A comparison of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with simultaneous distillation–extraction (SDE) for the analysis of volatile compounds in heated beef and sheep fats

A comparison has been made on the application of SPME and SDE for the extraction of volatile compounds from heated beef and sheep fats with separation and measurement by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. As far as we know, this report represents the first time that such a comparison has been made for the measurement of volatile compounds in heated sheep fat. Approximately 100 compounds (in relatively high abundance) were characterised in the volatile profiles of heated beef and sheep fats using both techniques. Differences were observed in the volatile profiles obtained from each technique, independent of compound class. Rather than rate one technique as superior to another, the techniques can be regarded as complementary to each other.

► Techniques for extracting volatile compounds from sheep and beef fat have been compared.
► First comparison of SPME and SDE for volatile extraction from heated sheep fat.
► Approximately 100 volatile compounds found for both fat types using SPME & SDE.
► Differences in volatile profile from SPME & SDE, which are complementary to one other.