Today's Messages

The Chemistry Department is hosting a graduate student seminar on Thursday, March 12, during Bengal Pause (12:15 pm to 1:30 pm) in SAMC 151. Our speaker will be Anna Killingbeck, a graduate student in the MS Forensic Science program. Please find the seminar title and abstract below. 

Title: Qualitative drug analysis of hair extracts by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry 

Abstract

This presentation explores the application of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC/TOFMS) for qualitative drug analysis in hair extracts as detailed in the scientific composition, “Qualitative drug analysis of hair extracts by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography/time-of-flight mass spectrometry” authored by Guthery, B., Bassindale, T., Bassindale, A., Pillinger, C., and Morgan, G., and published in the Journal of Chromatography in 2010. GC × GC offers significant advantages over conventional single-dimensional gas chromatography (1D-GC) by providing enhanced resolution and sensitivity for complex matrices. The TOF mass spectrometer, with its rapid spectral acquisition (≤500 spectra/s) and unit mass resolution, facilitates effective mass spectral deconvolution, even for low-intensity peaks. Compared to 1D-GC and other conventional instrumentation, GC × GC/TOFMS improves signal-to-noise ratios, reduces noise from column bleed, and increases peak capacity by an order of magnitude.  This study demonstrates the ability of GC × GC/TOFMS to identify illicit drugs, prescription medications, and their metabolites in hair samples, providing a comprehensive profile of drug use.  The presentation will delve into the mechanics of GC × GC/TOFMS, highlighting its superior chromatographic separation and sensitivity, and discuss its potential as a complementary tool to high-sensitivity mass spectrometry platforms for forensic and clinical toxicology applications.