Name: a two-step pyrolysis-gas chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection for identification of tattoo ink ingredients and counterfeit products
Uploaded: 2019-05-22T15:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products at JoVE

This work was supported by the intramural research project (SFP #1323-103) at the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR).

1. Tattoo ink preparation and sample mounting
<ol>
	<li>Use a 25 mm hollow glass pyrolysis tube as a sample holder and quartz wool for sample preparation.
	<ol>
		<li>Grab the pyrolysis tube with the specialized tweezers for pyrolysis tubes (bake out for decontamination) and insert the necessary amount of quartz wool with pointed tweezers into the tube.</li>
		<li>Insert two steel sticks (bake out for decontamination) at each side of the pyrolysis tube and compress the wool into a 1&#8211;2 mm thick stopper. The stoppe...

<ol>
	<li>Dirks, M., Serup, J., Kluger, N., B&#228;umler, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=.">.</a> Tattooed skin and health. Vol. 48. Current Problems in Dermatology. , 118-127 (2015).</li><li>Engel, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Establishment+of+an+extraction+method+for+the+recovery+of+tattoo+pigments+from+human+skin+using+HPLC+diode+array+detector+technology.">Establishment of an extraction method for the recovery of tattoo pigments from human skin using HPLC diode array detector technology.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 78 (15), 6440-6447 (2006).</li><li>Poon, K. W. C., Dadour, I. R., McKinley, A. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+chemical+analysis+of+modern+organic+tattooing+inks+and+pigments+by+micro-Raman+spectroscopy.">In situ chemical analysis of modern organic tattooing inks and pigments by micro-Raman spectroscopy.</a> Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. 39 (9), 1227-1237 (2008).</li><li>Timko, A. L., Miller, C. H., Johnson, F. B., Ross, V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+vitro+quantitative+chemical+analysis+of+tattoo+pigments.">In vitro quantitative chemical analysis of tattoo pigments.</a> Archives of Dermatology. 137, 143-147 (2004).</li><li>Boon, J. J., Learner, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Analytical+mass+spectrometry+of+artists'+acrylic+emulsion+paints+by+direct+temperature+resolved+mass+spectrometry+and+laser+desorption+ionisation+mass+spectrometry.">Analytical mass spectrometry of artists' acrylic emulsion paints by direct temperature resolved mass spectrometry and laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry.</a> Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis. 64, 327-344 (2002).</li><li>Hauri, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inks+for+tattoos+and+permanent+make-up+/+pigments,+preservatives,+aromatic+amines,+polyaromatic+hydrocarbons+and+nitrosamines.">Inks for tattoos and permanent make-up / pigments, preservatives, aromatic amines, polyaromatic hydrocarbons and nitrosamines.</a> Department of Health, Kanton Basel-Stadt. Swiss National Investigation Campaign. , (2014).</li><li>Bocca, B., Sabbioni, E., Mi&#269;eti&#263;, I., Alimonti, A., Petrucci, F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Size+and+metal+composition+characterization+of+nano-+and+microparticles+in+tattoo+inks+by+a+combination+of+analytical+techniques.">Size and metal composition characterization of nano- and microparticles in tattoo inks by a combination of analytical techniques.</a> Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry. 32 (3), 616-628 (2017).