australian-grown strawberry varieties by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

The volatile compositions of two strawberry varieties ('Albion' and 'Juliette') grown in Australia were analysed with comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) combined with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (ToFMS). A suitable data processing method was created that should be sufficiently robust to compare sample chromatograms within a harvest season as well as between seasons with relative ease. Ninety-four compounds were tentatively or positively identified between the two varieties of which 20 have apparently not been previously reported to be components of strawberry volatiles. It was determined that Albion and Juliette have comparable total soluble solids content close to 11°Brix. However, since Juliette exhibited a lower titratable acidity content than Albion, it consequently has a slightly larger sugar/acid ratio. The presence of 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-(2H)-furan-3-one (furaneol) was detected only in Juliette and this variety also had a higher area percentage of 2,5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-(2H)-furan-3-one (mesifuran), according to the sampling protocol. These experimental results offer possible explanations as to why Juliette is perceived to have a sweeter flavour than Albion.

Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling and differentiation of ginseng roots according to cultivation age using variable selection.

Ginseng roots are an important herbal resource worldwide, and the adulteration of ginseng with age is recognized as a serious problem. It is therefore crucial to develop objective criteria or standard protocols for differentiating ginseng root samples according to their cultivation age. The reported study used GC/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis with variable selection to obtain metabolic profiling and an optimal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) model for the differentiation of ginseng according to cultivation age. Relative levels of various metabolites, such as amino acids, alcohols, fatty acids, organic acids, and sugars, were measured for various ginseng cultivation ages. Increasing cultivation age resulted in the production of higher levels of panaxynol and panaxydol, which are active polyacetylene compounds in ginseng. In addition, optimized PLS-DA models for the prediction of ginseng age were obtained by selecting variables based on a variable importance in the projection cut-off value of 1.3. Proline, glucaric acid, mannose, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, myoinositol, panaxydol, and panaxynol are suggested as key and relevant compounds with which to differentiate the age of ginseng samples. The findings of this study suggest that GC/MS-based metabolic profiling can be used to differentiate ginseng samples according to cultivation age.

Component correlation between related samples by using comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry with chemometric tools.

A chemometric strategy has been developed to discover component difference and similarity between two chromatograms (correlation) by using comprehensive two-dimensional (2D) gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS). It allows for rapid determination of the presence or absence of analytes of interest in both pure and overlapping peak clusters, and then locates elution windows of target components. First, representative elution windows of analytes are extracted from the 2D GC×GC map to characterize the spectral space and further construct an orthogonal projection matrix for analysis. Next, multi-component spectral correlative chromatography (MSCC) is employed to scan the whole or pre-selected GC×GC-TOFMS data range to obtain component features. An auto-correlative projection curve is proposed to assess the projection residual from MSCC by defining a new evaluation index as reference, based on fixed-size moving window evolving factor analysis. In principle, the method can also be utilized to locate specific compounds whose known spectra are available. It is not restricted by data with high homoscedastic and heteroscedastic noise. Simulated GC-MS data and an extremely complicated herbal product mixture comprising 9 herbs demonstrates that the two-dimensional correlative distribution graph is effective for chemical interpretation between GC×GC-TOFMS data. It allows discovery of information buried in this type of highly complex dataset, especially for rapid and effective data comparison, where specific molecular identity might otherwise be hidden.

Simple preparative gas chromatographic method for isolation of menthol and menthone from peppermint oil, with quantitative GC-MS and (1) H NMR assay.

The quantitative performance of a simple home-built preparative gas chromatography (prep-GC) arrangement was tested, incorporating a micro-fluidic Deans switch, with collection of the target compound in a deactivated uncoated capillary tube. Repeat injections of a standard solution and peppermint sample were made into the prep-GC instrument. Individual compounds were eluted from the trapping capillary, and made up to constant volume. Chloronaphthalene internal standard was added in some cases. Recovered samples were quantitatively assayed by using GC-MS. Calibration linearity of GC-MS for menthol standard area response against number of injections (2-20 repeat injections) was excellent, giving R(2) of 0.996. For peppermint, menthol correlation over 2-20 repeated injections was 0.998 for menthol area ratio (versus IS) data. Menthone calibration for peppermint gave an R(2) of 0.972. (1) H NMR spectroscopy was conducted on both menthol and menthone. Good correspondence with reference spectra was obtained. About 80 µg of isolated menthol and menthone solute was collected over a sequence of 80 repeat injections from the peppermint sample, as assayed by 600 MHz (1) H NMR analysis (∼100% recovery for menthol from peppermint). A procedure is proposed for prediction of number of injections required to acquire sufficient material for NMR detection.