Contaminant analysis in complex matrices

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Analysis


The extract (even purified) contains molecules of the investigated contaminant but also other molecules co-extracted from the sample. Therefore, the contaminant analysis involves the separation of various molecules by column chromatography (see the figure).

The choice of the chromatographic technique depends on the nature of the contaminant to be analyzed and its properties (volatility, hydrophobicity) (see Choice of chromatographic technique).

Survey pictogram Index pictogram
Illustration: top, the stationary phase. The mixture of gacuhed molecules evolves in the stationary phase. In the center, the duration of the chromatographic analysis. Bottom, the molecules are separated in the mobile phase.

Your Investigation


Which chromatographic technique do you suggest to analyze ochratoxin A in a purified extract of green coffee?

Clue


The molecule is relatively large, with polar groups (such as the carboxylic acid function). HPLC suits this analysis better than GC. A UV or fluorescence detector might work (cf. presence of unsaturation in the molecule due to the aromatic rings), as well as mass spectrometry.
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