Combined liquid and gas chromatographic characterisation of polyglycerol fatty acid esters

In the present study a combined liquid and gas chromatographic technique is described for the analysis of polyglycerol fatty acid esters. Liquid chromatographic fractionation of samples resulted in pure standards of monoesters of di- and triglycerols and diesters of di- and triglycerols. Confirmation of their identity was achieved by LC-MS analysis. Moreover, a chromatographic identification of the mono- and diesters of cyclic diglycerol was proposed. From the isolation of pure esters and their gas chromatographic analysis, it was revealed that co-elution of several compounds occurred. Thus it was shown that prefractionation of the sample using a simplified liquid chromatographic separation, was necessary in order to characterise the esters correctly. In combination with some other chemical analyses, a complete profile of the chemical composition of polyglycerol fatty acid esters can be obtained.

[Synthesis, characterization and application of polyglycerols and polyglycerol fatty acid esters]

The current state of knowledge in the field of synthesis and properties of polyglycerols and polyglycerol fatty acid esters is presented. Alternatives for the analytical characterization of these families by means of physico-chemical methods, with special reference to chromatography and spectroscopy, are described. Furthermore, the use of polyglycerol fatty acid esters as food additives is considered from the view-points of the physiology of nutrition and of processing technology.