LCGC TV: Trends in Sample Preparation

Torsten C. Schmidt on Novel Extraction Methods for GC Torsten C. Schmidt of the University Duisburg-Essen in Germany recently developed an in-tube extraction (ITEX) method for headspace sampling of beer prior to gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). In this video, he explores whether ITEX sampling can be used for all types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and goes on to explain what makes carbon-based nano materials good sorbents.

Torsten C. Schmidt from the University Duisberg-Essen in Germany discusses how solvent-free microextraction techniques in gas chromatography have developed since their introduction in the mid-1980s, and the advantages of solvent-free microextraction techniques compared to purge-and-trap enrichment.

A single drop of blood represents a complex mixture of biological compounds including phospholipids, proteins, and salts. Frederic Lynen of Ghent University in Belgium discusses the possibilities of a HILIC-based SPE approach to remove phospholipids from blood samples, its applicability to other organic molecules, and how it benefits the chromatographer in practice.

Advances in mass spectrometry instrumentation have opened up the field of metabolomics, but there are still issues with non-standardized sampling and sample preparation methods. Tuulia Hyötyläinen from the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland discusses the vast range of sample matrices and gives advice on best practices.

Anthony Gravell of Natural Resources Wales discusses the principles of passive sampling and the advantages of the technique over spot sampling when screening water samples for environmental contaminants. He also gives an overview of the challenges and considerations that have to be made when performing LC–MS on passive sampling extracts.

There are some interesting shifts going on in sample preparation. In this new short video interview, Doug Raynie of South Dakota State University discusses current trends with respect to both liquid and solid samples.