John Chasse

Applying UHPLC–quadrupole-orbital trap MS–based untargeted metabolomics to evaluate psychrotrophic lactic acid bacteria as kimchi starters revealed strain-specific suppression of pathogen metabolic pathways, linking enhanced low-temperature antimicrobial performance to distinct metabolic inhibition mechanisms relevant for improving microbial safety in fermented foods.

A joint study between William & Mary (Williamsburg, Virginia) and James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Virginia) analyzed volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from commercially produced and locally sourced kombucha products using gas chromatography–time-of-flight mass spectrometry and flame ionization detection (GC-TOF-MS/FID) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with TOF-MS and FID (GC×GC-TOF-MS/FID). LCGC International spoke with Sarah Foster, lead author of the paper resulting from this study, about the team’s findings and the key takeaways from this study.

University of Erlangen–Nuremberg researchers applied a bottom-up proteomics workflow centered on microflow liquid chromatography (microLC) coupled to ion mobility quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (QTOF-MS) to authenticate walnut products and detect adulteration with cashew, hazelnut, and peanut.

Researchers compared leaf and in vitro callus extracts of Eucalyptus camaldulensis using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) to assess phytochemical composition and bioactivity. Callus extracts contained a greater diversity and higher abundance of secondary metabolites, including flavonoids and key volatiles such as 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, and sabinene. Bioassays showed superior anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in callus-derived oils, surpassing standard drugs, highlighting tissue culture as a powerful tool for enhancing natural therapeutic compounds.

Malaria causes nearly one million deaths annually, prompting the search for new vector-control strategies. Inspired by chimpanzee behavior in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, researchers analyzed essential oils from four local tree species—three used for chimpanzee nesting—using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). A mixture of key compounds showed toxic and irritant effects on malaria-carrying mosquitoes, suggesting chimpanzee-inspired, plant-based repellents as a sustainable approach to the prevention of the disease.

Headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME) GC–MS was used by researchers to analyze concrete samples from a Michigan City basement after a 2022 confession to a 2017 murder in which the body was never recovered. The analysis detected multiple volatile organic compounds (VOCs) associated with human decomposition, indicating a body had decomposed in the room for an extended period. This study marked the first successful legal use of VOC evidence from concrete in Indiana and helped support the suspect’s conviction.

A recent review article highlights evolving MS-based methodologies that are reshaping ligand discovery and mechanistic characterization for membrane protein drug targets. LCGC International spoke to Andrew Reiter and Dina Schuster, two of the authors of the article, about these methodologies.

A chromatographic approach based on isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) was used to objectively quantify serum cotinine as a biomarker of environmental tobacco smoke exposure in non-smoking women. The findings highlight the value of HPLC–MS/MS chromatography for sensitive biomarker quantification in epidemiological studies and support the role of second-hand smoke as a modifiable risk factor for pelvic inflammatory disease.

A spatially resolved proteomics workflow was established by combining nanosecond mid-infrared laser layer-by-layer ablation of human corneal tissue with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The approach provided insights into metabolic activity, immune function, and wound-healing processes within individual corneal layers, demonstrating the power of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography for elucidating corneal biology, disease mechanisms, and potential pharmacological targets.

A validated chromatographic method was developed for monitoring organochlorine pesticide residues in sesame seeds using QuEChERS sample preparation coupled with gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). The results demonstrate that QuEChERS combined with GC–MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode provides a robust, efficient, and reliable chromatographic solution for routine food safety monitoring and regulatory compliance in sesame seed analysis.

A comprehensive analytical strategy combining inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with untargeted liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was applied to evaluate the chemical composition of commercially available tattoo inks in Australia. The results demonstrate the critical role of LC–MS/MS-based chromatography in uncovering previously uncharacterized toxicants in tattoo inks and underscore the need for harmonized regulatory frameworks and routine chromatographic surveillance to ensure consumer safety.

Rapid native hydrophobic interaction chromatography–mass spectrometry methods have been developed using ammonium tartrate, enabling robust drug-to-antibody ratio and drug load distribution characterization, as well as real-time process analytical technology monitoring of antibody–drug conjugates bioconjugation without complex multidimensional workflows. LCGC International spoke to Bingchaun Wei of the research team about these methods.

Researchers used Design of Experiments approach to optimize gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC–FID) for essential oil analysis. The harmonized GC method enables robust, reproducible separation of 87 terpenes using a single column and sample preparation protocol, improving efficiency, standardization, and sustainability for essential oil quality control.

