The versatility of MS-hyphenated GC forms for targeted and non-targeted analysis

Classical targeted analysis aims at quantifying one of some well-known analytes in the sample, considering the remaining chemical domains as interference and superfluous. In doing this, the entire analytical workflow, from the sample preparation to the data elaboration, is selectively optimized towards the defined analyte. However, advances in multidimensional gas chromatography, mass spectrometry and high-throughput data processing capabilities have instigated a paradigm shift in molecular analysis over the past decades [1-2]. Their combo makes up a final hyphenated high-resolution technique, allowing the separation and monitoring of many more analytes and chemical domains in the samples. This idea of non-targeted analysis is the driving approach of the modern omics sciences for the discovery and understanding of complex systems. The presentation will showcase examples of targeted and non-targeted analysis exploiting gas chromatography and its multidimensional form (GC×GC) coupled to mass spectrometry over a wide range of applications [3-6]. References [1] Peter Q. Tranchida, Flavio A. Franchina, Paola Dugo, Luigi Mondello. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: Recent evolution and current trends. Mass Spectrometry Reviews 35, 4 (2016) 524-534. https://doi.org/10.1002/mas.21443 [2] Delphine Zanella, Monica Romagnoli, Sofia Malcangi, Marco Beccaria, Tatiana Chenet, Chiara De Luca, Fabio Testoni, Luisa Pasti, Ugo Visentini, Giampiero Morini, Alberto Cavazzini, Flavio A. Franchina. The contribution of high-resolution GC separations in plastic recycling research. Analitycal and Bioanalitycal Chemistry, 415 (2023) 2343–2355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-023-04519-8 [3] Flavio A. Franchina, Delphine Zanella, Lena M. Dubois, Jean-François Focant. The role of sample preparation in multidimensional gas chromatographic separations for non-targeted analysis with the focus on recent biomedical, food, and plant applications. Journal of Separation Science 44, 1 (2021) 188-210 https://doi.org/10.1002/jssc.202000855 [4] Delphine Zanella, Jean-François Focant, Flavio A. Franchina. 30 th Anniversary of comprehensive two- dimensional gas chromatography: Latest advances. Analytical Science Advances, 2, 3-4 (2021) 213-224 https://doi.org/10.1002/ansa.202000142 [5] Peter Q. Tranchida, Flavio A. Franchina, Luigi Mondello. Analysis of essential oils through comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography: General utility. Flavour and Fragrance Journal, 32, 4 (2017) 218-227 https://doi.org/10.1002/ffj.3383 [6] Sofia Malcangi, Monica Romagnoli, Marco Beccaria, Martina Catani, Tatiana Chenet, Chiara De Luca, Simona Felletti, Luisa Pasti, Alberto Cavazzini, Flavio A. Franchina. Modern sample preparation approaches for small metabolite elucidation to support biomedical research Advances in Sample Preparation, 2 (2022) 100017 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sampre.2022.100017