Fast Analysis of 22 Terpenes in Hemp and Cannabis with the Agilent 9000 Intuvo GC with FID using Hydrogen Carrier Gas

Significance of the topic

Terpenes are the primary aromatic and flavor compounds in cannabis and hemp, critical for strain identification and quality control. Rapid and reliable terpene profiling supports cultivators in maintaining consistency, informs product labeling, and reduces per-sample cost and turnaround time in high-throughput testing laboratories.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to develop a fast, robust method for quantifying 22 common terpenes in hemp and cannabis using the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC with FID and hydrogen as carrier gas. Key goals included achieving a 10-minute injection cycle, validating analytical performance over 1,200 samples, and defining instrument maintenance schedules.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Sample Preparation:

• 250 mg ground hemp flower extracted with 25 mL internal standard solution (2-fluorobiphenyl in isopropanol).
• Vortexing, settling, and filtration through a 0.45 µm PTFE filter.
• Transfer of filtrate into 2 mL autosampler vials.

Instrumentation:

• Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC with split/splitless inlet, Guard Chip, post-column backflush module, and FID.
• Agilent 7650A autosampler with 10 µL syringe.
• DB-35ms column (25 m × 0.20 mm, 0.33 µm).
• Hydrogen carrier gas at 80.7 cm/s, split 40:1, inlet temperature 280 °C, FID at 280 °C.
• Oven program: 110 °C (2 min), ramp 75 °C/min to 250 °C (0.75 min); total run 4.62 min, cycle time 10 min.

Main Results and Discussion

The method delivered six samples per hour with clear separation of all 22 terpenes and internal standard. Calibration across 12 levels yielded average R2 values of 0.999. A robustness study of 1,200 hemp samples (with 126 CCV checks) showed retention time %RSD below 0.15 and CCV accuracy within ±20%. Backflush prevented matrix carryover, Guard Chip performance remained stable through 376 injections, and liners changed proactively after 200 injections to maintain system cleanliness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput: six analyses per hour reduces laboratory backlog.
• Cost efficiency: hydrogen carrier gas lowers operating expenses and improves speed.
• Robust quality control: reliable performance over large sample sets with clear maintenance guidelines.
• Strain profiling and regulatory compliance: accurate terpene fingerprints for product labeling.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Expanding the terpene panel and integrating mass spectrometry can aid in identifying unknown or co-eluting compounds. Automated maintenance alerts and advanced detectors may further streamline workflows. Application to concentrates, edibles, and real-time monitoring in process analytical technology represents promising developments.

Conclusion

The Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC-FID method with hydrogen carrier gas provides a rapid, reproducible, and cost-effective approach for analyzing 22 terpenes in hemp and cannabis. By adhering to defined maintenance intervals and using backflush technology, laboratories can ensure consistent performance and high throughput.

References

• Hollis JS, Harper T, Macherone A. Terpenes Analysis in Cannabis Products by Liquid Injection using the Agilent Intuvo 9000/5977B GC/MS System. Agilent Technologies Application Note, 5994-2032EN, 2020.
• Haddad SP, Patel SU, Westland JL. Analysis of Terpenes in Cannabis with Hydrogen Carrier Gas and the Agilent HydroInert Source on the Agilent Intuvo 9000/5977C GC/MS. Agilent Technologies Application Note, 5994-6216EN.