Stable isotope dilution analysis of wine fermentation products by HS-SPME-GC-MS

The aim of this study was to quantify, in a single analysis, 31 volatile fermentation-derived products that contribute to the aroma of red and white wine. We developed a multi-component method based on headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS). The 31 volatile compounds analysed include ethyl esters, acetates, acids and alcohols. Although these compounds have a range of functional groups, chemical properties, volatilities, affinities for the SPME fibre, and are found in wine at various concentrations, the accuracy of the analysis was achieved with the use of polydeuterated internal standards for stable isotope dilution analyses (SIDA). Nine of the labelled standards were commercially available, while 22 were synthesised. The method was validated by a series of duplicate spiked standard additions to model, white and red wine matrices over the concentration range relevant for each compound in wine. This demonstrated that the appropriate use of SIDA helped to account for matrix effects, for instance potential sources of variation such as the relative response to the MS detector, ionic strength, ethanol content and pH of different wine matrices. The resultant calibration functions had correlation coefficients (R²) ranging from 0.995 to 1.000. Each compound could be quantified at levels below its aroma threshold in wine. Relative standard deviations were all <5%. The method was optimised for the best compromise (over the 31 compounds) of wine dilution factor, level of sodium chloride addition, SPME fibre, SPME temperature, SPME time, GC column and MS conditions. Confirmation of identity was achieved by retention time and peak shape, and measurement of at least three ions for each analyte and internal standard with the MS operating in selected ion monitoring mode to facilitate more precise quantitation with a high sampling rate. The method is a valuable research tool with many relevant applications. A novel method for the combined chiral separation and SIDA quantification of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid is also demonstrated.     

Evaluation of two commercial solid-phase microextraction fibres for the analysis of target aroma compounds in cooked beef meat

The aroma profile of cooked beef meat has been investigated by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Out of more than 200 volatile compounds, 36 key odour-active compounds were selected for analysis. Several extraction times, desorption times, temperature conditions and fibre types were tested to achieve a fast and reproducible extraction, and a representative analysis of the aroma profile of cooked beef. Extraction conditions and fibre type significantly affected the majority of the target compounds. Divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) fibre presented a better reproducibility at all extraction times and extracted more efficiently the less volatile compounds than the carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (CAR-PDMS) fibre. The high molecular weight compounds seemed to achieve faster the equilibrium between the headspace and DVB-CAR-PDMS fibre. The use of SPME was shown to be a simple, sensitive, selective, representative, fast, and low-cost method for the evaluation of key odour-active compounds in cooked beef meat, even if further research on quantitative analysis of volatiles using SPME on solid samples has to be done.     

Strategy for the identification of key odorants: Application to shrimp aroma

The GC-SNIF technique was used to obtain the olfactograms of shrimps, and their impact odorants were identified by MS hyphenated to the GC/olfactometric system and by comprehensive two-dimensional GC hyphenated to a time-of-flight MS. Confirming these identifications by their linear retention indices required application of a new strategy to compare retention indices between both instruments and with the in-house database. The aldehydes were confirmed by using their pentafluorophenylhydrazone derivatives, and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl pyrazine had to be resolved from co-eluting compounds and then identified by multidimensional GC hyphenated to an MS and a sniff port. In both shrimp products, the most important odorants were trimethylamine, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, and 2-ethyl-3,5-dimethyl pyrazine, together with common carbonyl compounds.     

