VASE™ provides superior headspace analysis by GC-MS for hundreds of applications by using vacuum and high phase ratios to maximize recoveries while minimizing matrix effects.

Click to Open Selection Guide of Sorbent Pen Headspace Techniques
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LABEL

VASE

MA-VASE

Flash-VASE

FEVE

LVSH/X-LVSH

Full Name
Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
Matrix Accelerated VASE
Flash-VASE
Full Evaporative Vacuum Extraction
(Extremely) Large Volume Static Headspace
Sorbent Pen Type
HSP
HSP
FSP
FSP
ASP
Vial Size
20, 40, 125mL
20, 40, 125mL, 1L
2, 6, 20mL
2, 6 mL
250, 500, 1000mL
When to Use
Liquid or Solid Sample Compositional Analysis. SPME Alternative
Faster VASE extraction when a volatile matrix is present, such as water or water/alcohol mixture 
Samples with low volatile contents (solids, powders, Cannabis, packaging, oils)
Volatile Matrix with low solid contents (water, beverages, solvent extracts)
Measurement of equilibrated headspace to determine partition coefficients of aroma compounds.
Extraction Technique
Vacuum, Diffusive, Closed System, Mechanical Agitation
Vacuum, Matrix Accelerated, Diffusive Closed System, Convective Agitation
Diffusive Vacuum Thermal Extraction, Closed System
Matrix Evaporative Transfer followed by Diffusive Extraction in Open System. Matrix eliminated
Dynamic, Fully equilibrated headspace, Static, Open System
Vial Temp Range
30° to 70° C
30° to 150° C
30° to 280° C
30° to 280° C
30° to 70° C
BP Range
-50° to 450° C
-50° to 500° C
-50° to 550° C
80° to 550° C
0° to 450° C
Water Management
Cold tray dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj.
Cold Tray Dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj. Capillary Focusing Trap
Cold tray dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj.
Vacuum Removal, Dry Purge
Dry Purge, Split
Typical Pen Cycle Times
200-2000
200-2000
200-1000
500-2000
100-200 (except not for disposible / replaceable inlet filter)
Competitive Technologies Displaced
SPME, SPME Arrow, SPE, SBS
SPME / SPME Arrow, DHS
Micro Chamber, Direct Thermal Extraction, DHS
SBSE, Hi-Sorb, Full Immersion SPME
All other non-static, low sensitivity techniques
Typical Sorbent Combinations
Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen
Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen
Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen
PDMS / Tenax, Tenax / CPX
PDMS / Tenax, Tenax / Carbopack X
Common Applications
Food, Beverage, Flavor, Aroma, Water, Soil, Consumer Products
Food, Beverage, Flavor, Aroma, Water, Soil, Consumer Products
Volatiles / Odors in Packaging, Polymers, Powders, Foams, Synthetics, Natural Products, Heavy Oils
SVOCs in Water, Flavors / Aromas in Thermally Labile samples, Pesticides in foods.
Aroma / Flavor Profiling

Definitions:

Open System - Unretained compounds/gases allowed to pass through sorbent for removal by pump/vacuum.

Closed System - Completely isolated during extraction, so breakthrough of even the lightest compounds isn't possible. Allows recovery of wider boiling point range.

Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) is a next generation extraction technique capable of greatly extending the range of extractable compounds over other headspace or even full immersion techniques. Virtually all liquid and solid samples to be analyzed by GC or GCMS are compatible with this exciting technique that was recently made even better by modifying the presentation of the Sorbent Pen to the vacuum headspace that completely prevents the deposition of aerosols on the outside of the Sorbent Pen during rapid agitation. Aerosol contamination is a known issue with  HSSPME and other headspace techniques where splashing of the sample can lead to the deposition of non-volatile compounds on the extraction device, shorting the lifetime of these devices and increasing the production of thermal breakdown products that can be hard to distinguish from compounds that were actually in the original sample.

