LC-MS/MS Method for the Rapid Analysis of Five Artificial Sweeteners Using a Core Enhanced Technology Column

Importance of the Topic

Artificial sweeteners serve as sugar substitutes in food and beverages, addressing consumer concerns about obesity and dental health.
These compounds are critical for diabetic-friendly formulations and require reliable analytical methods to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study aimed to develop a fast and robust LC-MS/MS method for the simultaneous determination of five artificial sweeteners: acesulfame potassium, saccharin, sodium cyclamate, aspartame, and sucralose.
Using a core-shell Accucore RP-MS column, the goal was to achieve rapid separation within a minimal run time while ensuring high sensitivity and precision.

Methodology

Sample preparation involved spiking water with 200 ng/mL of each sweetener.
Chromatographic separation employed an Accucore RP-MS (2.6 µm, 50 × 2.1 mm) column with a binary gradient of water and acetonitrile (both containing 0.1% formic acid).
The gradient ramped from 5% to 95% organic over 1 minute, with a total cycle time of 2 minutes.
Detection used negative electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring for each analyte.

Instrumentation Used

• Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 RS HPLC system (HPG-3200SD pump, WPS-3000 autosampler, TCC-3000 thermostat)
• Accucore RP-MS 2.6 µm, 50 × 2.1 mm column
• Thermo Scientific TSQ Vantage triple quadrupole MS with HESI-II probe

Main Results and Discussion

All five sweeteners were separated in under 1 minute, with retention times from 0.30 to 0.76 minutes.
Precision was excellent, with response RSDs below 5% for six replicate injections.
MS/MS detection provided high specificity, eliminating the need for full chromatographic baseline resolution.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This LC-MS/MS method offers high throughput and robust quantification, making it well suited for routine quality control in food and beverage industries.
The core-shell column reduces backpressure and enhances peak shape, supporting instrument longevity and reliable performance.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging developments may include coupling with high-resolution MS for broader screening of sweeteners and degradation products.
Further miniaturization and adoption of greener solvents can improve sustainability.
Automation and portable MS platforms offer potential for rapid, on-site testing.

Conclusion

A rapid, precise, and sensitive LC-MS/MS method for five artificial sweeteners was established using a core-shell Accucore RP-MS column, achieving analysis in under 1 minute.

References

No external literature was cited in the original application note.