Current application and potential use of GC × GC in the pharmaceutical and biomedical field

Abstract

The analysis of volatile samples is mostly performed by GC. However, its separation power may not be enough for some complex samples. Comprehensive gas chromatography (GC × GC) increases the separation power by means of a second separation dimension. Parallel to the great technological advances realised since the early stages of the technique, considerable applications in different fields have emerged. Nonetheless, it is still often seen as a novelty, thus being rarely considered a fully established technique for routine analysis. In this article we review different recent applications of GC × GC in the pharmaceutical and biomedical field, highlighting the obtained results and advantages compared to other methods when possible. We aim to encourage researchers to embrace GC × GC as a possible alternative to improve their results by presenting its great application potential in this area.

Keywords: Bioanalytical; Comprehensive multidimensional GC; GC × GC; Pharmaceutical.