吹洗和捕集色/质联机法定量分析水中挥发性有机物

本文详细地介绍了利用吹洗和捕集色/质联机法定量分析水中挥发性有机物的原理、过程和实验中应注意的问题。该方法在严格的质量保证和质量控制(QA/QC)下,定量分析水中挥发性有机物,得到了满意的结果。     

Comparison of silica gel modified with three different functional groups with C-18 and styrene-divinylbenzene adsorbents for the analysis of selected volatile flavor compounds

A comparison of SPE cartridges produced in authors laboratory containing silica modified by addition of three functional moieties with standard C-18 and SDVB cartridges was made in terms of their applicability for the isolation of flavor compounds. Compounds found in wine and grapes were used for model mixture, which was spiked into a grape juice. Functionalized phases for SPE were prepared modifying silica gel with alkoxysilanes with different functional groups: (3-(phenylamino)-propyltrimethoxysilane, octyltriethoxysilane and octadecyl-silane. The functionalization was carried out by the dry method, which resulted 5, 10 and 20 weight parts of initial support. Functionalized phases were characterized using FT-IR, elemental analysis and NMR.Performance for new phases compared to “standard” ones (C-18 and SDVB (styrene–divinylbenzene) varied, depending on the group or type of analyzed compound. They were more efficient in extraction of methyl anthranilate and vanilins. For extraction of terpenes, C-6 alcohols, isoprenoids, benzene derivatives and phenols their efficiency was comparable to that of C-18.Functionalized laboratory-made mixed phases are suitable for extraction of flavor compounds from grape juice. They are suitable for extraction of compounds belonging to different chemical classes with the efficiency comparable to C-18 and SDVB phases. The production of such functionalized phases can be easily performed in the laboratory, at a very low cost, comparing to C-18 or SDVB cartridges. This makes the proposed functionalized phases an interesting alternative, in sample preparation for analysis and particularly in preparative/flash chromatography.     

Comparison of purge and trap GC/MS and spectrophotometry for monitoring petroleum hydrocarbon degradation in oilfield produced waters

Results of using a field spectrophotometer and its appropriate protocols as a surrogate method for an oilfield produced water treatment process is presented. Methylene chloride extractions of the produced water before and after treatment maintained a yellow color pigment that was directly proportional to the hydrocarbon concentration. From this, an absorption spectrum and standard curve were developed. A resultant linear plot of the standard curve indicated that there is an excellent correlation (r²=0.9847) between the varying concentrations and the associated absorbance values at a wavelength of 400 nm. Total n-alkane concentration comparisons between the laboratory GC/MS analysis and the spectrophotometry analysis generated data of similar accuracy and precision at concentrations ranging from 1 to 137 mg/l (alpha=0.05). Linear comparisons between GC/MS and spectrophotometric coefficients were near unity, with the constant being near zero, with a correlation coefficient (r²) of 0.99. Based on this study, spectrophotometry is a complimentary method to GC/MS for determining total n-alkane concentrations in oilfield produced water samples.     

Rapid analysis of environmental samples using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and narrow bore capillary columns

The application of SPME, a solventless extraction procedure, is demonstrated for two environmental applications. Extraction of VOCs by SPME is coupled with analysis on short narrow bore capillary gas chromatography columns. The technique is shown both as a fast screening tool and as part of an analytical procedure when combined with a mass spectrometer. Data show the linear range of the procedure. The extraction of chlorinated pesticides from hazardous wastewater and drinking water by SPME is also described in this paper. SPME is compared to traditional extraction procedures with respect to cost, time, ease of use, solvent usage, and sample usage.     

Monitoring of the principal carbonyl compounds involved in malolactic fermentation of wine by solid-phase microextraction and positive ion chemical ionization GC/MS analysis

A new method has been developed to determine acetaldehyde, 2,3-butanedione (diacetyl) and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone (acetoin) in wine by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and positive ion chemical ionization GC/MS analysis of O-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorobenzyl)-hydroxylamine (PFBOA) derivatives. For SPME, a 65-microm PEG/DVB fibre was used; chemical ionization was performed with methane as reagent gas. The best analysis-time/sensitivity compromise was to perform the PFBOA reaction at 50 degrees C for 20 min, followed by 5-min SPME at the same temperature. Quantitative analysis was performed in SCAN mode using o-chlorobenzaldehyde as internal standard (IS), on the signal of the [M + H](+) ion at m/z 240 for acetaldehyde, 266 for acetoin (corresponding to the [M + H - 18](+) ion), 282 for diacetyl (protonated mono-derivatized compound), and 336 for IS. The accuracy and repeatability of the method were suitable for the study aims, and linearity was good in the range of concentration studied, with correlation coefficients of calibration curves 0.997, 0.998 and 0.988 for acetaldehyde, diacetyl and acetoin respectively. Due to the higher polarity of acetoin with respect to other two compounds, lower sensitivity in the detection of this compound was observed. By following the variation of the three carbonyl compounds, malolactic fermentations (MLF) were monitored in Merlot wines and this was carried out in the laboratory by two different bacteria strains.     

