The ADvanced Volatile Organic Chemical Analysis Through Enrichment (ADVOCATE) platform is a versatile two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry system, with automated sample extraction robotics. Samples can be introduced to the system from headspace, HiSorb (high capacity sorbtive extraction probes), thermal desorption, and liquid injection methods. Focussing trap technology allows multiple samples/extracts to be ‘stacked’ prior to injection, thereby concentrating VOC compounds and facilitating greater accuracy in identification. This is especially useful for analysis of low abundance or trace compounds in samples. The system also has an olfactometry port, allowing for simultaneous odour and mass spectral characterisation of compounds. Applications include: food analysis, biomarker discovery, environmental ecology, air quality analysis, soil analysis, and breath analysis, as well as comprehensive chemometrics to identify distinguishing features between samples types or experimental treatments.
