Rapid analysis of volatile release from powders using dynamic vapor sorption atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry

It is hypothesized that a dynamic vapor sorption instrument coupled with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometer (APCI-MS) may be useful for rapid analysis of volatile release from dry food materials. Preliminary data from a related system (Vapor Generator Instrument-APCI-MS) was used to monitor release of volatiles from spray-dried food polymers as a function of relative humidity at 40°C. The system demonstrated differences in volatile release as a function of volatile compound, relative humidity, and food polymer. Comparison of these data with data collected using traditional shelf life study methodologies, and concerns for the ability of the method to accurately reflect time-dependent changes are discussed.