Chromatography is a fundamental technique in analytical chemistry that helps distinguish and identify compounds in complex mixtures. The combination of monolithic columns and functionalization techniques represents a significant advance in the field of chromatography, especially in the context of food analysis.
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Chromatography Columns
The chromatography column is the heart of chromatography and serves as the means of separating the components. Monolithic columns, consisting of a single porous structure, have gained prominence due to their unique characteristics. The absence of interstitial spaces between particles in monolithic columns eliminates the need for packing materials, resulting in lower backpressure and higher mass transfer rates.
Fig 1 SEM images of the monolithic nano-column with magnification (A) ×2150 (B) ×9500. (Aydoğan C, et al. 2023)
Functionalization of Monolithic Columns
Several approaches can be employed to functionalize monolithic columns for specific applications in the analysis of food. A common method is to incorporate the ligand or receptor into the monolithic structure. These ligands can selectively interact with certain compounds, allowing for targeted separations. For example, antibodies or aptamers can be immobilized on the monolithic surface to create a highly selective chromatography systems.
Table 1 Characteristics and shortages of each functional monomer. (Si H, et al. 2022)
| Functional monomer |
Characteristics |
Shortages |
| Aptamer |
ease of synthesis, rapid regeneration, efficient recognition, and target capture |
fewer contact sites |
| Nanomaterials |
ultra-high specific surface area, mechanical strength and thermal stability |
low solubility and easy agglomeration |
| Chiral Selector |
chiral compound resolution |
repeatability and service life of chiral monolithic columns low |
| Ionic liquid |
high thermal stability, easy adjustment, good high solubility and efficient separation of anions and cations |
exploitation of novel ILs monolithic columns |
| Deep Eutectic Solvent |
low cost, low toxicity, simple to prepare and biocompatible |
sticky, uneven distribution of other materials |
Application in Food Analysis
By utilizing functionalized monolithic columns, the assessment of food quality, safety, and reliability can be made more efficient. Here are some key areas where these columns are making a significant impact:
Pesticide Residue Analysis
Functionalized monolithic columns can be tailored to selectively capture and separate pesticide residues from food samples. The high specificity achieved through functionalization ensures accurate detection and quantification, meeting stringent regulatory standards for food safety.
Food Additive Detection
Monolithic columns functionalized with specific ligands or imprinted sites can be designed to selectively bind to food additives. This allows for the efficient separation and analysis of additives, ensuring compliance with regulatory limits and contributing to the overall assessment of food quality.
Protein and Peptide Analysis
In the realm of food authentication, functionalized monolithic columns also play a crucial role in the identification of proteins and peptides. Immobilization of ligands that selectively interact with specific protein targets enables the rapid and accurate assessment of the authenticity of food products. Immobilizing ligands that selectively interact with specific protein targets enables the rapid and accurate assessment of the authenticity of food products.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect functionalized monolithic columns to become indispensable tools for ensuring the safety, quality, and authenticity of the food we consume.
References
- Aydoğan C, Beltekin B, Demir N, Yurt B, El Rassi Z. Nano-Liquid Chromatography with a New Monolithic Column for the Analysis of Coenzyme Q10 in Pistachio Samples. Molecules. 2023, 28(3):1423.
- Si H, Wang Q, Guo Y, Zhao Y, Li H, Li S, Wang S, Zhu B. Functionalized monolithic columns: Recent advancements and their applications for high-efficiency separation and enrichment in food and medicine. Front Chem. 2022, 10:951649.
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