Preparative isolation of ganoderic acid S,ganoderic acid T and ganoderol B from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia by high‐speed counter‐current chromatography

Ganoderic acid S, ganoderic acid T and ganoderal B are the main bioactive triterpenes of Ganoderma lucidum. In this study, mycelia of G. lucidum were obtained by two‐stage fermentation and then extracted by ethanol and petroleum ether sequentially to obtain crude triterpenes. The crude sample was further purified by recycling high‐speed counter‐current chromatography with n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (7:12:11:5, v/v/v/v) as the optimized two‐phase solvent system. A 16.4 mg aliquot of ganoderol B with a purity of 90.4% was separated from 300 mg of the crude sample in a single run. After employing the recycling elution mode of HSCCC with n‐hexane–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (6:10:8:4.5, v/v/v/v) for five cycles, 25.7 mg ganoderic acid T and 3.7 mg ganoderic acid S with purities of 97.8 and 83.0%, respectively, were obtained. The purities of three compounds were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography and their chemical structures were identified by NMR and MS data.     

Analysis of ginseng root and leaf by multiple columns and detections liquid chromatography

Abstract

A multiple columns and detections liquid chromatography system, including size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC), for the analysis of macromolecules and micromolecules in ginseng root and leaf was developed. The columns were connected by two switching valves. Macromolecules were separated on a SEC column (TSK gel SuperMultipore PW-H column, 6?mm× 150?mm, 8?μm) by isocratic elution of 50?mM ammonium acetate aqueous solution, 0.3?mL/min of flow rate and detected by evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Micromolecules were analyzed on a Poroshell RP column (Agilent Poroshell 120?SB-Aq column, 4.6?mm × 50?mm, 2.7 µm) with gradient elution of water and acetonitrile, 0.6?mL/min of flow rate and detected by ultraviolet detection (UV). As a result, in the macromolecules chromatogram of ginseng root sample showed two main peaks while only one major peak for ginseng leaf. For micromolecules analysis, 17 compounds (3 nucleosides + 14 saponins) and 17 compounds (3 nucleosides + 1 flavonoid + 13 saponins) were found in ginseng root and leaf, respectively. The developed method is helpful for the quality evaluation of ginseng root and leaf.     

Development and evaluation of a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography‐MS/MS method to quantify 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in rat plasma

As essential endogenous compounds, nucleobases and nucleosides fulfill various functions in living organisms. This study presents the development and validation of a new hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous quantification of 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in rat plasma. For the sample preparation, 15 kinds of protein precipitants were evaluated according to the chromatographic profile and ion response of analytes. The optimization of chromatographic separation was respectively performed using reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mode; each separation mode included two test columns with different stationary phases. The chromatographic profile and parameters such as half‐width (W _1/2), capacity factor (K ′) and tailing factor (f _t) were used to evaluate the separation efficiencies. Furthermore, the adopted composition of two mobile phase systems and the concentrations of the additives in the optimum buffer system were also investigated. The developed method was fully validated and successfully applied quantitatively to determine 19 nucleobases and nucleosides in plasma from normal and diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. Significant differences between normal and DN rats were found in plasma levels of cytosine, xanthine, thymidine, adenosine, guanosine, inosine and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine. This information may provide a useful reference for the discovery of potential biomarkers of DN.     

Quality evaluation of Ganoderma through simultaneous determination of nine triterpenes and sterols using pressurized liquid extraction and high performance liquid chromatography

A method combining HPLC and pressurized liquid extraction was developed for simultaneous quantification of nine components, including eight triterpenes (ganoderic acid A, ganoderic acid Y, ganoderic acid DM, ganoderol A, ganoderol B, ganoderal A, methyl ganoderate D and ganoderate G) and a sterol (ergosterol), in Ganoderma. The determination was achieved by using a Zorbax ODS C18 analytical column (4.6 x 250 mm id, 5 microm) and gradient elution with diode-array detection. All calibration curves showed good linearity (r2 > 0.9997) within the test ranges. The developed method showed good repeatability for the quantification of the nine investigated components in Ganoderma with intra- and inter-day variations of less than 2.4% and 4.1%, respectively. The validated method was successfully applied to quantify the nine components in two species of Ganoderma, i.e. G. lucidum and G. sinense, used as Lingzhi in China. Furthermore, hierarchical clustering analysis based on the nine components in HPLC profiles from the tested 11 samples showed that chemical characteristics were significantly different between G. lucidum and G. sinense, which suggested that clinical investigation should be performed so as to ensure the safety and efficacy of medication.     