Researchers evaluated the antibacterial activity of shiitake mushroom extracts prepared with different solvents and characterized their bioactive constituents using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Ethyl acetate extracts showed the strongest antibacterial effects against multiple pathogens, while chromatographic analysis identified ergosterol and linoleic acid as key antimicrobial contributors.

In a valproic acid–induced autism rat model, voluntary exercise improved social and cognitive behaviors by reshaping gut microbiota and metabolic signaling. Gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS)–based chromatographic analyses revealed exercise-driven changes in short-chain fatty acids and neurotransmitters, with fecal microbiota transplantation reproducing these behavioral and metabolic benefits.

Researchers validated a sensitive and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for simultaneous quantification of 6-MP, 6-TG, and 6-MMP in red blood cells. Demonstrating excellent linearity, accuracy, and precision, the approach supports routine therapeutic drug monitoring and advances personalized thiopurine therapy.

Researchers from the Department of Chemistry at Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan) report that they have developed a label-free quantitative native proteomics workflow using native capillary zone electrophoresis–mass spectrometry (nCZE-MS) to profile endogenous protein assemblies, or complexoforms, in a complex biological sample. LCGC International spoke to the resulting paper’s authors, Fei Fang and Liangliang Sun, about this work.

Researchers investigated grape stem extracts as a sustainable source of bioactive phenolic compounds, combining ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with antioxidant activity assessment, demonstrating that the stems, typically discarded during winemaking, can be effectively used to design and optimize functional products with enhanced antioxidant capacity

Researchers used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to characterize changes in plasma and tissue amino acids in rat models of high-fat and high-sugar diets, high salt intake, and genetic or induced hypertension, revealing distinct and tissue-specific metabolic signatures.

A recent study analyzed 76 soy sauces with the Chinese liquor baijiu as a base aged from 2010 to 2024 using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying systematic aging trends in 77 volatile compounds, with esters generally decreasing and acids and alcohols increasing over time.

In a recent study, researchers compared five dry-processing fermentation methods for natural coffees, using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), gas chromatography (GC), and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to link sugars, fatty acids, and chlorogenic acids with sensory outcomes.

LCGC International spoke to Lina Mikaliunaite, lead author of a recent paper presenting the first GC×GC–TOF-MS-based investigation of the pH-dependent volatome of M. pachydermatis, demonstrating the power of advanced multidimensional chromatography and chemometrics for resolving complex microbial VOC profiles.

A new validated liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) protocol for acrylamide (AA) detection in infant formula was developed using sequential hydration, acetonitrile (ACN) precipitation, and dual-sorbent clean-up, which minimized matrix effects and ensured clarity and high reproducibility.

Researchers identified two novel selenium-containing peptides from selenium-enriched oysters that strongly inhibit ACE, improve vascular function, and outperform captopril in vitro, highlighting their promise as natural antihypertensive ingredients.

A recent study investigated the nutritional composition, bioactive compounds, and in vitro rumen fermentation characteristics of two tropical seaweeds, brown seaweed (Sargassum binderi) and green seaweed (Kappaphycus striatum), as potential functional feed additives for ruminant livestock profiled amino acids and fatty acids using HPLC and GC-FID, respectively.

To characterize the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) content and migration potential of winter gloves and conduct a screening-level risk assessment of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) glove exposures in children aged 2-6 (considering both hand-to-mouth transfer and dermal absorption), experimental data were generated through total fluorine analysis, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS), and leachate testing of individual glove components across eight glove brands.

Research conducted by the Department of Food Science and Technology of Oregon State University and the Legacy Research Institute of Dow Neurobiology addressed this gap by developing a standardized aroma lexicon and associated sensory methodology, supported by GC-MS analysis of terpenes and terpenoids plus GC-PFPD analysis of volatile sulfur compounds. LCGC International spoke to Thomas H. Shellhammer of Oregon State University about this work.

Aiming to determine the presence of heroin, fentanyl, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), xylazine, and other substances in Tijuana and Mexicali, Baja California, researchers randomly selected 300 drug residues from confiscated syringe plungers. After analyzing them with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and BTNX test strips for ATS and fentanyl and its analogs, the test strips showed a high positive predictive value of 81% when compared with GC–MS.

Research conducted at the Federal University of Pelotas (Brazil) investigated the formulation of oleogels based on Butia seed oil and their potential as a replacement for hydrogenated fats in cookies. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to determine the fatty acid profile and identify and quantify volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

UHPLC-QTOF metabolomics and the Global Natural Products Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform revealed 185 secondary metabolites in Egyptian blue lily, which link flavonoid-rich flowers to antioxidant neuroprotective potential activities.