In-field Volatile Analysis Employing a Hand-held Portable GC-MS: Emission Profiles Differentiate Damaged and Undamaged Yellow Starthistle Flower Heads.

Introduction: Understanding the complex chemical signalling of plants and insects is an important component of chemical ecology. Accordingly, the collection and analysis of chemical cues from plants in their natural environment is integral to elucidation of plant-insect communications. Remote plant locations and the need for a large number of replicates make in situ headspace analyses a daunting logistical challenge.

Automated thermochemolysis reactor for detection of Bacillus anthracis endospores by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

An automated sample preparation system was developed and tested for the rapid detection of Bacillus anthracis endospores by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for eventual use in the field. This reactor is capable of automatically processing suspected bio-threat agents to release and derivatize unique chemical biomarkers by thermochemolysis (TCM). The system automatically controls the movement of sample vials from one position to another, crimping of septum caps onto the vials, precise delivery of reagents, and TCM reaction times and temperatures.