</li><li>Schreiver, I., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synchrotron-based+nano-XRF+mapping+and+micro-FTIR+microscopy+enable+to+look+into+the+fate+and+effects+of+tattoo+pigments+in+human+skin.">Synchrotron-based nano-XRF mapping and micro-FTIR microscopy enable to look into the fate and effects of tattoo pigments in human skin.</a> Scientific Reports. 7, 11395 (2017).</li><li>Taylor, C. R., Anderson, R. R., Gange, R. W., Michaud, N. A., Flotte, T. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Light+and+electron+microscopic+analysis+of+tattoos+treated+by+Q-switched+ruby+laser.">Light and electron microscopic analysis of tattoos treated by Q-switched ruby laser.</a> Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 97, 131-136 (1991).</li><li>Namduri, H., Nasrazadani, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Quantitative+analysis+of+iron+oxides+using+Fourier+transform+infrared+spectrophotometry.">Quantitative analysis of iron oxides using Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometry.</a> Corrosion Science. 50 (9), 2493-2497 (2008).</li><li>Burgio, L., Clark, R. J., Hark, R. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Raman+microscopy+and+x-ray+fluorescence+analysis+of+pigments+on+medieval+and+Renaissance+Italian+manuscript+cuttings.">Raman microscopy and x-ray fluorescence analysis of pigments on medieval and Renaissance Italian manuscript cuttings.</a> Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. 107 (13), 5726-5731 (2010).</li><li>Manso, M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Assessment+of+toxic+metals+and+hazardous+substances+in+tattoo+inks+using+Sy-XRF,+AAS+and+Raman+spectroscopy.">Assessment of toxic metals and hazardous substances in tattoo inks using Sy-XRF, AAS and Raman spectroscopy.</a> Biological Trace Element Research. 187 (2), 596-601 (2017).</li><li>Yakes, B. J., Michael, T. J., Perez-Gonzalez, M., Harp, B. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Investigation+of+tattoo+pigments+by+Raman+spectroscopy.">Investigation of tattoo pigments by Raman spectroscopy.</a> Journal of Raman Spectroscopy. 48 (5), 736-743 (2017).</li><li>Yang, S. -. H., Shen, J. Y., Chang, M. S., Wu, G. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Differentiation+of+vehicle+top+coating+paints+using+pyrolysis-gas+chromatography/mass+spectrometry+and+multivariate+chemometrics+with+statistical+comparisons.">Differentiation of vehicle top coating paints using pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and multivariate chemometrics with statistical comparisons.</a> Analytical Methods. 7, 1527-1534 (2015).</li><li>Schreiver, I., Hutzler, C., Luch, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Data+from:+Two-step+pyrolysis-gas+chromatography+method+with+mass+spectrometric+detection+for+identification+of+tattoo+ink+ingredients+and+counterfeit+products.">Data from: Two-step pyrolysis-gas chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection for identification of tattoo ink ingredients and counterfeit products.</a> Dryad Digital Repository. , (2019).</li><li>Schreiver, I., Hutzler, C., Andree, S., Laux, P., Luch, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+and+hazard+prediction+of+tattoo+pigments+by+means+of+pyrolysis&#8212;gas+chromatography/mass+spectrometry.">Identification and hazard prediction of tattoo pigments by means of pyrolysis&#8212;gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.</a> Archives of Toxicology. 90 (7), 1639-1650 (2016).</li><li>Ghelardi, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Py-GC/MS+applied+to+the+analysis+of+synthetic+organic+pigments:+characterization+and+identification+in+paint+samples.">Py-GC/MS applied to the analysis of synthetic organic pigments: characterization and identification in paint samples.</a> Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 407 (5), 1415-1431 (2015).