A sophisticated setup for rapid , sensitive and selective food and flavor analysis

A novel Proton Transfer Reaction – Mass Spectrometry (PTR-MS) setup for rapid, sensitive and selective food and flavor analysis is introduced and proof-of-concept measurements are presented. The setup enables rapid and sensitive analysis because of the utilization of ion transmission improving technologies, namely an ion funnel and a hexapole ion guide between the PTR drift tube and the mass spectrometer and the interfacing with an autosampler. Furthermore, the setup is highly selective because of the implementation of an advanced fastGC inlet system. Using a certified gas standard, the performance of the PTR-MS instrument is evaluated and compared to conventional devices. Finally, the combination of all instrumental components is tested in real-life conditions by analyzing nine different red wines.