What is Sensory Directed Analysis?
What is Sensory Directed Analysis?
Sensory Directed Analysis (SDA) is the process which utilizes the separation power of gas chromatography in combination with the human nose and mass spectrometry to identify sensory-active compounds.
The GERSTEL SDA method is used to solve critical challenges related to perceived aromas by using sensory guided analytical techniques needed to ensure sensory active compound identification. Other techniques rely solely on data processing without any sensory data correlation causing critical data loss or misinterpretation. Our method provides the only means to definitively identify sensory-active compounds using advanced GC separation and simultaneous olfactory and MS detection.
This method is designed for analytical chemists & sensory
scientists who need to:
- Determine key sensory-active compounds in their products or a competitor’s.
- Quickly map the entire aroma profile of a product.
- Develop odor abatement technologies.
- Manage quality control or customer & consumer complaints.
The method utilizes the many tools and techniques available exclusively through GERSTEL to address sensory-active compound identification in a wide array of sample matrices. Our systems are customized and configured to meet your critical challenges.
Sensory Directed Analysis Workshop
GERSTEL’s 3-day SDA Workshop is designed for analytical chemists and sensory scientists. The workshop integrates sensory and instrumental analysis for investigating sensory-active compounds to solve critical challenges in a wide variety of products and sample types. It includes lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive discussions with our Analytical Services Group.
During the workshop you can expect to cover the following:
- Address a real-world aroma analysis investigation
- Gain hands-on sample extraction & GC-Olfactometry experience
- Develop aroma recognition skills & vocabulary
- Apply the SDA method to your own sample
- Bring tools back to your lab to implement the SDA method
Coming into this workshop, I had minimal knowledge about the capabilities of my own nose and the optimal sample preparation techniques for sensory directed analysis. Throughout this three-day program, I learned how my sensory lexicon could be used as a tool for recognizing off-odors, differentiating similar products, and identifying aromas of compounds that a mass spectrometer cannot always detect. I gained hands-on experience with GERSTEL sample preparation techniques and learned which one was best geared towards my sample type. The instructors were extremely knowledgeable in all aspects of the workshop, spent individual time with each group member for personalized discussions, and were kind enough to treat us to fantastic lunches and dinners during and after the training courses. This was money well spent, and I look forward to incorporating everything I learned into solving complex sensory problems.
Anonymous
Analytical Scientist
My experience with GERSTEL SDA workshop has gone far beyond my expectations. The workshop gave the attendee a systematic framework to understand and apply the SDA principles. The instructor Nicole was great and very knowledgeable, the interaction and input from other people attending made the experience even richer. I enjoyed the workshop tremendously and I’m sure that the information and acquired skills learned in this workshop will greatly help me achieve my goals in work.
Helen Fang
Wine Industry Research Scientist
GERSTEL SDA workshop provided a really engaging learning experience. Switching between hands-on sessions, in-classroom lectures, and interactive discussions made all the instruction materials very easy and pleasant to follow. The well-designed workshop gave me a jump-start in our own lab. Highly recommend to those who have a limited time budget for reviewing or studying by themselves.
Anonymous
Analytical Chemist
I had a great time and learned so much at GERSTEL's SDA workshop. As someone who does not have an extensive chemistry background but more experience on the sensory side, I found that the Nicoles and the rest of the GERSTEL team made the technical parts of the workshop very approachable and the sensory aspects very engaging. The workshop laid the foundation for how to approach sensory based questions and understanding why certain analytical techniques would be helpful. At OVR we are looking forward to integrating the approach and techniques into scent field sampling as well as other areas of our product development
Sarah Socia
OVR Technology