Column Recommendations for Inulin and Enzymatically Hydrolyzed Inulin Analysis

Record: 614

Category: Column Selection
Product: SB-806M and KS-801 and KS-802
Sample: Inulin 

Question

I am analyzing inulin and enzymatically hydrolyzed inulin samples.
The inulin has an average degree of polymerization of 10–25, and hydrolysis produces monosugars and small oligosaccharides.

I have experienced difficulties analyzing these samples using:

• Bio-Rad Aminex HPX-87P
• Phenomenex Rezex ROA
• Amide HILIC columns requiring high organic content

High concentrations of organic solvents cause precipitation of enzymes and higher-molecular-weight sugars.
Do you have a suitable column recommendation, and do you offer sample testing?

Answer

Shodex offers sample analysis services, and demo columns may also be available depending on the application. We can recommend appropriate columns based on your separation requirements.

For inulin and its hydrolysis products, the two most common separation approaches are HILIC and size exclusion chromatography (SEC):

• Amide-based HILIC columns require high organic solvent content, which may not be compatible with enzyme-containing samples or higher-molecular-weight saccharides.
• Since you prefer to avoid organic solvents, aqueous SEC is the more suitable approach.

Native Inulin (Full Molecular Weight Distribution):

For analysis of native inulin across a broad molecular weight range, Shodex recommends a polymer-based SEC column.

Relevant Application:
Inulin Analysis Using SB-806M HQ

This application demonstrates full molecular weight distribution analysis of inulin using SB-806M HQ under aqueous SEC conditions, making it suitable for higher-molecular-weight polysaccharides.

Hydrolyzed Inulin (Low-Molecular-Weight Oligosaccharides):

Inulin is a fructan composed primarily of β(2→1)-linked fructose units with a terminal glucose.
Upon enzymatic hydrolysis, it is converted into fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and monosugars.

For these lower-molecular-weight, fructose-based oligosaccharides, Shodex recommends the KS series, which consists of aqueous SEC columns designed for saccharides, oligosaccharides, and low–to–mid molecular weight polysaccharides. KS-series columns operate under 100% water conditions, making them well suited for samples where organic solvents are undesirable.

Relevant KS-Series Application:
Carbohydrates of Fructooligosaccharides (KS Series)

This application uses KS-801 and KS-802 columns to separate fructooligosaccharides under fully aqueous conditions, supporting their suitability for analyzing enzymatically hydrolyzed inulin samples.

Additional Comments

Download or Print PDF