Universal biomarker analysis using GC×GC with dual FID and ToF-MS (EI/FI) detection

Abstract

Quantitative and qualitative biomarker analysis using GC-MS or GC-MS/MS is limited by chromatographic separation and variable detector response. Here, we present a GC×GC method that provides absolute quantification and non-targeted pseudo MS-MS for all resolved saturated hydrocarbon components in petroleum. Two innovations make this possible: Agilent capillary flow technology (CFT) and the JEOL JMS-T100GCV 4G ToF-MS capable of electron impact (EI) and field ionization (FI) of the GC×GC effluent. Two sequential chromatograms run using EI- and FI-MS are combined, yielding pseudo parent-daughter spectra. The effluent is split at a constant ratio allowing for easy quantitation by FID and eliminating the need for determining MS-response factors. We demonstrate the technique as offering a means for universal biomarker analysis of saturated hydrocarbon fractions.