Multivariate analysis for the classification and differentiation of Madeira wines according to main grape varieties

In order to differentiate and characterize Madeira wines according to main grape varieties, the volatile composition (higher alcohols, fatty acids, ethyl esters and carbonyl compounds) was determined for 36 monovarietal Madeira wine samples elaborated from Boal, Malvazia, Sercial and Verdelho white grape varieties. The study was carried out by headspace solid-phase microextraction technique (HS-SPME), in dynamic mode, coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Corrected peak area data for 42 analytes from the above mentioned chemical groups was used for statistical purposes. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied in order to determine the main sources of variability present in the data sets and to establish the relation between samples (objects) and volatile compounds (variables). The data obtained by GC–MS shows that the most important contributions to the differentiation of Boal wines are benzyl alcohol and (E)-hex-3-en-1-ol. Ethyl octadecanoate, (Z)-hex-3-en-1-ol and benzoic acid are the major contributions in Malvazia wines and 2-methylpropan-1-ol is associated to Sercial wines. Verdelho wines are most correlated with 5-(ethoxymethyl)-furfural, nonanone and cis-9-ethyldecenoate. A 96.4% of prediction ability was obtained by the application of stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) using the 19 variables that maximise the variance of the initial data set.     

Analysis of BTEX, PAHs and metals in the oilfield produced water in the State of Sergipe, Brazil

During oil and gas exploitation, large amounts of produced water are generated. This water has to be analyzed with relation to the chemical composition to deduce the environmental impact of its discharge after a treatment process. Therefore, a study was carried out to evaluate preliminarily the BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and metals contents in produced water samples taken from effluents of the Bonsucesso treatment plant located in the city of Carmópolis, the most important oil and gas producer in the State of Sergipe, North-east of Brazil. Three methods were optimized to determine the target compounds. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MS), volatile aromatic hydrocarbons (BTEX) by gas chromatography with photoionization detector (GC/PID) and metals were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The results showed that concentrations of the target compounds in these samples ranged from 96.7 to 1397 μg L^− 1 for BTEX, from 0.9 to 10.3 μg L^− 1 for PAHs and from 0.003 to 4540 mg L^− 1 for metals.     

Wine analysis: Study and comparison of techniques developed for the study of volatile constituents

Summary A number of headspace techniques have been compared, using a standard solution containing 12 compounds and a wine sample, viz.: (1) purge and cold trap injection; (2) dynamic headspace combined with liquidliquid extraction; (3) static headspace with and without preconcentration; (4) direct liquid injection. The sensitivity, reproducibility and speed of analysis were determined. Considering the results obtained and dependent on the purpose of the experiments and the number of samples to be examined the appropriate technique can be selected.     

Optimization of solid-phase microextraction conditions for the determination of triclosan and possible related compounds in water samples

A solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method for the determination of triclosan, methyl triclosan, 2,4-dichlorophenol and 2,3,4-trichlorophenol (considered as possible triclosan metabolites) in water samples was optimised. Analytes were first concentrated on a SPME fibre, directly exposed to the sample, and then triclosan and the two chlorinated phenols on-fibre silylated using N-methyl-N-(tert.-butyldimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (MTBSTFA). Methyl triclosan remained unaffected during the derivatization step. Compounds were determined using gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Influence of different factors on the efficiency of extraction and derivatization steps was systematically investigated. Using a polyacrylate (PA) fibre quantification limits below 10 ng/l, and acceptable relative standard deviations, were obtained for all compounds after an extraction time of 30 min. On-fibre silylation was carried out in only 10 min. Moreover, the efficiency of the procedure was scarcely affected by the type of water sample. The method was applied to several samples of treated and raw wastewater, triclosan was found in all samples, at concentrations from 120 to 14,000 ng/l, and 2,4-dichlorophenol in most of them, at levels up to 2222 ng/l.     

