Sugar & Organic Acid Columns
Dedicated Polymer Matrix Columns for Carbohydrate Analysis
ANPEL Sugar and Organic Acid Columns provide specialized stationary phases for the separation of carbohydrates, sugar alcohols, and organic acids. The product range is primarily based on highly cross-linked polystyrene-divinylbenzene (PS/DVB) polymer matrices, modified with specific ionic forms—such as Hydrogen (H), Calcium (Ca), Lead (Pb), Potassium (K), and Sodium (Na)—to achieve targeted selectivity.
These columns separate analytes through a combination of size exclusion, ion exclusion, and ligand exchange mechanisms. By selecting the appropriate ionic form and polymer cross-linking density, laboratories can resolve complex carbohydrate mixtures in aqueous mobile phases without the need for complex gradient elution or sample derivatization.
Explore the Sugar and Organic Acid Range
Choose the Right Column for Your Method
Column selection depends on the specific sugars or organic acids present in the sample.
- For organic acids and mixed carbohydrate/acid samples: The Hydrogen (H) form is generally the primary choice. It separates organic acids primarily by ion exclusion while retaining sugars through size exclusion.
- For general sugar and sugar alcohol analysis: The Calcium (Ca) form is the most common starting point for food and beverage applications, providing excellent resolution for common mono- and disaccharides.
- For complex or closely eluting sugars: The Lead (Pb) form often provides enhanced resolution for specific pentoses and hexoses that co-elute on a Ca-type column.
- For larger oligosaccharides: Potassium (K) and Sodium (Na) forms, or columns with a lower degree of cross-linking, may be selected to accommodate larger molecular sizes.
Understanding Polymer Cross-Linking
CNWSep polymer columns are available in different cross-linking densities (often denoted as L, M, or H, corresponding to 5%, 8%, or 10% cross-linking).
- Lower cross-linking (e.g., 5%) provides larger effective pore sizes, making it suitable for larger oligosaccharides.
- Higher cross-linking (e.g., 8% or 10%) provides a denser matrix, improving the resolution of smaller monosaccharides and organic acids.
Important Selection Note
Polymer-matrix sugar and organic acid columns are highly sensitive to operating conditions. They typically require elevated operating temperatures (often 75°C to 85°C) to reduce mobile-phase viscosity and improve column efficiency. Always verify the column’s maximum temperature limit, maximum pressure limit, recommended flow rate, and solvent compatibility before use. Exposure to organic solvents or pressures exceeding the manufacturer’s specifications can cause irreversible damage to the polymer bed.
