On-line derivatization with on-line coupled normal phase liquid chromatography–gas chromatography using the through oven transfer adsorption desorption interface: Application to the analysis of total sterols in edible oils

On-line liquid chromatography-gas chromatography: A novel approach for the analysis of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods

A novel methodology for the automated qualitative and quantitative determination of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods via on-line liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) was established. The approach is based on the LC pre-separation of acetylated phytosterols and their corresponding oxides using silica as stationary phase and a mixture of n-hexane/methyl tert-butyl ether/isopropanol as eluent. Two LC-fractions containing (i) 5,6-epoxy- and 7-hydroxyphytosterols, and (ii) 7-ketophytosterols are transferred on-line to the GC for the analysis of their individual compositions on a medium polar trifluoropropylmethyl polysiloxane capillary column. Thus, conventionally employed laborious off-line purification and enrichment steps can be avoided. Validation data, including recovery, repeatability, and reproducibility of the method, were elaborated using an enriched margarine as example. The margarine was subjected to a heating procedure in order to exemplarily monitor the formation of phytosterol oxidation products. Quantification was performed using on-line LC-GC-FID, identification of the analytes was based on on-line LC-GC-MS. The developed approach offers a new possibility for the reliable and fast analysis of phytosterol oxidation products in enriched foods.

A novel fully automated on-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography technique used for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues in tobacco and tobacco products

In this study, a novel fully automated on-line coupled liquid chromatography-gas chromatography (LC-GC) technique was reported and applied for the determination of organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) in tobacco and tobacco products. Using a switching valve to isolate the capillary pre-column and the analytical column during the solvent evaporation period, the LC solvent can be completely removed and prevented from reaching the GC column and the detector. The established method was used to determinate the OCPs in tobacco samples. By using Florisil SPE column and employing GPC technique, polarity impurities and large molecule impurities were removed. A dynamic range 1-100ng/mL was achieved with detection limits from 1.5 to 3.3μg/kg. The method exhibited good repeatability and recoveries. This technology may provide an alternative way for trace analysis of complex samples.

Large volume injection in gas chromatography using the through oven transfer adsorption desorption interface operating under vacuum

The present work describes a modification of the Through Oven Transfer Adsorption Desorption (TOTAD) interface, consisting of coupling a vacuum system to reduce the consumption of the helium needed to totally remove the eluent for large volume injection (LVI) in gas chromatography (GC). Two different retention materials in the liner of the TOTAD interface were evaluated: Tenax TA, which was seen to be unsuitable for working under vacuum conditions, and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), which provided satisfactory repeatability as well as a good sensitivity. No variability was observed in the retention times in either case. Solutions containing organophosphorous pesticides in two different solvents, a polar (methanol/water) and a non-polar (hexane) solvent, were used to evaluate the modification. The vacuum system coupled to the TOTAD interface allowed up to 90% helium to be saved without affecting the performance.

Online LC-GC analysis of free sterols/stanols and intact steryl/stanyl esters in cereals

The suitability of online liquid chromatography-gas chromatography for the analysis of free sterols/stanols, steryl/stanyl fatty acid esters, and trans-steryl/stanyl ferulic acid esters in cereals is demonstrated. The silylated lipid extracts were fractionated via liquid chromatography on a normal phase, and the fractions containing the sterol classes were transferred online to the gas chromatograph for the analysis of their individual compositions. The study provides for the first time data on free sterols/stanols and intact steryl/stanyl esters in sweet corn, popcorn, and proso millet. Sweet corn revealed the highest contents of free sterols/stanols and steryl/stanyl fatty acid esters, and popcorn, in turn, the highest amounts of trans-steryl/stanyl ferulic acid esters. The distribution patterns of the proso millet samples revealed pronounced differences from those of sweet corn and popcorn as they particularly exhibited high proportions of free cholesterol and cholesteryl fatty acid esters. Furthermore, no trans-steryl/stanyl ferulic acid esters could be detected.