We will support you in your analysis of samples via gas chromatography coupled to mass spectroscopy (GCMS) and high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC).
In the Analytics support unit, we support internal as well as external cooperation partners in their analysis of diverse samples on our GCMS device (triple quadrupole mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatography system) or on the HPLC systems (high pressure liquid chromatography system) of the IBBS. We help users to adequately prepare their samples, find the correct method for analysis and proper data evaluation. We coordinate the time slots for measurements and ensure regular service of the devices.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you plan to measure samples – we will take our time to discuss the strategy well before the actual measurements in order to obtain reasonable results.
Cooperation partners:
- Department of Plant Biotechnology
- Department of Biobased Materials
- Schuelerforschungszentrum Tuttlingen
- Institute of Space Systems
Information about the devices:
GCMS
Shimadzu GCMS TQ8040
The Shimadzu GCMS-TQ8040 device is a triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS system which was engineered for an efficient throughput of samples. The detection limits are very low, the number of detectable substances in each run is high. Measurements can be performed in different modes: You can perform a scan, a SIM (selected ion monitoring) as well as a MRM (multiple reaction monitoring).
Gas chromatography is designed for volatile substances. In order to make them volatile, samples are usually derivatised prior to analysis. Different protocols for derivatization have been established in the Analytics Facility.
Our system comprises a sampling component for more than 100 vials; it can load / inject samples automatically. The components of a sample are separated on a column (different types of columns exist). In the mass spectrometer, molecules are fragmented (electron collision) and separated as well as detected according to the mass/charge ratio (m/z). A spectrum of the relative abundance as a function of the m/z-ratio is obtained.
In scan mode, ions with m/z-in a selected mass range are passed to the detector; if the SIM-mode is used, only specific ions are selected. If the triple quadruple is applied, the precursor ions (which have a distinct m/z-ratio) are fragmented and the resulting ions are detected; this is a very sensitive method which can be used for quantification.
Identification of substances can be performed according to the fragmentation pattern using databases (NIST 17). The analysis of the chromatograms is performed employing the GCMSsolution, version 4.45 software.
Our system allows qualitative as well as quantitative analysis of samples.
HPLC
Thermo Dionex ICS-6000 DC / DP
The Thermo Dionex ICS-6000 is a high pressure liquid chromatography system for ion chromatography. It can be used to detect soluble substances in samples. A temperature-controlled sampler which can hold up to 100 sample vials is available. Depending on the type of sample and the desired method of analysis, you can choose between a column coupled to a conductivity detector (f. i. to detect inorganic anions or carbonic acids) or with subsequent detection based on pulsed amperometric detection (f. i. for carbohydrates). After the injection, components contained in a sample are separated based on interaction with solid and liquid phases before recording by the respective detector. The analysis of the chromatograms is performed using the Chromeleon software, version 7.2.10 ES. Data can be exported for further analyses.
Our system is mainly used for quantitative analysis of samples.
Team
Gabi Kepp
Technical assistant
Simon Stutz
Dr.Post Doc