Determination of suspected allergens in non-volatile matrices using PTV injection with automated liner exchange and GC-MS

A method is described for the analysis of suspected volatile allergens in products containing high molecular weight or non-volatile compounds such as plant extracts, solid and liquid detergents, shampoos, etc. The method is based on dissolution/extraction of the sample followed by direct injection in a programmed temperature vaporizing inlet, the liner of which contains PDMS foam to retain the high molecular weight non-volatile material. The liner is automatically replaced after each injection, by an automated liner exchange device. Analysis is done by GC-MS operated in the retention-time locked mode. The figures of merit are illustrated with the analysis of some real samples.