Shimadzu Scientific Instruments’ new Multi-Dimensional Gas Chromatography system (MDGC) expands the capabilities of chemists who perform target compound analyses in complex sample matrices, including natural product extracts, food and flavor components, and biological extracts.
Traditionally, a single-column approach to these analyses has proven to be problematic because the complex nature of the matrices makes the separation of the target analytes from matrix interference extremely difficult. This new multidimensional heart-cutting system, incorporating a “multi-Deans switch,” greatly increases separation power by combining two capillary columns of different selectivity for a more efficient separation of the target analytes from a complex sample matrix. The improved separation of the analytes from the matrix interferences allows more positive identification and improved quantitative analysis of the target analytes.
The key hardware component of the MDGC system is a capillary-optimized pressure switching device (“multi-Deans switch”) that directs flow from the first column directly to a monitor detector or to the second column and detector. This device has no moving parts, but is based on the use of an advanced electronic flow controller to balance the pressure on both sides of the transfer line between columns. Multiple heart-cuts can be made from the first column without shifting the retention times of compounds eluting after the cuts, greatly simplifying method development.