Thermo Scientific Dionex Bio-IC Column Selection Guide

Significance of Column Selection

The choice of ion exchange columns is critical for reliable separation and quantification of carbohydrates and amino acids in diverse matrices. Optimized columns enable high resolution, fast throughput, and robust performance in applications ranging from food and beverage analysis to biopharmaceutical quality control.

Objectives and Overview of the Guide

This guide aims to help analytical chemists select the most suitable Thermo Scientific Dionex CarboPac and AminoPac columns for specific analyte classes. It summarizes column formats, capacities, recommended applications, and associated official methods and application notes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Ultrahigh-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection is the core technique. Key instrumentation includes:

• Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-6000 High-Pressure Ion Chromatography system
• Thermo Scientific Dionex RFIC systems with dual eluent generation (EGC) cartridges
• Methanesulfonic acid and potassium hydroxide EGC cartridges for on-line eluent production
• Inline pretreatment cartridges such as AminoTrap and BorateTrap for sample cleanup

Main Recommendations and Discussion

Columns are grouped by application focus:

• Oligosaccharide Analysis: CarboPac PA200 and PA100 series for high-resolution separation of neutral and sialylated oligosaccharides in glycoproteins and plant extracts
• Simple Sugar Profiling: CarboPac PA210-Fast and SA10-Fast for rapid mono- and disaccharide separation in food, beverages, and biofuels
• Sialic Acid Determination: CarboPac PA20-Fast columns for N-acetyl and N-glycolylneuraminic acids, used in infant formula and glycoprotein screening
• Sugar Alcohols and Glycols: CarboPac MA1 and SA10 columns for high-capacity separation of sugar alcohols in sweeteners, fermentation broths, and pharmaceuticals
• Amino Acid and Amino Sugar Analysis: AminoPac PA10 and PA1 for free amino acids, amino sugars, vitamins, and phosphorylated amino acids, with CRC cartridges for carbohydrate removal

Benefits and Practical Applications

These columns deliver:

• Reproducible high resolution under isocratic and gradient conditions
• Fast run times with capillary and high-pressure formats
• Compatibility with a wide range of organic solvents
• Validated performance based on USP, AOAC, and manufacturer application notes

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Ongoing developments include integration of multidimensional chromatography, further miniaturization of column formats, and expansion of eluent generation technologies. Emerging applications in glycomics, metabolomics, and single-cell analysis will drive demand for specialized column chemistries and higher throughput systems.

Conclusion

This selection guide streamlines column choice for complex carbohydrate and amino acid separations, supporting robust analytical workflows across research and quality control laboratories. By aligning column characteristics with sample demands and official methods, analysts can achieve optimal sensitivity, selectivity, and efficiency.

Reference Applications and Notes

Key application resources include AN 72714, AN 1050, AN 215, AN 282, AN 280, AN 1089, AN 117, AN 246, AN 122, AN 87, AN 179, AN 150, AN 142, AN 1070, AN 66, AN 92, AN 82, and TN series documents for specialized carbohydrate and amino acid analyses.