Mass Spectrometry

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Measuring volatile phenols in wine is essential in ensuring superior wine quality. A new analytical technique, called solid-phase mesh-enhanced sorption from headspace (SPMESH), was modified with direct immersion (DI) conditions and coupled to direct analysis in real time–mass spectrometry (DART–MS) to be used to detect smoke taint in winemaking.

Glen Jackson, Professor of Forensic and Investigative Science at West Virginia University, presented an "Expert Algorithm for Substance Identification (EASI): A New Paradigm for Mass Spectral Identifications" at SciX 2021, where it earned the FACSS Innovations Award. These awards are given for the most innovative and outstanding new research advancements debuted orally at the SciX Conference. Jackson spoke to Current Trends in Mass Spectrometry about his presentation.

The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products used every day by millions of people is a cause of concern among both consumers and scientists. PFAS found in drinking water and the environment can cause serious health issues in animals and humans. Amanda Belunis, who is a PhD candidate at the University of Maryland in Baltimore County, has been investigating the use of liquid chromatography­­–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) to detect PFAS from a variety of environmental sources. She spoke with us about methods used to detect PFAS and described a new method that she and her team have developed to enhance PFAS detection.

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QuEChERS has been updated to suit modern instrumentation. Now also “efficient and robust,” QuEChERSER is a “mega-method” that covers a wider polarity range.

Stefan A. Pieconzonka and Philippe Schmitt-Kopplin have profiled diverse beer samples by rapid flow-injection analysis (FIA) Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry (FTICR–MS). Here, they discuss their approach to this analysis, along with the significance of the Maillard Reaction (MR) in beer quality and analysis.

Interest in three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is expanding rapidly. What impact can it have in mass spectrometry? Robert Winkler, of the Center for Research and Advanced Studies Irapuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico, is exploring this question. We recently spoke with Prof. Winkler about this work.