New trends in the analysis of the volatile fraction of matrices of vegetable origin

The volatile fraction of matrices of vegetable origin is an important marker diagnostic not only of their origin and quality, but also of the compositions of other even-non-volatile fractions. The study of the volatile fraction requires analytical methods and technologies able both to monitor variations in the volatile profile and to detect trace components characterizing the matrix investigated. The modern studies of the volatile fraction composition are based on the new approaches and strategies resulting from the overwhelming evolution that has taken place in analysis over the last decades. The new involved approaches include: - solventless sample preparation techniques and in particular headspace sampling based on High Concentration Capability Headspace Techniques (HCC-HS e.g. HS-SPME, HSSE, STE, SE-HSSE, etc.); - fast GC and Fast-GC-Fast-MS, enantioselective GC (ES-GC) and ES-GC-MS analysis; - new analytical techniques such as two dimensional comprehensive GC (GCxGC); - new operative strategies (e.g. Analytical Decision Marker (ADM)) or technologies (e.g. Total Analysis Systems (TAS)) - strategies of data elaboration producing higher level of information. A short overview on the advancement of analytical techniques and how they can influence strategies and approaches to study the volatile fraction of vegetable matrices is here presented.