VASE is performed under vacuum which allows compounds to migrate much faster to the extraction device positioned only a few centimeters away, and the tremendous increase in phase over HS- SPME (>100,000x increase in surface area over a PDMS fiber) can virtually eliminate matrix affects thereby dramatically improving sensitivity and extraction reproducibility. Due to the consistency of  the VASE technique, multiple Sorbent Pens can be used to extract several samples in parallel to increase the sample throughput with very little “Pen to Pen” variability in the results. Sorbent Pens with 1, 2, or 3 sorbent beds are available based on the desired boiling point range to be recovered, and custom sorbent packings are also available upon request. Analysis of the Sorbent Pen  extracts are performed using the 5800 Sorbent Pen Desorption Unit (5800 SPDU), which provides multiple desorption options including SPLIT, SPLITLESS, and SPLITLESS VOC modes to optimize  the recovery of compounds of interest.


VASE offers tremendous advantages over other extraction techniques that perform extractions at atmospheric pressure, where diffusion rates are suppressed. Sorbent Pens™ perform sample enrichment offline from a GC-MS, allowing all samples to extract simultaneously and for longer periods of time. This approach results in high throughput while yielding a more complete and reproducible extraction for more sensitive and quantitative measurements. The low cost 5800 Sorbent Pen™ Desorption Unit (5800A SPDU) makes this exciting new technique both affordable and practical for virtually any laboratory’s budget. Upgrade to 120 sample automation with the Entech SPR40 (Sample Preparation Rail) Autosampler for the ultimate in laboratory productivity. Join the Sorbent Pen™ movement and take advantage of the next generation in GC-MS sample prep!

We apologize in advance for the bullet point overload, but we promise it’s not just us being trigger-happy with the keyboard. Our technology is just that good!


  • Static Vacuum Extraction in a Vial for Liquid or Solid Samples

    Perform exhaustive vacuum extraction of VOCs through SVOCs.

  • No Solvents

    VASE enables solvent-free quantitative recovery of the heaviest GC compatible compounds in a safer and more environmentally friendly extraction method with reduced sample preparation time and improved sample throughput.

  • No Direct Contact with Matrix

    Unlike SPME, outer sheath minimizes exposure to aerosols formed during agitation. Extracts high-boilers without the need for submersion.

  • Rapid Transfer of Sample to Sorbent

    Without competition from air or gas in the headspace, an increased mean free path allows for rapid deposition of VOCs and SVOCs on the the adsorbent.

  • No Transfer Lines or Rotary Valves

    Avoid losses and carry-over that plague techniques which utilize dynamic flow, transfer lines, and rotary valves.

  • Durable - Sorbent Pens™ can last for hundreds of injections.

    A robust geometry combined with an extraction technique which protects the sorbent from deposition of non-volatiles allows for a superior ROI for each Sorbent Pen and a low cost of analysis.

  • Closed System. Breakthrough & Losses Not Possible.

  • 100,000X The Surface Area of PDMS SPME Fibers

    Thousands of time more phase than SPME to eliminate matrix effects on sorbent affinities.

  • Rapid Injections without Cryogen or Electronic Cooling

    Faster injection rates produces better chromatography and less thermal degradation.

  • Extremely Selective to Compounds Amenable to GC

    If it’s not in the gas phase, it doesn’t belong in a gas phase analyzer.

  • Avoids Contact with Non-Volatiles

    Very low artifact formation as is common with solvent extracts and direct immersion techniques.

  • Ability to Use Multiple Sorbents from Weak to Strong

    Multi-bed Sorbent Pens™ allow for unmatched extraction range, while diffusive extraction under vacuum prevents compromising stronger beds with heavier compounds. Not possible with SPME.

  • Extracts at Equilibrium for Unmatched Reproducibility & Sensitivity

    Operates at or near equilibrium to improve sensitivity and quantitative accuracy.

  • Allows Quantitative Analysis without Isotope Dilution

VASE utilizes a specialized sample enrichment device called a Sorbent Pen™.

The list of VASE applications is extensive.  The presence of a vacuum increases the rate of evolution of volatiles out of materials at lower temperatures, and depending on the matrix or sample surface area, extraction times can be as short as 2-5 minutes. VASE is particularly useful for the extraction of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from environmental, food, and biological samples. It has found applications in the analysis of flavors and fragrances, food safety, and food fraud detection, among many others. VASE has also been applied in the analysis of complex mixtures, such as essential oils and petroleum products.

VASE provides incredibly reproducible results by eliminating the inconsistencies inherent in other extraction technologies. Your state-of-the-art MS with 1-3% reproducibility can become a slot machine without proper sample preparation and extraction. Entech Sorbent Pens and VASE extraction technology eliminate the variables that have plagued gas chromatographers for decades.

