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Rapid Aroma Profiling of Cheese using a Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor with TD–GC/MS Analysis

12 May 2014

This application note describes a method to analyze the aroma profiles of cheese using the Markes International Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ with thermal desorption (TD) and GC/MS. . Various cheeses are examined and compared, and it is demonstrated how this ‘multi-hyphenated’ technique allows rapid yet powerful assessment of the released VOCs.

Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor

Markes International Ltd

  Fast sampling of emissions from products and materials. The Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor™ (µ-CTE™) is a versatile and compact unit with up to six small cylindrical chambers that enables the sampling of chemicals released from products or materials. Released volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) are collected onto sorbent tubes for analysis by TD–GC–MS. The capability of the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor has been further extended by the release of the Humidifier Accessory, which supplies the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor with air or gas at up to 50% relative humidity.   Features: The four-chamber model has a chamber volume of 114 mL and a maximum temperature of 250°C The six-chamber model has a chamber volume of 44 mL and a maximum temperature of 120°C Volatiles are collected on sorbent tubes for analysis by TD–GC–MS; also compatible with DNPH cartridges for formaldehyde monitoring No sample preparation needed – simply place the material in the chamber A constant flow of heated air or gas ensures rapid production of a representative VOC/SVOC profile Results can be correlated with longer-term reference methods Construction from inert-coated stainless steel – compatibility with reactive or thermally labile chemicals Accessories allow surface-only sampling or permeation testing  An optional humidifier accessory (available for both models of microchamber) supplies air/gas at up to 50% relative humidity to allow closer simulation of conditions used in reference tests and to enhance the recovery of some less-volatile polar compounds   Benefits: Save time and money by minimising the need for third-party reference tests Convienient and fast – test multiple samples in minutes, not days, for efficient quality control Confidence in results – Data from the Micro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor has been shown to correlate with longer-term reference-test results Avoid tedious and time-consuming sample preparation – simply place your sample in the microchamber Complies with international standard methods ISO 12219-3 (interior air of road vehicles) and ASTM D7706 (rapid screening of VOC emissions from products) Peace-of-mind – you are buying a quality product from the recognised leader in thermal desorption instrumentation   Applications: RMicro-Chamber/Thermal Extractor analysing Rapid emissions screening of materials used indoors and in vehicles, especially to aid compliance with regulations and safety labels Product R&D and formulation of lower-emitting products Testing of raw materials and production-line quality control Comparison with competitors’ products Testing permeation of vapours through materials Aroma profiling of foods or fragranced materials  

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Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Thermal Analysis EquipmentThermal analysis equipment is used for measuring heat flow, weight loss, dimension changes or thermomechanical properties and is important for analyzing a material’s performance and stability. Thermal analysis equipment includes differential scanning calorimeters (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzers (TGA), thermomechanical analyzers (TMA), dilatometers, thermometers, vapor sorption analyzers, boiling and melting point apparatus. Thermal analyzers can reveal properties such as melting, crystallization and glass transitions or other processes such as oxidation, decomposition, volatilization, as well as coefficients of thermal expansion and modulus. Find the best thermal analysis equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.GC-MS GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry) instruments and equipment are used to separate, quantify and identify mixtures of small and volatile compounds, such as polycyclic aromatics, fatty acids and alcohols. Often used in drug detection, forensic investigation and environmental analysis for pesticides and contaminants, GC-MS is a powerful addition to your lab’s analytical capabilities. GC-MS/MS instruments equipped with a qTOF or triple quadrupole analyzers can give greater sensitivity and resolution to your analysis. Find the best GC-MS instruments and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that have a low boiling point. Some VOCs are harmful to human health, whereas others can be used to determine the shelf-life of foods samples. CheeseFood FraudFood adulteration refers to food when it has been has been altered unlawfully with the addition of another lower commodity food product to increase quantity. The 2013 European horsemeat scandal saw the adulteration of beef products with the addition of horse meat.Aroma Profiling