A UHPLC system for complex extracts in agricultural, food and nutritional research

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An ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) system capable of achieving the highest available separation power is requested to aid in the analysis of highly complex mixtures of compounds in natural extracts obtained by our research programs in food, nutrition and agriculture. The unit is equipped with diode-array (DAD) and evaporative light scattering (ELSD) detectors for identification and quantification of a wide range of analytes. The ELSD is optimized for low temperature operation which will especially benefit studies involving lipids (Curtis, Gänzle and Field). An integral fraction collection system will allow automated collection of peaks on a scale suitable for further analysis by mass spectrometry or testing for bioactivity. A portable configuration permits both stand-alone operation and coupling to adjacent mass spectrometers, maximizing the benefit of provincial and federal investments in this expensive infrastructure. The UHPLC system will find immediate use by students and associates working on current projects. Many of these projects are aimed a developing value-added products which are beneficial to Canadian agriculture and food processors. Examples include the characterization of hydroxylated fatty acids which may control fungal spoilage of foods (Gänzle, Curtis), analysis of phenolic compounds in natural health products and their reactions with food proteins (Schieber), analysis of valuable lipid residues in waste deodorizer distillate from canola refining (Temelli, Curtis), analytical separations of triacylglycerides and quantification of vegetable oil transformations (Curtis); analysis of ceramides in tumour membrane and lipid rafts (Field, Curtis); analysis of bioactive compounds extracted from crop biomass (Aranda Saldana). Overall the UHPLC system will be a workhorse instrument which will facilitate strong collaborative research.