Analysis of Azo Dyes Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Significance of the topic

Accurate and rapid analysis of azo dyes is critical in food safety, environmental monitoring and industrial quality control. Many azo dyes or their degradation products are restricted due to mutagenic or carcinogenic risks. A robust high-performance liquid chromatography method can ensure compliance and protect public health.

Objectives and overview of the study

This application note evaluates the performance of the Thermo Scientific Accucore RP-MS superficially porous column for the separation of seven common azo dyes. The goal is to demonstrate faster run times, high efficiency and improved peak shapes compared to conventional fully porous materials.

Methodology

• Sample preparation Individual 1 mg/mL standards of Fast Garnet, Orange II, Dimethyl Yellow, Sudan Red G, Sudan I, Sudan III and Sudan IV were dissolved in DMSO. A mixed working solution was prepared by combining specified volumes of each standard.
• Chromatographic conditions A binary gradient was run using mobile phase A (0.1% TFA in water) and B (0.1% TFA in acetonitrile). The gradient ramped from 25% B to 95% B over 15 minutes, returned to initial conditions at 17.01 minutes and re-equilibrated by 20 minutes.

Instrumentation

• Column Thermo Scientific Accucore RP-MS, 2.6 µm, 150 x 4.6 mm (Part No. 17626-154630)
• HPLC system Thermo Scientific Accela with UV detection at 225 nm, column temperature 50 °C, flow rate 1.8 mL/min, injection volume 2.0 µL, measured system pressure ~300 bar
• Consumables HPLC grade water, acetonitrile, trifluoroacetic acid, DMSO and certified vials with PTFE-silicone caps

Main results and discussion

The Accucore RP-MS column achieved baseline separation of all seven dyes in approximately 15 minutes. Peak asymmetry values ranged from 1.07 to 1.60 and retention time RSDs were below 1% over six replicate injections. The core-shell design reduced secondary interactions, yielding sharper peaks and lower tailing factors compared to sub-2 µm fully porous phases.

Benefits and practical applications

• High throughput analysis reduces cycle time in QC laboratories
• Lower backpressure permits use on standard HPLC pumps
• Enhanced resolution and reproducibility support trace level quantitation
• Robust phase bonding tolerates routine cleaning and acidic mobile phases

Future trends and potential applications

Further integration of core-shell columns with mass spectrometry detection will enable trace analysis of emerging dye contaminants. Miniaturization and faster gradients can meet real-time monitoring demands. Green solvent systems and automated sample handling are likely to enhance sustainability and throughput in regulatory and research laboratories.

Conclusion

The Accucore RP-MS column offers a reliable, fast and high-efficiency solution for the separation of azo dyes. Its unique core enhanced particle design delivers excellent peak performance at moderate backpressures, making it ideal for routine food, environmental and industrial analysis.

Reference

• Phipps K. Application Note ANCCSCETAZODYE, Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2011.