</li><li>Russell, J., Singer, B. W., Perry, J. J., Bacon, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+identification+of+synthetic+organic+pigments+in+modern+paints+and+modern+paintings+using+pyrolysis-gas+chromatography-mass+spectrometry.">The identification of synthetic organic pigments in modern paints and modern paintings using pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.</a> Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 400 (5), 1473-1491 (2011).</li><li>Silva, M. F., Domenech-Carbo, M. T., Fuster-Lopez, L., Mecklenburg, M. F., Martin-Rey, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Identification+of+additives+in+poly(vinylacetate)+artist's+paints+using+PY-GC-MS.">Identification of additives in poly(vinylacetate) artist's paints using PY-GC-MS.</a> Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry. 397 (1), 357-367 (2010).</li><li>Peris-Vincente, J., Baumer, U., Stege, H., Lutzenberger, K., Gimeno Adelantado, J. V. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+commercial+synthetic+resins+by+pyrolysis-gas+chromatography/mass+spectrometry:+application+to+modern+art+and+conservation.">Characterization of commercial synthetic resins by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: application to modern art and conservation.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 81, 3180-3187 (2009).</li><li>Kleinert, J. C., Weschler, C. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pyrolysis+gas+chromatographic-mass+spectrometric+identification+of+polydimethylsiloxanes.">Pyrolysis gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric identification of polydimethylsiloxanes.</a> Analytical Chemistry. 52 (8), 1245-1248 (1980).</li><li>Scalarone, D., Chiantore, O. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Separation+techniques+for+the+analysis+of+artists'+acrylic+emulsion+paints.">Separation techniques for the analysis of artists' acrylic emulsion paints.</a> Journal of Separation Science. 27 (4), 263-274 (2004).</li><li>Sonoda, N. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+organic+azo-pigments+by+pyrolysis-gas+chromatography.">Characterization of organic azo-pigments by pyrolysis-gas chromatography.</a> Studies in Conservation. 44, 195-208 (1999).</li><li>Chiantore, O., Scalarone, D., Learner, T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Characterization+of+artists'+crylic+emulsion+paints.">Characterization of artists' crylic emulsion paints.</a> International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization. 8 (1), 67-82 (2003).</li><li>Schossler, P., Fortes, I., Figueiredo J&#250;nior, J. C. D., Carazza, F., Souza, L. A. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Acrylic+and+Vinyl+Resins+Identification+by+Pyrolysis-Gas+Chromatography/Mass+Spectrometry:+A+Study+of+Cases+in+Modern+Art+Conservation.">Acrylic and Vinyl Resins Identification by Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry: A Study of Cases in Modern Art Conservation.</a> Analytical Letters. 46 (12), 1869-1884 (2013).</li><li>Wallisch, K. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Pyrolysis+of+random+and+block+copolymers+of+ethyl+acrylate+and+methyl+methacrylate.">Pyrolysis of random and block copolymers of ethyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate.</a> Journal of Applied Polymer Science. 18, 203-222 (1974).</li><li>Hauri, U. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inks+for+tattoos+and+PMU+(permanent+make-up)+/+Organic+pigments,+preservatives+and+impurities+such+as+primary+aromatic+amines+and+nitrosamines.">Inks for tattoos and PMU (permanent make-up) / Organic pigments, preservatives and impurities such as primary aromatic amines and nitrosamines.</a> State Laboratory of the Canton Basel City. , (2011).</li></ol>

