Headspace sampling technology is defined as a solvent-free sample preparation technology designed to sample a gaseous or vapor phase in equilibrium (or not) with a solid or liquid matrix in order to characterize its composition. Since its introduction in the late 1950s, it has been used in the field of flavors and fragrances and has played a fundamental and active role in the development of knowledge regarding the definition of ingredients, odor formation and sensory properties of matrices and their components[1]. The headspace sampling technology provided by Alfa Chemistry is an integral part of the creative process of flavors and fragrances. Our technology department will establish close partnerships with you to assist with any tricky analytical challenges that you may encounter in product development.
Common headspace sampling technologies
Headspace sampling technologies include, but are not limited to the following.
- Static and dynamic headspace: Static and dynamic headspace technologies have been successfully employed in the quantitative analysis of flavor and fragrance materials. Static headspace analysis allows the quantification of the release of only the most abundant compounds. In contrast, dynamic headspace is an enrichment technology whereby sufficient amounts of compounds can be obtained and subsequently examined by information rich detectors.
Figure 1. Diagram of static and dynamic headspace system:
(a) a static headspace-gas chromatography sampling system with headspace sample transferred to gas chromatography by both manual and automatic suction and conventional gas chromatography injection; (b) a dynamic headspace sampling system[1].
- Solid-phase microextraction (SPME): SPME is a is a simple, sensitive, and fast microextraction technology, which means that the amount of extraction solvent is very small compared to the sample volume. The use of SPME in sample preparation has been continuously increasing over the last decade. In the field of flavors and fragrances, it is most often used for the extraction of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and also for trace analysis of compounds in complex matrices.
Figure 2. SPME holder used in gas chromatography.
- Headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE): Stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) is an extraction technology for enrichment of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from aqueous and gaseous media. Tienpont and Bicchi applied sorptive extraction to headspace sampling almost contemporarily and named it HSSE. HSSE was developed as an extension of SBSE for sampling in vapor phase. It is based on the sorption of analytes onto a thick film of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coated on the magnet of a stir bar incorporated into a glass jacket. HSSE has been applied to headspace sampling of several matrices, including aromatic plants, the volatile fraction of French olive oil, and more.
Figure 3. Schematic diagram of (a) PDMS stir bar and (b) HSSE sampling device[2].
Headspace sampling is a unique sample preparation and cleanup technology, developed in parallel with gas chromatography techniques. Alfa Chemistry is a pioneer in the path of technological innovation. If you are not only interested in the flavor and fragrance industry, but also have an in-depth knowledge of headspace sampling technology, please feel free to contact us. We will work with you to explore new possibilities.
References:
- Bicchi, C.; et al. Headspace sampling in flavor and fragrance field. Comprehensive Sampling and Sample Preparation. 2012, 4: 1-25.
- Bicchi, C.; et al. Headspace sorptive extraction (HSSE), stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE), and solid phase microextraction (SPME) applied to the analysis of roasted arabica coffee and coffee brew. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002, 50(3): 449-459.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic or therapeutic procedures.
