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This proof-of-principle study shows that dynamic headspace sampling with thermal desorption–gas chromatography–time‑of-flight mass spectrometry (TD–GC–TOF-MS) analysis can be used to investigate the complex aroma profiles released from flavoured cookies. Key flavour compounds in chocolate-chip, peanut, and orange-cream cookies are highlighted, and the effect of raising the headspace extraction temperature is examined.

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A rapid and sensitive ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) method was developed to simultaneously determine six plant growth regulators in bean sprouts with a simple preparation. Analyte extraction from samples was effectively performed using liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) by acetonitrile. Chromatographic separation was conducted on a C18 reversed-phase column with gradient elution. The analytes were detected by tandem quadrupole MS after negative electrospray ionization by multiple reaction monitoring. The developed method was validated by testing method specificity, matrix effect, sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision.

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A preview of RAFA 2017, which will be held 7–10 November 2017 in Prague, Czech Republic.

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Combinations of detectors are often used in gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) to measure absolute molar masses or chemical compositions as a function of elution volume. Such multidetector setups require the correction of the delay volume between the detectors for correct data processing. This instalment of Tips & Tricks explains more.

The ability to rapidly screen stationary phases through column-switching capabilities provides significantly greater efficiency in method development than was previously possible. The approach does require some additional hardware and software. And, while such capabilities may limit the ability to expand one’s literary knowledge during excessive months in the laboratory developing separation methods, real progress to key decision points for method optimization can be realized instead.

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Dual flow chromatography (DFC) separations are performed with back and forth flow for rapid method development, design of experiments (DOE), quality-by-design (QbD), or high-throughput chromatographic purification. Although different than conventional unidirectional flow through chromatography, chromatographic principles still control the separations. Selectivity coefficients and Langmuir adsorption isotherms control the separation chemistry properties of the column and dictate the mobile phase conditions needed to achieve separation. However, the kinetic rates of diffusion and interaction of mobile phase molecules with the stationary phase, column channeling, and other column properties are not germane to the practice of DFC. Chromatographic conditions developed with DFC can be scaled to any size, including laboratory and industrial preparative columns.

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This month marks another major milestone for LCGC: 35 years of successfully publishing “solutions for separation scientists.” I would be remiss if I did not thank you, our readers, as well as the tireless staff that work so hard to bring you this publication every month. In kind, I would also like to thank our columnists for their helpful contributions and willingness to share their expertise with our audience. Our advertisers also deserve a round of applause for supporting our business and counting on us to deliver successful products across the industry.

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For this 35th anniversary issue of LCGC North America, we asked leading separation scientists what they foresee for the future. Their essays are insightful and thought provoking.