Response surface optimisation applied to a headspace-solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry method for the analysis of volatile organic compounds in water matrices

A new method for the simultaneous determination of 12 volatile organic compounds (trans-1,2-dichloroethene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane, trichloroethene, toluene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethene, ethylbenzene, m-, p-, o-xylene) in water samples by headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME)–gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was described, using a 100?µm PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) coated fibre. The response surface methodology was used to optimise the effect of the extraction time and temperature, as well as the influence of the salt addition in the extraction process. Optimal conditions were extraction time and temperature of 30?min and ?20°C, respectively, and NaCl concentration of 4?mol?L^?1. The detection limits were in the range of 1.1?×?10^?3–2.3?µg?L^?1 for the 12 volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Global uncertainties were in the range of 4–68%, when concentrations decrease from 250?µg?L^?1 down to the limits of quantification. The method proved adequate to detect VOCs in six river samples.     

Development of continuous on-line purge and trap analysis

An on-line purge and trap system for continuous monitoring of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) is presented. The purge chamber was designed for continuous extraction of VOC from water with nitrogen. The analytes were preconcentrated on a microtrap prior to analysis by GC with flame ionization detection. The microtrap served as a fast injection device for carrying out analysis at high frequency. Continuous monitoring was accomplished by performing injections at fixed intervals. This system showed high sensitivity, high precision, detection limits at the ppb level, and stable response over long periods of continuous operation. Factors affecting system performance were studied. A predictive model based on gas-liquid partitioning is also presented.     

吹扫捕集-GC-MS-SIM法测定水中挥发性硫化合物

建立了水中的二硫化碳(CS2)、甲硫醚(DMS)和二甲二硫醚(DMDS) 3种挥发性硫化合物分析方法.采用吹扫-捕集对水中的被测成分进行预富集,然后导入GC-MS系统中在选择离子模式(SIM)下进行检测.CS2、DMS和DMDS 3种硫化合物分别在0.03～3.42 μg/L,0.17～2.72 μg/L和0.04～3.41 μg/L范围内线性关系良好,相关系数r分别为0.9967、0.9930和0.9959;在不同的浓度下,平行测定5次后的相对标准偏差均小于6.0%;方法检出限为3.75,11.33和2.10 ng/L.     

Comparison of the volatile aroma components in noble rotted grape berries from two different locations of the Tokaj wine district in Hungary

The most famous wine type of Hungary is Tokaji Aszú. Noble rotted botrytised (Aszú) grape berries and a specific vinification technology give its unique delicious aroma and taste. The present work compares volatile aroma components of noble rotted Aszú grape berries from two different locations in the Tokaj wine district. Aszú grape berries have been soaked in 10% ethanol-containing water solutions and thereafter extracted with Freon 11. Volatile components were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total ion chromatograms contained 220-260 components. More than 80 components are identified, among them alcohols, aldehydes, acids, acetals, esters, epoxides, nitrils, furan derivatives and lactones. The compositional differences between the two Aszú grape samples are analysed according to the different component classes. The differences are quantitative rather than qualitative. Some δ-lactones are identified for the first time in noble rotted berries from Tokaj. These substances have very characteristic odor notes such as coconut, chocolate, peach, fruity. Together with the identified γ-lactones they seem to be characteristic aroma components of Tokaji Aszú wines.     

