Planta Med 2006; 72 - S_021
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-949754

New materials for extraction, separation and mass spectrometric investigations in phytochemistry

G Stecher 1, MA Hashir 1, GK Bonn 1
  • 1Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Radiochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52a, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria

The design of novel materials and stationary phases for the selective extraction and fast separation of analytes from plant materials is an important part in phytomics [1]. In fact, preconcentration and purification prior to analysis is necessary owing to the complexity of samples. Add to this, analytes are often present in low concentrations, what means that sample extraction, purification and preconcentration are the starting points to successful analyses.

Within this presentation we present different strategies for the synthesis and the modification of stationary phases to produce tailored solutions for the analytical questions. In fact, sample preparation procedures should be shortened as much as possible to save time and consumables and to prevent degradation of target compounds. As an example the combination of extraction and preconcentration or/and separation within one step using selective materials will be presented. In this coherence not only multidimensional chromatography plays a central role, but also the use of new stationary phases within different formats such as columns, capillaries and discs. Further on focus will be placed on the separation of analytes and on the detection. Especially the use of matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS) for the analysis of small molecules using a newly synthesized material as matrix free system will be presented [2]. In this coherence examples of different classes of plant ingredients will be shown. Performance of the introduced material will be compared with different systems described in literature accenting its effectiveness and power for screening plant systems and metabolites.

References: 1. Stecher, G., Huck, C.W., Stöggl, W.M., Bonn, G.K. (2003), TrAC, 22: 1–14. 2. Bonn, G.; Hashir, M.A.; Stecher, G., Bakry, R., (2006), Patent pending.