Characterizing Pigments in Peppers
A group of researchers have characterized carotenoid and chlorophyll in different sweet bell peppers using offline multidimensional supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) combined with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) for the first time.
A group of researchers have characterized carotenoid and chlorophyll in different sweet bell peppers (Capsicum annuum L.) using offline multidimensional supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) combined with reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) for the first time (1).
Bell peppers come in a range of colours, from green to red. All peppers start off life green and then change colour, to red, orange, or yellow, as they ripen. These colour changes are a result of the presence of carotenoid pigments, which are produced in greater amounts as the pepper ripens.
The team used a 100 × 3 mm, 1.8-μm C18 column with a supercritical mobile phase in the first dimension and a 250 × 4.6 mm, 3.0-μm C30 column in reversed-phase mode in the second dimension. This multidimensional approach enabled the team to determine 115 different compounds belonging to chlorophylls, free xanthophylls, free carotenes, xanthophyll monoesters, and xanthophyll diesters. This was a significant improvement compared to the conventional one-dimensional LC approach that was previously applied to sweet bell peppers. - K.M.
Reference
- L. Mondello et al., Journal of Separation Science39, 3281–3291 (2016).
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ions used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
The Complexity of Oligonucleotide Separations
January 9th 2025Peter Pellegrinelli, Applications Specialist at Advanced Materials Technology (AMT) explains the complexity of oligonucleotide separations due to the unique chemical properties of these molecules. Issues such as varying length, sequence complexity, and hydrophilic-hydrophobic characteristics make efficient separations difficult. Separation scientists are addressing these challenges by modifying mobile phase compositions, using varying ion-pairing reagents, and exploring alternative separation modes like HILIC and ion-exchange chromatography. Due to these complexities, AMT has introduced the HALO® OLIGO column, which offers high-resolution, fast separations through its innovative Fused-Core® technology and high pH stability. Alongside explaining the new column, Peter looks to the future of these separations and what is next to come.
