Metrosep Carb 2

Significance of Carbohydrate Analysis

Carbohydrate profiling is essential across multiple industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and biofuel quality control. Accurate separation and quantification of mono- and oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols and derived acids support regulatory compliance, process optimization and trace-level forensic investigations.

Study Objectives and Overview

This whitepaper introduces the Metrosep Carb 2 ion chromatography column designed for high-capacity carbohydrate separation. The goals are to demonstrate enhanced efficiency, rapid analysis, broad application scope and integrated data tracking using the intelligent iColumn format.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Metrosep Carb 2 columns are available in 100, 150 and 250 mm lengths with 4.0 or 2.0 mm inner diameter. They feature a polystyrene-divinylbenzene copolymer substrate with quaternary ammonium groups housed in PEEK. Standard operating eluent comprises 100 mmol per liter sodium hydroxide plus 10 mmol per liter sodium acetate at temperatures from 20 to 60 °C and pressures up to 20 MPa. The iColumn chip records serial number, maximum pressure and flow limits, and logs operating hours and injection count. Detection is achieved by pulsed amperometry using a gold working electrode and palladium reference electrode at 50 mV.

Main Findings and Discussion

Under comparable conditions, shorter columns yield faster analyses with adequate resolution for routine sugars, while longer columns improve separation of disaccharides and sugar alcohols. Typical retention order includes inositol, arabitol, sorbitol, glucose, xylose, fructose, lactose and sucrose. Inline sample cleanup via dialysis or ultrafiltration facilitates analysis of complex matrices such as yogurt, seawater and lactose-free milk. UV/VIS detection at 218 nm complements amperometric detection for inorganic ions in environmental samples.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Routine carbohydrate quantification in food, pharmaceutical and biofuel labs
• Quality control of polyols and polysaccharide derivatives
• Environmental monitoring of tracers such as levoglucosan
• Forensic and life science applications requiring trace-level sensitivity

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advancements may include coupling with mass spectrometry for structural elucidation, expanded inline cleanup modules, and integration with laboratory information management systems for automated data reporting. The modular iColumn approach sets the stage for smart maintenance alerts and predictive column replacement.

Conclusion

The Metrosep Carb 2 column offers a versatile, robust and cost-effective solution for high-performance carbohydrate separation. Its intelligent design ensures reliable operation, streamlined maintenance and broad applicability across diverse analytical scenarios.

References

• Metrosep Carb 2 Application Note 8.107.5004EN, Metrohm AG, 2016