Reduction of helium usage for the analysis of pesticide residues in botanical dietary supplements using GC-MS/MS with the HeSaver-H2 Safer technology

Significance of the Topic

Botanical dietary supplements are increasingly popular due to their perceived health benefits, but they can be contaminated by pesticide residues from agricultural production. Regulatory agencies require sensitive and reliable testing to protect consumer health. At the same time, helium—a common carrier gas in GC-MS analysis—faces price volatility and supply constraints. Implementing gas-saving strategies is therefore critical to ensure sustainable and cost-effective pesticide testing in complex plant matrices.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the Thermo Scientific HeSaver-H2Safer inlet technology on a TRACE 1610 GC coupled to a TSQ 9610 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer for pesticide residue analysis in botanical supplements. The main goals were to:

• Demonstrate equivalence of chromatographic performance versus a standard split/splitless (SSL) injector
• Quantify helium consumption reduction and cost savings
• Assess method transferability without re-optimization
• Validate accuracy, precision, and robustness across diverse botanical matrices

Methodology and Instrumentation

Botanical samples (capsules, tablets, tea extracts) were spiked with pesticide standards at 5–50 µg/kg. A Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC with two iConnect split/splitless inlets—one standard, one upgraded to HeSaver-H2Safer—was used. Argon served as the pressurizing gas, while helium flowed through the analytical column at a capped rate. Separation used a standard temperature program; detection employed multiple reaction monitoring on a TSQ 9610 MS. Calibration curves (0–20 µg/kg) and recovery studies (n=6) covered six matrices.

Key Results and Discussion

The HeSaver-H2Safer inlet delivered retention times within ±0.05 min and Gaussian peak shapes comparable to the SSL injector. Calibration linearity (R²>0.994) and average response-factor RSDs below 12% confirmed method equivalence. Recoveries ranged from 78% to 97%, with precision (%RSD) under 25% at low spike levels and under 10% at higher levels. No re-tuning or extra maintenance was required when switching inlets.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Helium consumption reduced by nearly four-fold, extending cylinder life from 4–6 months to over a year
• Immediate method transfer without chromatographic re-optimization
• Enhanced inlet cleanliness by discharging pressurizing gas via split line, minimizing contamination
• Cost savings and operational sustainability in routine QC and research laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Wider adoption of carrier-gas saving technologies will support greener laboratory practices. Integration with automated gas-usage monitoring tools and expansion to hydrogen-based methods may further reduce costs and environmental impact. Continued innovation in inlet design and software controls will enhance flexibility for multi-method laboratories.

Conclusion

The HeSaver-H2Safer technology offers a straightforward upgrade path for GC-MS users to slash helium usage by up to 75% without sacrificing analytical performance. It ensures robust pesticide residue measurements in diverse botanical matrices while delivering substantial cost and resource savings.

Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 Gas Chromatograph
• Thermo Scientific iConnect Split/Splitless Injectors (standard and HeSaver-H2Safer versions)
• Thermo Scientific TSQ 9610 Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer

References

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific TN 001218: Addressing gas conservation challenges when using helium or hydrogen as GC carrier gas.
2. Thermo Fisher Scientific AN 000560: Unstoppable analysis of pesticide residues in black tea using triple quadrupole GC-MS.
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific Helium Saver Calculator tool documentation.