This study demonstrates the effectiveness of the MassTech MT Explorer 30 mass spectrometer coupled with the Plasmion SICRIT® cold plasma ionization source.
The integrated system enables real-time chemical analysis of aroma-related volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in essential oils, with zero sample preparation, directly in the field or at the production site.
By leveraging the dielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI) technology of the SICRIT® source, sample headspace vapors are analyzed directly and in real time, achieving a classification time of just 5 seconds per sample.
The results, processed via PCA (Principal Component Analysis) chemometric analysis, highlight an excellent ability to differentiate products based on manufacturer and formulation. This approach delivers MS and MS/MS data quality comparable to benchtop systems, combined with the logistical advantages of a field-deployable instrument weighing approximately 17 kg.