Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).
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Workflow of the GC-MS Instrument for Alcohol Analysis
At the Halal Science Centre, the Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) system from Shimadzu is utilized to test and quantify alcohol (ethanol) levels with extreme sensitivity. This high-precision analysis ensures that food, beverage, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products strictly comply with halal threshold regulations.
1. Preparation of Standards and Samples
1. Preparation of Standards and Samples
Process: Product samples (such as food matrices or beverage extracts) are prepared alongside ethanol standard solutions of known concentrations.
Purpose: To establish an accurate calibration curve for precise quantitative calculations later in the process.
2. Automated Sampling (Headspace/Liquid Injection)
2. Automated Sampling (Headspace/Liquid Injection)
Process: Prepared samples are transferred into specialized vials and loaded into the automated autosampler tray. The system automatically injects either the liquid sample or its vapor phase (headspace) into the instrument.
Purpose: To ensure highly consistent injection volumes and eliminate any risks of manual handling contamination.
3. Gas Chromatography (GC) Separation
3. Gas Chromatography (GC) Separation
Process: The injected sample is carried by an inert mobile phase (Helium gas) through a long, specialized capillary column inside the GC oven. Different compounds move at varying speeds based on their boiling points and interaction with the column coating.
Purpose: To completely separate the alcohol (ethanol) molecules from all other chemical components present in the product matrix.
4. Mass Spectrometry (MS) Detection
4. Mass Spectrometry (MS) Detection
Process: As the separated ethanol molecules elute from the GC column, they enter the Mass Spectrometry detector. Here, they are bombarded by electrons to fragment them into specific ions, which are then sorted and measured by their mass-to-charge ratio.
Purpose: To definitively confirm the identity of the substance as ethanol based on its unique molecular fingerprint, while measuring its exact peak intensity.
5. Data Acquisition & Halal Verification
5. Data Acquisition & Halal Verification
Process: The software processes the detector signals into a chromatogram. Analysts review the integration data of the ethanol peak area to calculate its exact percentage or concentration.
Final Evaluation:
Negative (< Halal Limit): The ethanol concentration is below the critical threshold mandated by halal standards, validating the product as safe and compliant.
Positive: The ethanol level exceeds the permitted halal limit.
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