GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

Non-alcoholic (NA) and low alcoholic beers (LABs) are growing in demand worldwide. However, dealcoholization or arrested fermentation leads to changes in the overall aroma and flavor profiles compared to full strength (FS) beer analogues.

This webinar Dr. Tiffany Crawford, Kalsec Inc., Megan Harper, GERSTEL, Inc., and Matt Curtis, Agilent will discuss a semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products. They will also examine the use of GC-MS-O technology to determine the source of off-odors in a plant extract matrix. A brief overview of the GERSTEL dynamic headspace (DHS), Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), and olfactory detection port (ODP) systems will be highlighted in order to understand their contributions to this work. The Agilent 7250 GC/QToF functionality will also be reviewed, along with the software tools e.g. SureMass feature-finding and MassProfiler Professional.

Key learning objectives

• Understand the analytical challenges in the determination of off-flavors and off-odors in complex matrices

• Discover how a combination of GERSTEL and Agilent instrumentation and software can improve analysis for food and beverage applications

• Explore how analytical techniques can be used to identify and solve sensory issues in food products

Who should attend?

• Chemists and lab managers from contract testing labs and the food and beverage industry

Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Crawford (Lead Scientist 1: Hops, Kalsec Inc.)

Dr. Tiffany Crawford works for Kalsec Inc. as a lead scientist in the hops business unit. In her role, she develops methods using GC-MS and LC-MS technology for the detection of small molecules of interest in different food matrices. She holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Presenter: Megan Harper (Applications Scientist I, GERSTEL, Inc.)

Megan Harper works for GERSTEL, Inc. as an Applications Scientist. In her role, she applies her knowledge of GC-MS and sample extraction and introduction techniques to help solve complex problems for customers across the USA.

Presenter: Matt Curtis (GCMS Application Scientist, Agilent)

Matt Curtis joined Agilent in 2013 as a GC/MS applications scientist in the Santa Clara, CA Center of Excellence. His primary responsibility is providing instrument demonstrations for customer interested in each technology Agilent offers: the GC/MS single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and the quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The variety of different samples submitted to the demo lab provides a unique knowledge of optimizing parameters for different applications to provide the best quality data from the instrument.

Presenter: Ellen Simms (Editorial Team, SelectScience)

Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master's in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.