AINIA / Tecnology / Chromatography

Chromatography

Chromatographic solutions

Chromatography enables the separation, identification, and quantification of a wide variety of compounds, even at trace levels, in complex food and environmental matrices. At AINIA, we employ multiple chromatographic approaches, combining liquid and gas techniques with different types of highly selective detectors, allowing us to address everything from routine control of regulated contaminants to the study of emerging compounds, authenticity, and product quality. Our technical team brings extensive experience in the development and adaptation of specific methods, delivering robust, agile results aimed at supporting key decisions in food safety, regulatory compliance, and R&D.

Applications

Chromatographic techniques allow the quantification of a wide range of compounds in different food, environmental, and food contact matrices. Specifically, AINIA applies these technologies for the analysis of:

Emerging and process contaminants

And other compounds associated with processing.

In oils, fats, dry foods, packaging, and contact materials.

And other persistent contaminants in food matrices.

Authenticity and traceability

To verify product authenticity or detect adulteration.

Migration and packaging control

From food contact materials into food or simulants.

Regulated residues and contaminants

In plant products, fruits, vegetables, cereals, spices, herbs for infusions, plant extracts, and other complex matrices.

In cereals, nuts, coffee, cocoa, spices, herbs for infusions, plant extracts, and other complex matrices.

In foods of animal origin and processed products.

Additives, ingredients, and functional compounds

flavourings, and other regulated or technologically relevant ingredients.

And quality or freshness markers.

AINIA’s competitive advantages

Extensive experience in plant- and animal-based foods, oils, fats, cereals, spices, extracts, processed products, and food contact materials.
Capability to work with complex and challenging matrices while maintaining sensitivity and reliability in results.

Wide range of analytes: regulated contaminants, emerging compounds, additives, process compounds, authenticity markers, and volatiles.
Multi-residue and multi-analyte approach enabling comprehensive solutions in a single determination.

Rapid method development in response to new sector needs, food safety incidents, or regulatory changes.
Development and validation of specific methods for R&D projects or special analytical requirements.

Combination of different types of chromatography (liquid and gas) with multiple selective detectors, adapting to compounds of very diverse nature.
Experience in areas less covered by other laboratories, such as MOSH–MOAH, PFAS, volatile compounds, or chemical authenticity markers.

Expert guidance in result interpretation and selection of the most appropriate analytical strategy.
Integration of chromatographic analyses into customised analytical plans for quality control, food safety, and product development.

Key equipment

GC×GC-FID/MS platform

Two-dimensional gas chromatography system with FID and MS detectors, providing exceptional resolution for the characterisation of complex mixtures. It is especially useful in studies of emerging compounds, MOSH–MOAH, volatile profiles, and authenticity, offering a differentiated analytical capability compared to conventional laboratories.

Liquid chromatography systems

With MS/MS, DAD, and fluorescence detectors, suitable for polar and thermolabile compounds, with high sensitivity and selectivity.

Gas chromatography

With MS/MS and FID detectors, including automated preparation using SPME-HS, ideal for volatile and semi-volatile compounds in complex matrices.

Featured cases

Ethylene oxide control

In response to the urgent need for a reliable method for ethylene oxide control, which affected multiple sectors including official control, our laboratories were the first in Europe to have analysis of this substance available across a significant number of food matrices. As a result, we were also the first to be designated as an official control laboratory by the authorities in our country. This enabled food companies to establish their own controls on raw materials such as spices, nuts, seeds, and other affected ingredients.

CEN / EN-ISO 18465 Standard

AINIA is part of the working group of the European Committee for Standardization CEN/TC275/WG6 “Microbiology of the food chain”, in which it has participated in the European validation of the EN-ISO 18465 standard for the analysis of cereulide toxin.

Application sectors

Food

Chemical

Cosmetic

Environment

Pharmaceutical

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Begoña Company

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