Almsco has introduced a GC/MS method that enables scientists to screen for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in complex apple matrices, without any dependence on extensive sample clean-up.
The high-definition method, which is one component of the company's extensive food safety offering, is designed to offer optimal sensitivity without comprising speed of analyses and selectivity.
This application is detailed in a poster entitled 'Environmental and food safety screening of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by GC(xGC)/TOF MS without dependence on extensive sample clean-up'.
POPs, including pesticides and dioxins, are chemical compounds produced by human activity and are widely distributed in the environment by natural processes, persisting for many years after forming.
They become more concentrated as they move up the food chain and food is therefore the most common source of human exposure to these dangerous substances.
Pesticides are often used to prevent, destroy and control pests on food crops and can leave residues on agricultural products.
This poses a risk to consumers and consumption can result in effects ranging from short-term health problems such as headaches and dizziness to long-term damage to the nervous system and, in some cases, cancer.
Continuous monitoring of pesticides in food is essential in controlling exposure and facilitating regulatory compliance.
Traditionally, in food industries and quality control (QC) laboratories, samples can be rapidly and quantitatively screened for compliance in fast analytical cycles by using triple-quadrupole GC/MS.
However, when bringing new MRM methods online or adding more compounds to existing methods, it can be difficult to analyse for new and potentially toxic compounds in complex matrices.
High-definition GC/MS technology, such as Almsco's bench-top time-of-flight (TOF) BenchTOF-dx, is said to be a cost-effective technique for the selective, sensitive and precise detection of low-level pesticides in food samples.
The new method developed by Almsco analyses pesticides in a complex apple matrix and enables analysts to screen for both known and unknown compounds at much lower levels with a high degree of definition and clarity.
Sample components can be clearly identified, quantified and differentiated from one another, while also retaining the required attributes of speed and selectivity.
With high-definition GC/MS technology, samples can be prepared more quickly and analysed with higher throughput, while also fulfilling regulatory requirements.
In this method, researchers analysed 23 pesticides in a complex apple matrix using the GC/TOF technology.
The results show that a BenchTOF-dx platform enables extraction at sub-unit mass, substantially reducing matrix effects.
When combined with comprehensive GCxGC technology, sub-unit mass extraction offers the possibility to further extend the list of analytes that can be screened in a single analysis within a given time.
This method enables high performance and productivity pesticide analysis and the sensitivity of the BenchTOF-dx removes the need for extensive sample clean-up.
Enhanced productivity is especially beneficial in cases of increased sample demands, for example during a food safety crisis.