Py-GC-MS is a useful screening method for a broad range of substances in tattoo inks that can also be used for the analysis of other products. Compared to other methods, py-GC-MS can be conducted with only minimal sample preparation. GC-MS devices can be found in most analytical laboratories compared to more specialized methods such as MALDI-ToF-MS and EDX.
The data evaluation of pyrograms may be challenging, since the list of possible ingredients is infinite in theory and library searches tha...

Tattoo inks are complex mixtures consisting of pigments, solvents, binders, surfactants, thickening agents, and, sometimes, preservatives1. The increased popularity of tattooing in the last decades has led to the establishment of legislation addressing tattoo ink safety across Europe. In most instances, color-giving pigments and their impurities are restricted and therefore should be monitored by state laboratory market surveys to control their compliance with law.
Using the approach of online pyrolysis-gas chromatography mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) described here, multiple ingredients can be identified simultaneously. Since volatile, semi-volatile and non-volatile compounds can be separated and analyzed within the same process, the variety of target compounds is high compared to other methods used for tattoo ink analysis. Liquid chromatography methods are mostly carried out with pigments solubilized in organic solvents2. Raman spectroscopy as well as Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy have been described as suitable tools for the identification of pigments and polymers but are limited with multi-ingredient mixtures since no separation technique is used in standard laboratory applications3,4. Laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LDI-ToF-MS) has also been used for pigment and polymer identification5,6. Altogether, most methods lack the analysis of volatile compounds. The lack of suitable commercial spectral libraries is a common disadvantage of all of these methods. The identification of inorganic pigments has often been carried out with either inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)7,8 or energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX)4,9. Also, FT-IR and Raman spectroscopy have been used for the analysis of inorganic pigments such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides in other research fields10,11,12,13.
The goal of this study was to establish a method applicable in standard analytical laboratories with moderate financial costs to upgrade existing and common devices. Py-GC-MS as described here is a non-quantitative approach for identification of organic ingredients from mixtures. Upon identification of suspicious substances in a py-GC-MS screening, target substances can be quantified with more specialized approaches. It is especially interesting for the analysis of non-volatile and non-soluble substances like pigments and polymers.
The described method can be adapted for inks and varnishes in other fields of application. The data evaluation methods described are applicable to all pyrolysis investigations. Also, counterfeit products, mostly from Asian markets, display a potential source of risk to the consumer and a financial burden to manufacturers (personal communication at the 3rd ECTP in Regensburg, Germany, 2017). The method described here can be used to compare the characteristics of putative counterfeit inks to an original bottle, similar to published forensic approaches for car varnish identification14.

<table>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>99.999% Helium carrier gas</td>
			<td>Air Liquide, D&#252;sseldorf, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5975C inert XL MSD with Triple-Axis Detectors</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>7890A gas chromatograph</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>AMDIS software (Version 2.7)</td>
			<td>The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>can be used for GC/MS peak integration, e.g. for transfer to pyrogram evaluation software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Cold Injection System (CIS)</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>electron impact (EI) source</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Enhanced ChemStation (E02.02.1431)</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>used to generate Average Mass Spektra (AMS), can be used for peak integration and standard GC/MS library search</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>J&#38;W HP-5MS GC Column, 30 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 &#181;m, 5975T Column Toroid Assembly</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>29091S-433LTM</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MassHunter Software</td>
			<td>Agilent Technologies, Waldbronn, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>no Version specified, can be used for GC/MS peak integration and standard GC/MS library search</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Microcapillary tube Drummond Microcaps, volume 2 &#181;L</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA</td>
			<td>P1549-1PAK</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>MS ChromSearch (Version 4.0.0.11)</td>
			<td>Axel Semrau GmbH &#38; Co. KG, Sprockh&#246;vel, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>specialized pyrogram evaluation software</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NIST MS Search Program (MS Search version 2.0g)</td>
			<td>The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>used for MS and AMS library generation and corresponding substance search with selfmade and commercial libraries</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>NIST/EPA/NIH Mass Spectral Library (EI) mainlib &#38; replib (Data version: NIST v11)</td>
			<td>The National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, USA</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>used commercial mass spectral library</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Polystyrene (average Mw ~192,000)</td>
			<td>Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA</td>
			<td>430102-1KG</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pyrolysis tubes, tube type - quartz glass - lenght 25 mm; 100 Units</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>018131-100-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Pyrolyzer Module for TDU</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Quartz wool</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>009970-076-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Steel sticks</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU 2)</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Transport adapter</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>018276-010-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Tweezers for Pyrolysis tubes</td>
			<td>Gerstel, M&#252;hlheim, Germany</td>
			<td>009970-074-00</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Zebron Z-Guard Hi-Temp Guard Column, GC Cap. Column 10 m x 0.25 mm, Ea</td>
			<td>Phenomenex Ltd. Deutschland, Aschaffenburg, Germany</td>
			<td>7CG-G000-00-GH0</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

a two-step pyrolysis-gas chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection for identification of tattoo ink ingredients and counterfeit products

Tattoo inks are complex mixtures of ingredients. Each of them possesses different chemical properties which have to be addressed upon chemical analysis. In this method for two-step pyrolysis online coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (py-GC-MS) volatile compounds are analyzed during a first desorption run. In the second run, the same dried sample is pyrolyzed for analysis of non-volatile compounds such as pigments and polymers. These can be identified by their specific decomposition patterns. Additionally, this method can be used to differentiate original from counterfeit inks. Easy screening methods for data evaluation using the average mass spectra and self-made pyrolysis libraries are applied to speed up substance identification. Using specialized evaluation software for pyrolysis GS-MS data, a fast and reliable comparison of the full chromatogram can be achieved. Since GC-MS is used as separation technique, the method is limited to volatile substances upon desorption and after pyrolysis of the sample. The method can be applied for quick substance screening in market control surveys since it requires no sample preparation steps.

