PAH determination in food analysis
The PAH Analyzer allows for automated analysis including sample preparation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For this purpose, the sample extract is put into the analyzer and the automated process starts with purification through a two-step LC separation and subsequent analysis by GC-MS. The basis of this analyzer, the LC-LC-GC/MS system of Agilent Technologies modules, guarantees good reproducibility at high sensitivity. An Agilent Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer of the 7000 series is the key component of the system as it allows the fast identification of PAHs with high reliability as well as their very sensitive quantification.
PAHs are formed during the incomplete burning of organic material and can enter the food chain through the environment. Furthermore, PAHs can also be formed through several food manufacturing processes. This affects especially meat- and fish products that are smoked or grilled. Strict limits exist, which have to be controlled regularly due to the adverse health effects and worldwide presence of PAHs.
Determination of PAHs is a great challenge for analysis as there is an elaborate sample preparation necessary in many instances. The automated PAH Analyzer helps to reduce working time, to increase sample throughput and simultaneously to improve the parameters sensitivity, precision, and accuracy compared to manual sample preparation.
The analyzer uses an automatic procedure based on the CHRONECT® LC-GC technology, by which an extract of a respective food sample is purified through a two-step LC separation, the PAHs are transferred into the GC and subsquently are quantified by the corresponding mass spectrometer:
Using the so-called imPAHct technology (innovative multidimensional PAH clean-up technology) in combination with the Agilent GC/MS 7000 series, the four PAH lead compounds (PAH4) as specified by the EFSA, can be analyzed with the required sensitivity and a running time of 45 minutes. When using a second pump the time can be decreased to 35 minutes.
Our video demonstrates the detailed procedure with the PAH Analyzer.