Improved method for extraction of aroma compounds in aged brandies and aqueous alcoholic wood extracts using ultrasound

This work presents a rapid method for dichloromethane extraction of aroma compounds from brandies and aqueous-alcoholic wood extracts, in brandy-like ageing conditions, using ultrasound. The dichloromethane extracts were injected in split mode on a gas chromatographic (GC) system, separated on a DB-WAX capillary column and detected by flame ionisation. The method allowed satisfactory quantification of 37 volatile compounds in brandies (alcohols, esters, acids, furanics, aldehydes and phenols) and 16 volatile compounds in aqueous-alcoholic oak extracts. Linear responses were obtained (0.99-1.00). The repeatability and the detection and quantification limits were also evaluated. The analysis of spiked samples showed that matrix effects do not affect the method performance for the majority of the volatile compounds analysed.     

Analysis of volatile organic compounds in wastewater during various stages of treatment for high-tech industries

Summary A protocol combining purge-and-trap (P&T) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was established for the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the wastewater plant of high-tech industries. Over 60 VOCs could be analyzed by P&T coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (P&T-GC-MS). Four polar VOCs commonly used in the high-tech industries were determined by SPME coupled to gas chromatography/flame ionization detection (SPME-GC-FID). The limits of detection for the analytes were less than 1.1 μg L⁻¹ with P&T-GC-MS, and between 1.5 and 12.5 μg L⁻¹ with SPME-GC-FID. Satisfactory recoveries (83% to 130%) were obtained. Real samples were analyzed from a wastewater treatment plant during various stages of treatment. The major pollutant in the wastewater influent was found to be acetone (>4 ppm).     

New needle packed with polydimethylsiloxane having a micro-bore tunnel for headspace in-needle microextraction of aroma components of citrus oils

A novel in-needle microextraction (INME) for headspace sampling evaluated in this study has significantly higher extraction speed and the practical merits of a durable stainless steel needle to overcome some exposed fiber related drawbacks. A prototype stainless steel needle (Hamilton 90022, 22 gauge bevel tip, 51 mm length) packed with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, 0.413 mm O.D., 10 mm length) having a micro-bore (200 μm I.D.) tunnel was prepared as a new INME device. This needle with a barrel and a plunger is then inserted and exposed into the headspace over the sample. Headspace sampling can be speeded up by an automatic reciprocating pump. The extraction parameters have been optimized along with the validation of method performance. The methodology has been applied for the analysis of volatile aroma active components emitted from eight kinds of citrus essential oils by GC-FID or GC/MS. The proposed method showed excellent linearity, reproducibility, and low detection limit. This solventless technique is simple to operate, inexpensive to fabricate, and provides a facile means for collecting and introducing volatile aroma active components of essential oils.     

Quantification of selected aroma compounds in e-cigarette products and toxicity evaluation in HUVEC/Tert2 cells

During recent years, the number of consumers using so-called e-cigarettes, which are electrical devices to aerosolize a liquid consisting of propylene glycol, glycerol, optional nicotine and flavoring chemicals, has been increasing. Aromas vary from common flavors such as mint to more unusual flavors such as buttermilk or pepperoni pizza. Consumers today can buy e-concentrates that consist of propylene glycol and aroma to blend their own desired flavor at home. Little is known about the composition and concentration of various aroma molecules in the different e-liquids and e-concentrates. In addition, the process of EU-wide regulation is still ongoing. The aim of this research study was to identify and quantify possible undesirable aroma compounds in e-liquids and e-concentrates. Flavoring chemicals such as estragole, benzaldehyde and cinnamaldehyde were quantified. The measurements were carried out on a GC–MS system. The results show the presence of highly concentrated flavoring compounds and limonene oxide in lemon-flavored e-concentrates. In the final step, samples and single-aroma standards were tested for their toxicity to HUVEC/Tert2 cells, where some single-flavoring chemicals such as cinnamic aldehyde revealed significant toxic effects.