Sorbent Pens can be used literally hundreds of times to perform VASE extractions. To perform VASE, a sample is weighed or measured into a 20, 40, or 125mL vial, a vacuum sleeve is secured to the  vial using a high temperature plastic cap, and a Sorbent Pen is inserted with 1 or more sorbents depending on compounds of interest. However, since compounds cannot “break through”” the  sorbent during extraction in the closed system created by the VASE process, even a moderate strength sorbent such as Tenax TA can recover much lighter compounds than is possible with dynamic  headspace techniques. The Pen/Vial combination is then evacuated for 15-20 seconds to the boiling  point of water at 25° C (0.3 psia, or 2KPa). The evacuated assemblies are placed into trays where  they are heated and agitated using the 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System. After an extraction period of 0.1-16 hours, the Pen/Vial assemblies are removed and placed into a cold tray to  quickly withdraw any moisture that partitioned into the Sorbent Pens during extraction. As the assemblies are still under vacuum, the transfer of moisture to the chilled vials occurs in just 10-20  minutes. After isolation into the Sorbent Pen sleeves, the Pens are thermally desorbed into a GCMS using the 5800 Sorbent Pen Desorption Unit. The deposition of compounds near the entrance of  the Pens not only leads to a fast delivery to the GC column(s) with less thermal decomposition, but also typically eliminates the need for additional cleaning of the Pens prior to reuse. A 3801A  Thermal Conditioner can clean Pens when they are severely overloaded, or before initial use.

To perform VASE, a sample is weighed or measured into a 20, 40, or 125mL vial, a vacuum sleeve is secured to the vial using a high temperature plastic cap, and a Sorbent Pen is inserted with 1 or more sorbents depending on compounds of interest. The Pen/Vial combination is then evacuated for 15-20 seconds to the boiling point of water at 25° C (0.3 psia, or 2KPa).

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The evacuated assemblies are placed into trays where they are heated and agitated using the 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System.

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After an extraction period of 0.1-16 hours, the Pen/Vial assemblies are removed and placed into a cold tray to quickly withdraw any moisture that partitioned into the Sorbent Pens during extraction. As the assemblies are still under vacuum, the transfer of moisture to the chilled vials occurs in just 10-20 minutes.

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After isolation into the Sorbent Pen sleeves, the Pens are thermally desorbed into a GCMS using the 5800 Sorbent Pen Desorption Unit. The deposition of compounds near the entrance of the Pens not only leads to a fast delivery to the GC column(s) with less thermal decomposition, but also typically eliminates the need for additional cleaning of the Pens prior to reuse. Automate the entire desorption and cleanup of hundreds of Sorbent Pens using the SPR40A (Sample Preparation Rail).

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A 3801A Thermal Conditioner can clean Pens when they are severely overloaded, or before initial use. Often, Sorbent Pens are ready for reuse immediately after thermal desorption.

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Once returned to the isolation sleeves Sorbent Pens will remain ready for the next extraction. Isolation sleeves may also be used to ship Sorbent Pens in order to perform remote analysis or extraction. Unlike traditional 3.5″ Thermal Desorption tubes, Sorbent Pens do not need to be kept on ice to preserve the sample integrity.

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Vacuum sleeves and other components exposed to high concentrations may be cleaned in the 3700 jars while heating under vacuum to remove any residues.

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Diagram: Understanding Sorbent Pen Headspace Equipment (click to open)



