Two-dimensional gas chromatography system, coupled to olfactometry, flame ionization detector as well as a time of flight mass spectrometer.

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For a comprehensive sample analysis within a large number of ongoing and applied projects in the fields of sensory sciences (e.g. aroma and odor characterization, metabolite profiles), food chemistry (e.g. reactive food ingredients, lipidomics) and geology (e.g. volatile components of aquatic biogeochemical processes), a powerful, undirected analysis is required. An analysis using GCxGC-ToF-MS is indispensable in order to analyse the respective sample extracts according to the state of the art and to achieve optimal separation results. This is not possible with the heart-cut systems currently available in the research group, as these only separate selected eluents via two columns, which is why the target-compound analysis represents the primary focus here. However, the sensitivity and resolution of these systems is not suitable for sample screening (non-target analysis), especially for trace components. GCxGC modulation allows the separation of complex extracts with coeluting analytes. Due to the high resolution paired with the resulting useful application of multivariate data analysis, it is possible to detect statistical differences between samples with complex compositions. The sample composition can be determined in its full complexity and unknown active components can be evaluated qualitatively as well as quantitatively. Especially, for the planned research activities in the field of "volatilomics" and "metabolomics" as an integral part of analytics in the sensory sciences, this technology coupled with a time-of-flight mass-spectrometer (ToF-MS) is a prerequisite. By implementing the GCxGC-ToF-MS technology in the FAU laboratories, this requirement for non-target analytics will be created. This is essential for successful research in food chemistry (food safety and quality, aroma and odor research), environmental sciences (geology) and occupational medicine. The proposed GCxGC-ToF-MS is an ideal and highly flexible solution for several analytical challenges faced by research at FAU and will contribute significantly to the continuous expansion of the internationally relevant scientific success.