Benefits of MaxPeak™ High Performance Surfaces in the Determination of β- Galactooligosaccharides in Infant Formula by HILIC

Significance of the Topic

In infant nutrition, β-galactooligosaccharides serve as essential prebiotics that support the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. Accurate quantification of GOS in infant formula ensures product quality, compliance with nutritional standards, and validation of health claims.

Study Objectives and Overview

This work evaluated the AOAC Official Method 2021.01 for GOS determination by HILIC-FLR in a multi-lab testing (MLT) context. A secondary goal was to investigate analyte loss and carry-over of dextran oligosaccharides and to assess MaxPeak High Performance Surfaces technology for improved HILIC performance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples of powdered infant formula were reconstituted, enzymatically treated with amyloglucosidase and β-galactosidase, and labeled with 2-aminobenzamide. Oligosaccharides were separated by hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Molecular weights were determined using either LC-MS or a dextran calibration ladder. Instrumentation

• ACQUITY UPLC H-Class PLUS System or Arc Premier System
• ACQUITY UPLC FLR Detector
• ACQUITY QDa Mass Detector
• ACQUITY UPLC Glycan BEH Amide Column or XBridge Premier Glycan BEH Amide Column

Main Results and Discussion

Linearity was excellent (R2=0.99998) across six calibration levels. The method achieved a limit of quantitation of 0.003 g/100 g and repeatability below 1 % RSD. Accuracy relative to MLT averages was within ±6.4 %. Conventional HILIC configurations showed significant analyte loss and carry-over for dextran oligosaccharides of degree of polymerization (DP) ≥6, while MaxPeak HPS configurations eliminated these issues.

Advantages and Practical Applications

Implementing MaxPeak HPS technology enhances robustness by preventing analyte interactions with metal surfaces, reducing sample carry-over, and improving peak consistency for high-DP oligosaccharides. The validated AOAC 2021.01 method provides reliable GOS measurements for quality control in infant formula production.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

The adoption of surface-passivated LC systems and columns is expected to expand in glycan and oligosaccharide analysis, including higher-DP prebiotics and complex carbohydrate mixtures. Integration with advanced MS detection and automated calibration may further streamline workflows and enhance structural characterization.

Conclusion

The AOAC 2021.01 HILIC-FLR method delivers precise, accurate quantitation of GOS in infant formula. MaxPeak HPS technology effectively resolves HILIC surface-interaction challenges for larger oligosaccharides and is recommended to safeguard analytical reliability.

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