Thermo Fisher Scientific isotope ratio mass spectrometry solution

Thermo Fisher Scientific has released an easy-to-use isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) solution for the authentication of food and beverages.

The solution is designed to enhance laboratory productivity, reliably confirm the authenticity of food and beverage samples and detect counterfeit products. The configuration allows fully automated switching between multi-compound and multi-element analysis.

It includes the Delta V series IRMS and the ConFlo IV Universal Interface, combined with the Trace GC Ultra and the Flash HT Plus elemental analyser, all in a single set-up. The combination delivers a simplified workflow requiring minimal sample preparation and handling and offers a higher level of laboratory automation.

The Delta V mass spectrometer can be connected to either the Trace GC Ultra or the Flash HT Plus using the ConFlo IV enabling time-saving switching between the two instruments for multi-compound isotope analysis or multi-element isotope analysis. Multi-element analysis can be achieved by connecting the Delta V with the Flash HT Plus. This combination allows dependable characterisation of bulk samples with minimal sample preparation and handling, and is designed to save valuable staff time, deliver cost efficiencies and increase productivity.

Combining the automated dilution and referencing system of the ConFlo IV Universal Interface with the Delta V IRMS provides multi-elemental isotope analysis of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, oxygen and sulfur with a total sample size of close to 1:5000. The Flash HT Plus features a fully automated, two single-furnace system, delivering dynamic flash combustion and high-temperature conversion capabilities in a single analyser to suit virtually all analytical requirements.

Multi-compound isotope analysis is done through the Delta V interfaced with the Trace GC Ultra, disclosing the ratios of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen and generating unique isotope fingerprints related to the history and origin of complex samples. This ensures quality control of food, flavours and beverages and real-time identification of adulterated products.

The workflow solution is designed for ease of use, allowing commercial and government food testing institutions to take advantage of advanced analytical capabilities. The system can acquire complementary information on the origin and authenticity of compounds using a single, straightforward instrument set-up, with the aim of reducing investment and operating costs.