New device for direct extraction of volatiles in solid samples using SPME

A new device that allows extraction of volatiles from solid materials by SP ME, avoiding preparation of the sample, was designed and tested in two diff erent food products. Volatiles from dry-cured ham and canned liver sausage were analyzed by headspace SPME (HS SPME) and by using a new device that pr otects the SPME fiber in the core of the solid material. Volatile profiles generated by using both methods of extraction were very similar in both pro ducts. Compounds that have been previously highlighted as quality markers, such as products from oxidative degradation of lipids, products from Streck er degradation of amino acids, or terpenes, were satisfactorily extracted b y SPME coupled to the device for direct extraction. In addition, by using t his method no laboratory contaminants were extracted, whereas some major la boratory solvents were presented in the chromatogram using the HS SPME meth od. However, coefficients of variation were higher when performing the dire ct sampling procedure. This new device appears to have potential as a simpl e method for extracting volatiles in solid materials while at the same time avoiding taking samples.