Application of HS-SPME-GC-MS for the analysis of aldehydes produced by different insect species and their antifungal activity.

In this study, a procedure was developed to determine aldehydes using headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) followed by gas chromatography (GC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS). The aldehydes selected for research had previously been identified in various species of insects. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of the compounds against strains of entomopathogenic fungi were also determined. At the outset, the best SPME extraction conditions were chosen for the analysis to obtain good chromatographic separation. The analysis was carried out using a BZ-5 column and different SPME fibers were used to isolate the aldehydes. DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber appeared to be the most efficient coating for undertaking the measurements. The best parameters of separation by HS-SPME and analysis by GC-MS were selected. In addition, the aldehydes were tested for their potential antifungal activity. A procedure was developed to determine the aldehydes using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Heptanal, 2,4-nonadienal, 2-decenal and undecanal were the most effective antifungal compounds against entomopathogenic fungi.