Complementary analytical measurements based upon gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, sensor system and human sensory panel: a case study dealing with packaging materials

In co-operation with packaging material suppliers and a food manufacturer t he quality of different kinds of wrapping foils for chocolate bars was inve stigated by using the hybrid Modular Sensor System (MOSES II). To check the reproducibility and to deduce quantitative predictions agas chromatograph- mass spectrometer (GC/MS)-unit connected to a headspace-sampler (HSS) was u sed as a well established analytical reference instrumentation. All analyse d samples were also qualified by a human sensory panel according to the sni ff-test. The different packaging material species could be distinguished in a principal component analysis (PCA), With the aid of a principal componen t regression (PCR) a correlation between human and technical odour percepti on was carried out. The odour prediction of MOSES II was very satisfying pa rticularly if compared to the human sensory assessments. Additionally, in o rder to follow the sensor fluctuations the sensor responses upon exposure t o a standard sample have been monitored for 5 months. The results of these measurements and the investigations of four different MOSES II units demons trated the long-term stability of the individual sensors and the high repro ducibility from system to system. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.