Innovative Technique for Extraction of VOCs

Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry Innovative Technique for Extraction of VOCs

2026-11-03 Source: Press release Gerstel 2 min Reading Time

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Gerstel, Agroscope, and CTC Analytics have launched Vacuum In-Tube Extraction, an innovative, fully automated technique for the extraction and enrichment of volatile organic compounds for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry.

With the new Vacuum In-Tube Extraction (V-Itex) system, Gerstel, together with its partners Agroscope and CTC Analytics, introduces an innovative, fully automated technique for the extraction and enrichment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).

By applying a controlled vacuum, V-Itex enables thermally gentle sample preparation, extraction, and analyte enrichment from temperature-sensitive and complex matrices—such as food, blood, or urine—virtually free from matrix artifacts and solvents.

V-Itex overcomes the limitations of conventional headspace techniques such as HS-SPME (limited sorption capacity, short fiber lifetime) and traditional Itex (discontinuous enrichment). The enriched analytes can be directly and completely transferred to the Gerstel Cold Injection System (KAS) of the gas chromatograph, where they are cryofocused, separated under a temperature program, and analyzed by GC-MS. The results demonstrate exceptional sensitivity, accuracy, and minimal matrix interference.

This new technology is particularly suited for food, flavor, and environmental laboratories aiming to reliably determine VOCs from delicate samples—ranging from dairy products and fresh goods to biological fluids. Metabolomics and volatilomics applications, which focus on volatile organic compounds produced by organisms, tissues, or cells, benefit greatly from V-Itex.

With V-Itex, the firm bridges the gap between high analytical performance, gentle sample handling, and practical automation, shares the company. Laboratories benefit from highly efficient sample preparation, lower operating costs, and seamless integration into existing GC-MS systems, adds the firm.

All steps—from vacuum control to sample introduction—are performed with a single mouse click, fully integrated into standard chromatography software such as Masshunter (Agilent Technologies).

Key benefits of V-Itex at a glance:

Fully automated, thermally gentle VOC extraction without matrix artifacts

Suitable for liquid and solid samples

Lower operating costs and longer trap lifetime compared to SPME

Vacuum pump and pneumatics easily integrated into existing autosamplers

Ideal for routine laboratory use

V-Itex is available now in two configurations:

As a complete bundle for the Gerstel Multipurpose Sampler (MPS robotic), including vacuum pump, cold injection system (KAS), and software

(Order No.: 024100-000-00 V-Itex Bundle)

As an upgrade option for existing systems (Order No.: 024100-500-00 V-Itex Option)

(ID:51008210)

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Date: 08.12.2025

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