Development of a Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Research Thrust at SwRI, 15-R8223
Principal Investigators
Mark Libardoni
Kristin Favela
Inclusive Dates: 04/06/11 – Current
Background — Volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds are some of the most widely studied samples. Traditional analytical methods rely on single dimension gas chromatography (GC) coupled to selective detectors or mass selective detectors (MS). More recently, the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) as an advanced analytical tool has gained significant popularity for complex sample analysis, target species in a heavy matrix, and screening of difficult samples compounds below traditionally reported LODs. Recent advances to GCxGC instrumentation have made this technique more robust to routine analysis, complex sample screening and the simultaneous quantitative detection of compounds found within. This multi-year project will introduce GCxGC to SwRI and explore the opportunities that make it a viable analytical tool for advanced analysis of complex mixtures, trace level detection of target compounds and future hardware development for space applications.
Approach — The development of a GCxGC thrust at SwRI is divided into two sub-projects. The first is establishing GCxGC as a routine analytical tool, thus increasing the outreach exposure and analytical capabilities of the Institute to provide advanced separation techniques to current and future clients. Application avenues in the field of metabolomics (small molecule metabolites for healthy and diseased states) as well as environmental screening are being investigated and pursued. The second sub-project involves developing advanced GCxGC methodology and space flight hardware. Sample inlet systems, thermal and valve-based modulator development to support portable and flight-ready GCxGC systems as well as advanced detectors are being investigated.
Accomplishments — Researchers successfully demonstrated the use of GCxGC in metabolomic and environmental samples. A GCxGC developmental laboratory has been established where students and scientists are working on advanced methodology and hardware support projects. Both efforts have let to establishing contacts with clients, resulting in collaborative projects.