One‐step strategy for the synthesis of a derivatized cyclodextrin‐based monolithic column

Derivatized β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) functionalized monolithic columns were prepared by a “one‐step” strategy using click chemistry. First, the intended derivatized β‐CD monomers were synthesized by a click reaction between propargyl methacrylate and mono‐6‐azido‐β‐CD and then sulfonation or methylation was carried out. Finally, monolithic columns were prepared through a one‐step in situ copolymerization of the derivatized β‐CD monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The sulfated β‐CD‐based monolith was successfully applied to the hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography separation of nucleosides and small peptides, while the methylated β‐CD‐functionalized monolith was useful for the separation of nonpolar compounds and drug enantiomers in capillary reversed‐phase liquid chromatography. The structures of the monomers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The physicochemical properties and column performance of monoliths were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and micro high performance liquid chromatography. This strategy has considerable prospects for the preparation of other derivatized CD‐functionalized methacrylate monoliths.     

Studies on the Constituents of Ganoderma Lucidum

The methanolic extract of fruit bodies of cultivated Ganoderma lucidum was separated by silica gel column chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography to give ten compounds. On the basis of spectral analysis, chemical procedures and gas chromatography, d-mannitol (1), ergosta-7, 22-dien-3β-yl palmitate (2), ergosterol (3), ergosta-7, 22-dien-3β-ol (4), 5α-lanosta-7,9(11),24-trien-3β,26-diol (5), ergosterol peroxide (6), 24,25,26-trihydroxy-5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3-one (7), 5α-lanosta-7,9(11)-dien-3β,24,25,26-tetraol (8) and 8,9-epoxyergosta-5,22-dien-3β,15-diol (9) were identified. Among these compounds, 8,9-epoxyergosta-5,22-dien-3β,15-diol was first separated from Ganoderma lucidum.     

Isolation and purification of diastereoisomeric flavonolignans from silymarin by binary‐column recycling preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography

Silymarin extracted from Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn consists of a large number of flavonolignans, of which diastereoisomeric flavonolignans including silybin A and silybin B, and isosilybin A and isosilybin B are the main bioactive components, whose preparation from the crude extracts is still a difficult task. In this work, binary‐column recycling preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography systems without sample loop trapping, where two columns were switched alternately via one or two six‐port switching valves, were established and successfully applied to the isolation and purification of the four diastereoisomeric flavonolignans from silymarin. The proposed system showed significant advantages over conventional preparative high‐performance liquid chromatography with a single column in increasing efficiency and reducing the cost. To obtain the same amounts of products, the proposed system spends only one tenth of the time that the conventional system spends, and needs only one eleventh of the solvent that the conventional system consumes. Using the proposed system, the four diastereoisomers were successfully isolated from silymarin with purities over 98%.     

Evaluation and application of a mixed‐mode chromatographic stationary phase in two‐dimensional liquid chromatography for the separation of traditional Chinese medicine

In this study, two mixed‐mode chromatography stationary phases (C8SAX and C8SCX) were evaluated and used to establish a two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system for the separation of traditional Chinese medicine. The chromatographic properties of the mixed‐mode columns were systematically evaluated by comparing with other three columns of C8, strong anion exchanger, and strong cation exchanger. The result showed that C8SAX and C8SCX had a mixed‐mode retention mechanism including electrostatic interaction and hydrophobic interaction. Especially, they were suitable for separating acidic and/or basic compounds and their separation selectivities could be easily adjusted by changing pH value. Then, several off‐line 2D‐LC systems based on the C8SAX in the first dimension and C8SAX, C8SCX, or C8 columns in the second dimension were developed to analyze a traditional Chinese medicine—Uncaria rhynchophylla. The two‐dimensional liquid chromatography system of C8SAX (pH 3.0) × C8SAX (pH 6.0) exhibited the most effective peak distribution. Finally, fractions of U. rhynchophylla prepared from the first dimension were successfully separated on the C8SAX column with a gradient pH. Thus, the mixed‐mode stationary phase could provide a platform to separate the traditional Chinese medicine in practical applications.     

