Chromatographic elution pattern of beers in size exclusion mode

Significance of the Topic

This application note addresses the analysis of beer components by size exclusion chromatography combined with sodium-based ligand exchange. This approach enables efficient separation of carbohydrates, polyols and ethanol in complex matrices such as craft and low-carb beers.

Objectives and Study Overview

The goal was to develop a simple, water-based mobile phase method to resolve key constituents in beer samples without derivatization. Samples were prepared by ultrasonic decarboxylation and directly injected to assess the elution pattern of six compound classes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Chromatograph: Shimadzu Nexera lite
• Column: Two Shim-pack SUR-Na columns (250 mm × 7.8 mm, 8 μm)
• Guard column: Shim-pack SUR-Na (50 mm × 7.8 mm, 8 μm)
• Mobile phase: Water
• Flow rate: 0.5 mL/min
• Column temperature: 60 °C
• Injection volume: 10 μL
• Detector: Refractive index detector

Main Results and Discussion

The chromatogram displayed six distinct peaks corresponding to:

1. High-molecular-weight carbohydrates near the exclusion limit
2. Oligosaccharides
3. Disaccharides (e.g. maltose)
4. Monosaccharides (e.g. glucose, fructose)
5. Glycerol
6. Ethanol

These assignments were consistent for both craft and low-carb beer samples, demonstrating clear resolution of small polar compounds under pure water conditions.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This method offers a straightforward workflow for routine quality control of beers, allowing simultaneous monitoring of sugars, polyols and ethanol without complex sample pretreatment. Its use of water as mobile phase enhances method robustness and environmental sustainability.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances may include coupling SEC with mass spectrometry for structural identification of oligosaccharides and extending the approach to other fermented beverages. Integration with online sample preparation could further streamline high-throughput analysis.

Conclusion

The Shim-pack SUR-Na size exclusion and sodium-based ligand exchange method on a Nexera lite system enables efficient separation of key beer components using a simple, green mobile phase. The approach is suitable for routine analysis in breweries and food laboratories seeking rapid profiling of carbohydrates and ethanol content.