Thermal Desorption Unit for Gas Chromatographic Mass Spectrometric Analyses

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One of the Hillier lab's primary foci is the investigation of alternative management strategies using chemical ecology of insect pheromones and/or volatile emissions from plants. To facilitate this need, we use gas-chromatography to identify and characterize useful naturally-occurring chemical compounds for use in insect pest management. By characterizing such compounds, we can then examine the resultant behavioural and neurophysiological consequences, and develop new tools for insect pest management. Funds are requested to purchase a thermal desorption unit (TDU) to expand utilization of current equipment in our laboratory. Thermal desorption involves directly heating a material (e.g. insect, plant, soil) to release adsorbed compounds from it and directly injects the material into a GCMS (Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer) for identification and analysis. Furthermore, this allows for selective collection of volatiles and concentration of analytes with specific sorbents, thermal ranges, and gas flow. Since this technique does not require solvents, it also minimizes contamination or loss via dilution. Finally, this technique has recently become very practical for analysis of volatiles from small invertebrates, as living samples may be inserted directly into analytical tubes and heated for direct analyte collection. This proposal requests an upgrade of this device, which will be essential to expanding my research program (and others) to encompass new experimental protocols, faster throughput on analyses, and the creation of a landmark facility for training students and professionals. By enhancing the capabilities of this infrastructure, it is anticipated that this technology will permit multiple collaborations within the agricultural and forestry sectors, having potential to expand this research in Atlantic Canada.