The Fast-Track to Chemical Insights
ChromaTOF Tile
Advanced GCxGC Data Comparison
ChromaTOF Tile is LECO’s advanced tool for rapid comparison of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC) data, designed to help laboratories move from raw data to confident conclusions faster than ever. By segmenting chromatograms into structured retention‑time “tiles” and applying powerful statistical tests, Tile highlights meaningful chemical differences between samples—making it ideal for discovery workflows, quality investigations, and complex multi‑sample studies.
ChromaTOF Tile Benefits
Rapid Differential Analysis
Tile efficiently compiles and compares GCxGC datasets, surfacing statistically significant differences across samples or groups. Analysts spend less time searching for differences and more time understanding what they mean.
Handle Complex, High‑Dimensional Data
Large, information‑dense chromatograms are automatically broken into manageable retention‑time tiles, simplifying interpretation and enabling quick identification of regions with the greatest variance.
Built‑In Statistical Tools
Tile incorporates powerful metrics such as Fisher Ratio, Coefficient of Variation, and Fold Change, which help highlight chemical differentiators under different study designs—whether samples have defined groups, undefined groups, or no replicates.
Flexible for Diverse Workflow
Whether used with GCxGC‑MS or GCxGC‑FID data, Tile complements standard ChromaTOF software and integrates easily into existing workflows for discovery, quality control, and targeted follow‑up analysis.
ChromaTOF Tile Statistical Methods
Fisher Ratio
Ideal for datasets with defined groups and replicates; highlights class‑to‑class differences while minimizing within‑group variance. Perfect for biomarker discovery and source comparison.
Coefficient of Variation
Best for datasets without defined sample groups; reveals underlying chemical signatures and differentiating features. Useful for blind studies or complex screening experiments.
Fold Change
Designed for datasets without replicates; rapidly identifying major chemical differences, ideal for time‑sensitive investigations like product failures or off‑odor identification.
ChromaTOF Tile Application Notes
Statistical Differentiation of Baijiu Spirits Using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS and ChromaTOF Tile Software
Statistical Differentiation of Baijiu Spirits Using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS and ChromaTOF Tile Software
Differentiating Regular and Barrel-Aged Maple Syrups
Differentiating Regular and Barrel-Aged Maple Syrups
Statistical Differentiation of Pesto Products using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS and ChromaTOF Tile Software
Statistical Differentiation of Pesto Products using SPME-GCxGC-TOFMS and ChromaTOF Tile Software
How ChromaTOF Tile Works
LECO sought strategies to bypass the tedious task of manual GCxGC contour plot comparison, freeing analysts to pursue the next project or rapidly progress key research goals. Traditional peak finding and peak table filtering wouldn’t be fast enough, and couldn’t easily differentiate injection variability from real sample chemistry differences.
In collaboration with Dr. Robert Synovec’s research team, LECO developed a region-based approach to identifying features in GCxGC contour plots. Raw MS data is segmented by “tiles” – small rectangles defined by retention times – and tiles with unique m/z fragments are identified in the samples. These tiles can then be rapidly compared with those in other samples, creating a heatmap of tile intensity that direct analysts’ attention to characteristic features of a sample or group of samples.
References
Enhanced GCxGC-TOFMS Biomarker Discovery
Fisher Ratio Analysis GCxGC–TOFMS using Null Distribution Approach
Receiver Operating Characteristic Curve Optimization within GCxGC-TOFMS
Improved Feature Selection Analysis in GCxGC-TOFMS
Chemical Characterization of Acid Alteration of Diesel Fuel
Tile-based Fisher Ratio Analysis using Yeast Metabolome Dataset
Frequently Asked Questions
What instruments are compatible with ChromaTOF Tile?
ChromaTOF Tile supports all LECO GCxGC TOF-MS instruments, including Pegasus BTX 4D, Pegasus GC-HRT 4D, and earlier 4D models.
What makes Tile different from the standard ChromaTOF?
While ChromaTOF handles full data processing and deconvolution, ChromaTOF Tile specializes in rapid differential analysis, using tiled retention windows to spotlight key chemical differences instead of individual peaks.
How does Tile handle retention-time shifts?
ChromaTOF Tile’s grid-based alignment compensates for normal chromatographic variation, enabling accurate comparisons even across runs or instruments.
Does Tile require previous peak identification?
No. ChromaTOF Tile works directly on raw or nominalized GCxGC data, making it ideal for non-targeted workflows and early-stage exploration.
Which statistical method should I use?
Fisher Ratio: Defined groups with replicates
Coefficient of Variation: Undefined groups or exploratory studies
Fold Change: No replicates; rapid insights needed
Can I export results?
Yes, all tables and plots can be exported for reporting, publication, or further statistical analysis.
Is training available?
Yes! To help you get up and running quickly, customers can access step-by-step on-demand video tutorials covering the key features and common tasks with LECOLearn.
What license options are available?
ChromaTOF Tile is available as a 90-day trial, annual subscription, or as a perpetual USB license.
How do I update my ChromaTOF software?
Visit LECOsoftware.com to download the most up-to-date versions of all LECO software.
English 
Spanish 
Japanese 
German 
French 
Portuguese