CHROMATOGRAPHY, Vol. 34 (2013), No. 1, pp. -23

Needle-type extraction devices have been developed for the simple and sensitive determination of gaseous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gas chromatography (GC). The needle-type extraction device allows direct insertion of the extraction medium into the GC injection port, therefore, simple and rapid desorption of the extracted analytes could be achieved. For simultaneous derivatization and preconcentration of VOCs, fiber-packed needle was developed. The fiber-packed needle was prepared with a bundle of fine filaments typically coated with methyl-polysiloxane. During the extraction, target analytes, such as volatile aldehydes or ethylene oxide, were simultaneously derivatized and concentrated in the extraction needle.
Particle-packed needle has been developed for the extraction of VOCs commonly found in environmental gaseous samples. Several particulate materials, such as porous polymer particles or activated carbon, were employed as the extraction media for the respective target analytes. The particle-packed extraction needle was successfully applied for various analytical situations, such as in-door air analysis, fire investigation and human breath analysis.