Determination of Plant-Derived Neutral Oligo- and Polysaccharides Using the CarboPac™ PA200

Importance of the Topic

High-performance anion-exchange chromatography combined with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAE-PAD) has become a cornerstone for the quantitative analysis of plant-derived neutral oligo- and polysaccharides. Accurate profiling of these carbohydrates is essential in food science, quality control, and agricultural research, where polysaccharide composition influences nutritional value, product stability, and functional properties.

Objectives and Article Overview

This work evaluates the CarboPac PA200 column for improved separation of neutral plant oligosaccharides and polysaccharides. The study compares PA200 performance against earlier CarboPac columns (PA100 and PA1) using standard inulin and maltodextrin samples and extends the method to real-world matrices such as beer.

Methodology

The method employs HPAE-PAD under alkaline conditions with sodium hydroxide and sodium acetate gradients. Key parameters include a 3×250 mm PA200 analytical column operating at 0.5 mL/min, pulsed amperometric detection with a disposable gold working electrode, and optimized gradient programs to resolve oligosaccharides up to high degrees of polymerization.

Used Instrumentation

• Dionex BioLC system with GP50 gradient pump, ED50 electrochemical detector, E01 eluent organizer, and AS50 autosampler
• CarboPac PA200 analytical column and guard cartridge
• Pulsed amperometric detection using a disposable gold electrode and Ag/AgCl reference
• Chromeleon chromatography management software

Main Results and Discussion

The PA200 column demonstrated superior resolution compared to PA100, yielding narrower peaks, earlier elution of higher polymerization species, and detection of additional oligo- and polysaccharide peaks. Analysis times were reduced by up to 29 minutes, and sample throughput improved. Application to maltodextrins in beer highlighted enhanced detection of minor components not resolved on PA100.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced chromatographic resolution and peak efficiency
• Lower sample and eluent consumption
• Reduced sodium acetate concentration required for elution
• Shorter analysis times and decreased aqueous waste generation
• Facilitated post-separation desalting and purification

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Future developments may include integration with automated sample preparation, expanded profiling of complex carbohydrates in diverse food and bioindustry matrices, online coupling with membrane desalters for preparative workflows, and further miniaturization of column formats. Advances in stationary phase design could also enable enhanced selectivity for branched and modified polysaccharides.

Conclusion

The CarboPac PA200 column represents a significant advancement in HPAE-PAD analysis of neutral plant-derived oligo- and polysaccharides, offering improved separation performance, operational efficiency, and environmental benefits. Its adoption supports faster, more sensitive, and more sustainable carbohydrate analysis in research and industrial settings.

Reference

• Rohrer, J. S. High-Performance Anion Exchange Chromatography with Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAE-PAD) for the Determination of Oligosaccharides in Food and Agricultural Products. In Oligosaccharides in Food and Agriculture; Eggleston, G.; Côté, G. L., Eds.; ACS Symposium Series, 849; Oxford University Press, 2003; pp 16–31.
• Dionex Corporation. Determination of Plant-Derived Neutral Oligo- and Polysaccharides; Application Note 67; LPN 1474, 2003.
• Dionex Corporation. Technical Note 21; LPN 0032025-02.
• Thayer, J.; Rohrer, J. S.; Avdalovic, N.; Gearing, R. P. Continuous-Flow On-Line Desalting of Carbohydrates Using a Carbohydrate Membrane Desalter for HPAE-PAD. Anal. Biochem. 1998, 256, 207–216.