Sorbent Pen Options


Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Compatible Extraction Technique Description BP Range Part # Link to Product
SP-HSP-0_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Blank / Empty Sorbent PEn NA SP-HSP-0
SP-HSP-PDGB-TNX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE PDMS Glass Beads + Tenax® 100°C to >500°C SP-HSP-PDGB-TNX
SP-HSP-TNX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Tenax® TA 100°C to >450°C SP-HSP-TNX
SP-HSP-TNX-CPX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Tenax® TA + Carbopack™ X 80°C to >450°C SP-HSP-TNX-CPX
SP-HSP-TNX-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Tenax® TA + Carboxen® 1000 -60°C to >450°C SP-HSP-TNX-CXN10
SP-HSP-3TNX-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Tenax® TA + Carboxen® 1000 (75:25 by Vol) -50°C to >425°C SP-HSP-3TNX-CXN10
SP-HSP-TNX-3CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE Tenax® TA + Carboxen® 1000 (25:75 by Vol) -40°C to >400°C SP-HSP-TNX-3CXN10
SP-HSP-PDGB-TNX-CPX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE PDMS Glass Beads + Tenax® + Carbopack™ X 60°C to >450°C SP-HSP-PDGB-TNX-CPX
SP-HSP-CUSTOM_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE, Flash-VASE End User Defined NA SP-HSP-CUSTOM
SP-HSP-KIT01_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 VASE, Flash-VASE Custom Sorbent Pen Kit for Customer Assembly NA SP-HSP-KIT01
SP-FSP-0_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 FEVE, Flash-VASE Blank / Empty NA SP-FSP-0
SP-FSP-PDGB-TXN_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 FEVE, Flash-VASE PDMS Glass Beads + Tenax® 100°C to >500°C SP-FSP-PDGB-TNX
SP-FSP-TXN_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Flash-VASE, FEVE Tenax® TA 100°C to >450°C SP-FSP-TNX
SP-FSP-TNX-CPX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Flash-VASE, FEVE Tenax® TA + Carbopack™ X 80°C to >450°C SP-FSP-TNX-CPX
SP-FSP-TNX-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Flash-VASE, FEVE Tenax® TA + Carboxen® 1000 60°C to >450°C SP-FSP-TNX-CXN10
SP-FSP-CUSTOM_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Flash-VASE, FEVE End User Defined NA SP-FSP-CUSTOM
SP-FSP-525_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Flash-VASE, FEVE Method 525 FSP 100°C to >500°C SP-FSP-525
SP-DSP-0_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Blank / Empty NA SP-DSP-0
SP-DSP-TXN_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Tenax® TA 100°C to >450°C SP-DSP-TNX
SP-DSP-CPC_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Carbopack™ C 125°C to >400°C SP-DSP-CPC
SP-DSP-CPY_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Carbopack™ Y 150°C to >400°C SP-DSP-CPY
SP-DSP-CPX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Carbopack™ X 80°C to >145°C SP-DSP-CPX
SP-DSP-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Diffusive Air Monitoring Carboxen® 1000 -60°C to 80°C SP-DSP-CXN10
SP-ASP-0_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring Blank / Empty NA SP-ASP-0
SP-ASP-PDGB-TNX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring PDMS Glass Beads + Tenax® TA 100°C to >450°C SP-ASP-PDGB-TNX
SP-ASP-TNX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring Tenax® TA 100°C to >450°C SP-ASP-TNX
SP-ASP-TNX-CPX_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring Tenax® TA + Carbopack™ X 80°C to >450°C SP-ASP-TNX-CPX
SP-ASP-TNX-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring Tenax® TA + Carboxen® 1000 -60°C to >450°C SP-ASP-TNX-CXN10
SP-ASP-CPC-CPB-CXN10_semiCutOpen_APRIL2023 Active Air Monitoring Carbopack™ C & B + Carboxen® 1000 -60°C to 400°C SP-ASP-CPC-CPB-CXN10

Sorbent Pen Desorption and Analysis Solutions.


Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Description Part # Link to Product
SPR40-5800SPDU-VASE-FLASHVASE SPR40/SPR40A - 40" Robotic Sample Preparation Rail for automated desorption and analysis of all Sorbent Pens. visit product web page for complete list of parts.
Entech-SideBar-Manual-5800SPDU-Desoprtion Entech SideBar - A compact mounting platform for manual Sorbent Pen Desorption. visit product web page for complete list of parts.
5800A-SPDU 5800/5800A SPDU - Sorbent Pen Desorption System. Installs on most GC's (Thermo, Agilent, Shimadzu). visit product web page for complete list of parts.
3108-Sorbent-Pen-Thermal-Conditioner Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner - A single position rail mounting conditioning system which returns Sorbent Pens back to sampling ready condition. visit product web page for complete list of parts.

