Gas Chromatography + Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Basis

Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique that combines GC separation capability with selectivity and sensibility of mass detector. This “blend” allows identify, isolate, analyze, and quantify volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in complex mixes with a high degree of efficiency.

Applications

• Qualitative (by relative percentages) & quantitative (by performing calibration curve with a commercial standard) determinations;
• Quali-quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile compounds in essential oils of medicinal plants and spices;
• Determination bacterial lipid profiles (sterols, fatty acids);
• Aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), FAMEs;
• We have experience on Headspace GC-MS: technique used for determination of volatile organic compounds from solid or liquid matrixes;
• Developments of analytic methods upon request.

Sample types

We adapt to any kind of matrix.

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) + Tandem Mass Spectrometry (MS/MS) / UV-Visible Spectroscopy / Refractive Index Detector (RI)

Basis

Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) is a very powerful analytical technique. It combines the ability of physical separation that offers liquid chromatography with the sensibility and selectivity of tandem mass detector. This methodology enables the isolation, detection, classification and quantification of specific organic compounds in very complex mixtures or matrixes.

Applications

• Pre-analysis service: solid-phase extractions (SPE) (C18 / silica columns), liquid-liquid extractions with solvents, filtrations, drying by inert N₂ flow or freeze-drying over different matrixes, before LC analysis;
• Direct infusions, with syringe bomb, of pure compounds;
• Profile of secondary metabolites on plant extracts, e.g. phenolic compounds;
• Determination of bacterial fermentation products by using HPLC-UV-RI;
• Quantification of carbon sources (sugars / alcohols) in culture media by using the HPLC-RI (Refractive Index) technique;
• Quantification of intracellular metabolites of bacteria, e.g. CoAs pools, phosphorylated metabolic intermediaries;
• Molecular weights determination of synthetic / natural polymers by using Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) method with chloroform as mobile phase. Polydispersity Index (PD), Weight Average Molecular Weight (M_w) and Number Average Molecular Weight (M_n) calculations.

Sample types

We adapt to any kind of matrix.

NMR-1D-1H analysis

• Analysis of samples (in chloroform or aqueous solutions): Recording of 1H unidimensional spectra, spectra interpretation and identification of protons resonances.