A new Approach for Sample Adsorption and Extraction of Volatile and Semi-Volatile Components in Food Analysis

MonoTrap™ is a state-of-the-art tool for the extraction and analysis of volatile and semi-volatile components by MMSE (Monolithic Material Sorption Extraction). MMSE using MonoTrap offers a number of key advantages over alternative methods for adsorption and extraction (eg SBSE, SPME). Conventional media for sampling generally exhibit low surface area and thin polymer coatings, which may lead to poor recovery and the need for prolonged extraction times. Based on state-of-the-art silica monolith technology, MonoTrap has a large surface area due to the pores within the silica skeleton, whilst the through-pores reduce the resistance to flow. The result is a medium that requires no pre-conditioning, exhibits fast adsorption and extraction and offers complete desorption with ease.

These advantages have demonstrated excellent benefits in food analysis and many other areas. A range of applications has been identified including the analysis of red wine, coffee, tea, mango juice, curry powder, bread, mushroom fragrance, soy sauce, sesame oil, fresh and spoiled cabbage, seaweed, cigarettes, maple syrup and others. Copies of all application notes are available on request from Hichrom Ltd at technical@hichrom.co.uk.

Sample adsorption with MonoTrap has been demonstrated to work using headspace sampling, direct contact sampling and passive sampling techniques. Sample extraction can be achieved using either solvent extraction or thermal desorption. Please contact Hichrom Ltd for further information on MonoTrap.