VASE Glassware, Caps, & Vacuum Sleeves

Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Part # Description Unit link to product
39-75020.2 39-75020 20mL Clear Vials (72 ct.) box Product Page
39-75040.2 39-75040 40mL Clear Vials (72 ct.) box Product Page
39-75125AD.3 39-75125AD 125mL Amber Bottles (24 ct.) box Product Page
39-76044B.3 39-76044B Plastic Vial Caps for 20/40/125mL (144 ct) pack Product Page
SP-VSLL024S Vacuum Sleeve Lid Liner for 20/40/125mL, 24mm Screw Top Vials EA
SP-OR-L024.4 SP-OR-L024 White Viton O-Rings for 20/40/125mL Vials (10 ct) Low Bleed pack Product Page
SP-PEN-EJECT-TOOL.2 SP-PEN-EJECT-TOOL Sorbent Pen Ejection Tool EA Product Page

5600 SPES and Cold Tray Dehydration

Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Part # Description Unit link to product
Agitation, Extraction, Water Management
5600-SPES.23 5600-SPES 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System, 120VAC/60Hz EA Product Page
5600-SPES2 5600-SPES-HV 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System, 230VAC/50Hz EA Product Page
5600-040TRAY30.28 5600-040TRAY30 30-Position Tray for 20/40mL Vials EA Product Page
5600-125TRAY15-2.35 5600-125TRAY15-2 15-Position Tray for 125mL Amber Bottles EA Product Page
SP-HSCOLDTRAY30-2.39 SP-HSCOLDTRAY30-2 30-Position Cold Tray to Dehydrate Pens after 20/40mL Vial Extractions EA Product Page
SP-HSCOLDTRAY15-2.43 SP-HSCOLDTRAY15-2 15 Position Cold Tray to Dehydrate Pens after 125mL Bottle Extractions EA Product Page

Sample Preparation & Extraction

Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Part # Description Unit link to product
Essential Preparation
SP-HSP-TRAY30-46 SP-HSP-TRAY30 30-Position Sorbent Pen Isolation Tray EA Product Page
SP-VIAL-EVAC_2019 SP-VIAL-EVAC Vial Evacuation Unit EA Product Page
SP-VXB-PV-EVAC.51 SP-VXB-PV-EVAC VXB Vial Evacuation Unit (VXB - Vacuum X-traction Bar) EA Product Page
29-70010QT.53 29-70010QT 30-0”Hg Vacuum Test Gauge (w/ Female Micro-QT) EA Product Page
3022360sweb MQT-2S Double-Ended Micro-QT Valve EA Product Page
10-20036 2-Stage Oilless Diaphragm Pump, 120/240VAC, 60/50Hz EA

3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner

Click to open parts list




Image (click to enlarge) Part # Description Unit link to product
Sorbent Pen Conditioning
3801A-SPTC.57 3801A-SPTC 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner, 120VAC/60Hz EA Product Page
3801A-SPTC-HV 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner, 230VAC/50Hz EA Product Page
SP-Whiskey-header-1
Whiskey Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-raspberry-header
Raspberry by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
SP-Gum-header-1

Gum

Gum by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-dark-chocolate-header-1
Dark Chocolate by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-eggnog-header-1
Eggnog Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-Milk-header-1
Milk by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
SP-kinetic-header-1
Drinking Water by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-cookie-header
Cookie by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-rum-header-1

