CarboPac PA20: a new monosaccharide separator column with electrochemical detection with disposable gold electrodes

This report documents the development of a new monosaccharide separator column (CarboPac PA20, 3×150 mm) that allows fast, efficient monosaccharide separations with good spacing. It is based on a new chemistry with a reduced resin particle size (from 10 to 6.5 μm). Faster, more efficient separations of glycoprotein monosaccharides with better spacing were achieved across a range of isocratic NaOH concentrations at lower flow rates. Detection sensitivity was improved, enabling routine low to sub pmol monosaccharide determinations. Glycoprotein monosaccharides eluted in less than 10 min at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/min. Furthermore, when used with an AminoTrap guard column, the protein matrix consisting of amino acids and peptides (released by acid hydrolysis of glycoprotein) did not interfere with monosaccharide analysis. Compared to previous CarboPac columns (CarboPac PA1 and CarboPac PA10), the CarboPac PA20 has improved selectivity with respect to glycoprotein monosaccharides. The improved selectivity results in better separation of glucosamine and galactose, enabling the accurate determination of monosaccharide ratios for undergalactosylated glycoproteins. Finally, disposable gold working electrodes that eliminate the possibility of working electrode recession affecting peak area response were used.