The method includes a two-step chromatographic approach for each sample (Figure 1). In the first run, the sample is dried inside the injector system at 90 &#176;C before volatile compounds are transferred onto the column. Since the drying process is incomplete in most cases, residual solvents and volatile compounds are transferred and analyzed. In the second run, the previously dried sample is subsequently pyrolyzed to facilitate the analysis of non-volatile ...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products at JoVE

A Two-Step Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography Method with Mass Spectrometric Detection for Identification of Tattoo Ink Ingredients and Counterfeit Products

This method for two-step pyrolysis online coupled to gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection and data evaluation protocol can be used for multi-component analysis of tattoo inks and discrimination of counterfeit products.

Tattoo inks are complex mixtures of ingredients. Each of them possesses different chemical properties which have to be addressed upon chemical analysis. ...

Research

JoVE Journal

Chemistry

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-HRMS)

Untargeted Metabolomics from Biological Sources Using Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography-High Resolution Mass Spectrometry UPLC-HRMS

Here we present a workflow to analyze the metabolic profiles for biological samples of interest including; cells, serum, or tissue. The sample is first ...

Mass Spectrometric Approaches to Study Protein Structure and Interactions in Lyophilized Powders

Amide hydrogen/deuterium exchange (ssHDX-MS) and side-chain photolytic labeling (ssPL-MS) followed by mass spectrometric analysis can be valuable for ...

Visualization of Ambient Mass Spectrometry with the Use of Schlieren Photography

This manuscript outlines how to visualize mass spectrometry ambient ionization sources using schlieren photography. In order to properly optimize the mass ...

A Straightforward Method for Glucosinolate Extraction and Analysis with High-pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)

A Straightforward Method for Glucosinolate Extraction and Analysis with High-pressure Liquid Chromatography HPLC

Glucosinolates are a well-studied and highly diverse class of natural plant compounds. They play important roles in plant resistance, rapeseed oil ...

A Convenient Method for Extraction and Analysis with High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography of Catecholamine Neurotransmitters and Their Metabolites

The extraction and analysis of catecholamine neurotransmitters in biological fluids is of great importance in assessing nervous system function and ...

A Two-Step Protocol for Umpolung Functionalization of Ketones Via Enolonium Species

&#945;-Functionalization of ketones via umpolung of enolates by hypervalent iodine reagents is an important concept in synthetic organic chemistry. ...

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy

Versatile CO2 Transformations into Complex Products: A One-pot Two-step Strategy

CO2 transformations using a one-pot two-step method are presented herein. The purpose of the method is to give access to a variety of value-added products ...

Mass Spectrometry-Guided Genome Mining as a Tool to Uncover Novel Natural Products

The chemical space covered by natural products is immense and widely unrecognized. Therefore, convenient methodologies to perform wide-ranging evaluation ...

Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Paired with Total Vaporization Solid-Phase Microextraction as a Forensic Tool

Gas Chromatography &#8211; Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is a frequently used technique for the analysis of numerous analytes of forensic interest, including ...

Radiosynthesis of 1-(2-[18F]Fluoroethyl)-L-Tryptophan using a One-pot, Two-step Protocol

Radiosynthesis of 1-2-[18F]Fluoroethyl-L-Tryptophan using a One-pot, Two-step Protocol

The kynurenine pathway (KP) is a primary route for tryptophan metabolism. Evidence strongly suggests that metabolites of the KP play a vital role in tumor ...