Rum

Rum Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-apple-header
Apple by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-mushroom-header
Mushroom Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-brie-header
Brie by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-cashew-header-1
Cashew by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-coffee-header
Coffee by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
SP-vaccumn-water-header
Drinking Water by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-mango-header
Mango by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-peanut-butter-header
Peanut Butter by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
HS-strawberry-header
Strawberry by Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction
A Comparison in the Analysis of Volatile and Semi-volatile Organic Compounds in Oral Rinse vs Whole Breath Sampling using Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction and GC-MS
ASMS Poster Download
Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin Introduction Compositional analysis of products, including any contaminants present, from raw materials to finished products is crucial to ensure quality and safety. Headspace Sorbent Pens (HSPs) are used with the technique, Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE), to extract volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in solid, liquid, and gas matrices. Many existing headspace techniques are only quantitative for volatiles (Boiling point (BP) range <200°C). VASE-TD is a technique that increases the compatibility of many applications with solvent-free headspace extraction by combining the…
Authors: María J. Trujillo-Rodríguez, Jared L. Anderson, Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad & Daniel B. Cardin Abstract Vacuum-assisted sorbent extraction (VASE) has been applied in combination with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the determination of UV filters in water samples. VASE is a variant of headspace extractionwhich was developed in conjunction with the sorbent pen (SP) technology. This technique combines the advantages of both stir-bar assisted extraction and headspace solid-phase microextraction. The SP traps allowed both reduced pressure in-vial extraction and direct thermal desorption via a unique gas chromatographic injection port. The main parameters that affect the performance of…
Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin Overview A solvent free headspace extraction approach – vacuum assisted sorbent extraction (VASE) – is applied in combination with thermal desorption (TD)-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to examine the chemical composition of cannabis and cannabis infused consumer products.  Application of VASE for qualitative profiling of cannabis infused edibles (e.g., gummies, chocolates) reveals  the presence of residual solvents, flavor additives (e.g., vanillin), and active cannabinoids. VASE  profiling of cannabis flower demonstrates strain-to-strain differences in monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are efficiently extracted only when both heat and…
Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin Overview The specific chemical composition of cannabis is responsible for the fragrance and flavor of the product, the experience of a recreational high, and the medicinal benefit.  In a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect”, evidence further suggests that compounds act synergistically to produce desirable pharmacological effects (Russo, 2011).  Here we describe the application of a solvent-free headspace extraction approach – vacuum assisted sorbent extraction (VASE) – in combination with thermal desorption GC-MS to study the makeup of cannabis flower.  Using this approach, we obtain…
Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin Overview Current analytical methods for evaluating volatile and semi volatile organic compounds (VOCs & SVOCs) in water often require large sample volumes (1 L or more), are labor intensive, and rely upon liquid-liquid extraction into organic solvents. Here we present a sensitive, solvent-free method – termed vacuum assisted sorbent extraction (VASE) – for extraction and pre-concentration of VOCs and SVOCs in preparation for thermal desorption-GC-MS. In VASE, the sample (often 1 mL or less for water) is evacuated in the presence of a headspace sorbent pen (HSP),…
Authors: Sage J. B. Dunham, Victoria L. Noad, Bailey S. Arakelian & Daniel B. Cardin Overview In the 30 years since the invention of solid phase microextraction (Belardi & Pawliszyn, 1989), headspace (HS) extraction has developed into a powerful family of techniques for both targeted and untargeted chemical analysis of volatile and semi volatile compounds. We recently developed a static HS sampling approach, termed vacuum assisted sorbent extraction (VASE), in which the sample is positioned in a disposable sample vial and placed in a reduced pressure environment with a packed headspace sorbent pen (HSP). Here we describe the methodology behind VASE as well as the application of…
Authors: Victoria L. Noad, Sage J. B. Dunham, and Daniel B. Cardin Overview  • A new instrument design and methodology for trace-level headspace analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) is described. • Using a 1 mL sample of water, quantitation from 5 ppt – 10 ppb is demonstrated for a wide range of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from Naphthalene (BP 218°C) to Benzo(g,h,i)pyrene (BP 550°C).
Authors: Victoria L. Noad, Sage J. B. Dunham, and Daniel B. Cardin Overview Due to recent legislative changes, consumption of cannabis products are becoming accepted as a medical treatment and a mainstream recreational product worldwide including many US states and Canada.   Reliable analytical methods are critical to ensuring consistent dosing, efficacy, and safety. Current techniques include liquid-liquid extraction followed by LC or GC-MS analyses, which generate solvent waste and require multiple laborious steps.  Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction-Thermal Desorption (VASE-TD) is a solvent-free headspace extraction and sample introduction technique developed for GC-MS analyses.  Results demonstrate that VASE-TD-GC-MS offers a quick and…
Use of Sorbent-Based Vacuum Extraction for Determination of Volatile Phenols in Beer

Solvent Free Extraction Technique for Determination of Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds in Water Samples by EPA Method 8270

Quantitative Headspace Measurement of Volatiles in Dairy Products using Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) and GCMS Analysis Application

Quantitative Headspace Measurement of Volatiles in Dairy Products using Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) and GCMS Analysis App Note

Quantitative Headspace Measurement of Volatiles in Dairy Products using Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) & GCMS Analysis

Download Technical Information Document

Download Technical Information Document

Please complete the form to download the VASE Technical Information Document or to request a system quote.