Press Release

March, 2010

An extra GC dimension at your finger tip

Separation of compounds in complex samples using a single GC column can be challenging, especially if those compounds cover a wide polarity range. The patented GERSTEL Selectable 1D/2D-GC/MS System performs routine single dimensional GC/MS analysis and, with the click of a mouse, can be switched to perform two-dimensional separation when needed for more complex matrices. Interesting sections of the chromatogram can be collected and concentrated from multiple runs to isolate trace compounds, for example for trouble shooting when off-odors are detected in a product. All this is performed with just one GC/MS system under integrated software control using the GERSTEL MAESTRO software.

GERSTEL now offers a solution that can be used for routine analysis as well as for special challenges. The patented GERSTEL Selectable 1D/2D-GC/MS is a flexible system, based on a single standard GC/MS instrument. It is both a routine analysis system and a complex problem solving system that offers heart-cutting and two-dimensional separation on demand.  Because of this dual functionality, when questions arise regarding a section of the standard one-dimensional chromatogram, the section in question can be transferred to a 2nd dimension, i.e. a GC column with different polarity to further increase separation. Both columns are installed in the same GC and are heated independently using Low Thermal Mass (LTM) technology. The process of cutting a section of a chromatogram and introducing it to another column is called heart-cutting. The 1D/2D system can be used to determine analytes in either the 1st or the 2nd dimension in a flexible manner. Neither the GC run, nor analyte detection is interrupted during the run. Detection of the analytes that were transferred to the 2nd column follows using the same detector(s) used for the 1st dimension: MSD, Olfactory Detection Port (ODP), PFPD etc. etc. Should lower detection limits be required for the analyte in question, the system enables heart-cutting from multiple repeat injection, with cryofocusing of the sections that were cut, on a GERSTEL Cryo Trap System (CTS). The accumulated sections are then transferred to the 2nd dimension once there is sufficient mass on column to perform the determination. The complete system is controlled from the GERSTEL MAESTRO software, fully integrated with the GC/MS software. One method and one sequence table controls the complete system for simple and error-free operation. 

For more information about this or other Product News Releases, please contact:

Kaj Petersen
Marketing Manager
GERSTEL GmbH & Co. KG
Phone:  +49 208 765 0327
Fax:   +49 208 76503-66
E-mail:  kaj_petersen(at)gerstel.de