Analytical Separation Science focuses on developing and applying methods to isolate, detect and identify individual components from complex mixtures for analysis.

Chromatography, Mass Spectrometry & Sample Preparation

Our research focuses on developing faster, more accurate, efficient, and reliable analytical methods for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic compounds in complex matrices.

We operate under the concept of “Integrated Analytical Platform”, which allows the lab to handle a wide range of environmental and biological matrices.

We use and integrate advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques, including: gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS and tandem GC/MS/MS), Multidimensional chromatography (Heart-Cutting GC-GC and comprehensive GC×GC) gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O), Coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with UV-Vis (DAD) and Fluorescence detection (FLD).

We employ, develop, test, and optimize a variety of sample preparation techniques, methodologies and strategies including solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME, w/ fiber and Arrow), liquid–liquid extraction (LLE), dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME) and Microwave-assisted extraction (MAE).

In addition, we also employ the Thermal Separation Probe (TSP), which allows direct injection of solid, liquid, or slurry samples into the GC-TOFMS with minimal or no sample preparation.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are also developed as an innovative and selective sample preparation strategy.

The main achievements are:
  • Characterization of the volatile fraction (VOCs) of wines, liqueurs and olive oils, establishing correlations with sensory evaluations and electronic nose. Food matrices are varied, such as peppers, wines, beer, cachaças, corks, sparkling wines, olive oils, etc. The fermentative processes of alcoholic beverages, the aging processes and their molecular markers are studied, as well as the identification of aroma defects;
  • Chemical characterization of volatiles with potential biological activity, in relation to the behavior of insects according to the selection of the host tree;
  • Monitoring of electroremediation procedures for the removal of toxic components from environmental compartments;
  • Analysis of pollutants, such as dioxins, PCBs, PAHs, pesticides, herbicides and their metabolites, in different environmental compartments (air, water, soils, sediments);
  • Development of new stationary phases for enantioselective gas chromatography and for MIPs;
  • Analysis of organic compounds in the context of studies on heritage, namely in ceramic articles from the Roman empire as biomarkers to determine their Mediterranean diet;
  • Analysis of the volatile profile of patients with type I and II diabetes and contribution to the training of dogs that signal episodes of hypo and hyperglycemia (Associação Pata D’Açúcar)