Method development for separating organic carbonates by ion‐moderated high‐performance liquid chromatography

An ion‐moderated partition high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the separation and identification of common organic carbonates. The separation of organic carbonates was achieved on an ion exclusion column with an exchangeable hydrogen ion. An isocratic, aqueous mobile phase was used for elution and detection was performed with a refractive index detector. The developed method was validated for specificity, linearity, limits of detection and quantification, precision and accuracy. All calibration curves showed excellent linear regression (R² > 0.9990) within the testing range. The limits of detection were 3.8–30.8 ppm for the analyzed carbonates. Improvements in the peak resolution of the chromatograms were achieved by decreasing the column temperature. Addition of the organic modifier, acetonitrile, to the eluent was found to have insignificant effects on the peak resolution. The developed method was demonstrated for analyzing organic carbonate components in the electrolyte system of a commercial lithium ion battery.     

Preparative separation of isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis impatiens using middle chromatogram isolated gel column coupled with positively charged reversed‐phase liquid chromatography

Positively charged reversed‐phase liquid chromatography was employed for the efficient preparative separation of isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis impatiens. Ten commercially available columns were compared for isoquinoline alkaloids analysis. While tailing, overloading, lower resolution, and buffer salts limited the application in purification of isoquinoline compounds of many of these columns, one positively charged reversed‐phase C18 column (XCharge C18) overcame these drawbacks, allowing for favorable separation resolution, even when loading isoquinoline compounds on a larger, preparative scale. The general separation process is as follows. First, isoquinoline alkaloids are enriched with Corydalis impatiens extract via a middle chromatogram isolated gel column. After column selection, separation is performed on an XCharge C18 analytical column, from which two evident chromatographic peaks are readily obtained. Finally, two isoquinoline alkaloids (protopine and corydamine) are selectively purified on the XCharge C18 preparative column. These results demonstrate that a middle chromatogram isolated gel column coupled with positively charged reversed‐phase liquid chromatography is effective for the preparative separation of isoquinoline alkaloids from Corydalis impatiens.     

The development of an evaluation method for capture columns used in two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Capture columns are important interface tools for on line two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC). In this study, a systematic method was developed to evaluate and optimize the capture ability of capture columns by off-line method. First, the parameter Δt_R (Δt_R = t₂−t₁−t₀−W) was introduced to quantitatively represent the capture ability of the capture column by connecting a capture column behind the first dimensional column. Based on the value of Δt_R, an appropriate capture column was selected after the first dimensional column was fixed. Then, the capture ability of the selected column was promoted by adjusting the mobile phase of the first dimensional column. Capture ability was also optimized using complex sample analysis software system (CSASS) software. Second, the elution mode of the trapped compounds on the capture column was investigated by connecting the capture column before the second dimensional column. More specifically, in mode I, capture column was connected to the second dimension without changing the flow rate direction and the trapped compounds must pass through the capture column and be eluted into the second dimensional column. The contrary connection mode was mode II. It was found that mode I is more suitable method for 2D-LC. Finally, an off-line reversed-phase/hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography two-dimensional liquid chromatography (RP/HILIC 2D-LC) system with a C18 capture column was developed to demonstrate the practical application of this method.     

Quantitative determination of isoquinoline alkaloids and chlorogenic acid in Berberis species using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with hybrid triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry

Berberis species are well known and used extensively as medicinal plants in traditional medicine. They have many medicinal values attributable to the presence of alkaloids having different pharmacological activities. In this study, a method was developed and validated as per international conference on harmonization guidelines using ultra high performance liquid chromatography with hybrid triple quadrupole‐linear ion trap mass spectrometry operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode for nine bioactive compounds, including protoberberine alkaloids, aporphine alkaloids and chlorogenic acid. This method was applied in different plant parts of eight Berberis species to determine variations in content of nine bioactive compounds. The separation was achieved on an ACQUITY UPLC CSH? C₁₈ column using a gradient mobile phase at flow rate 0.3 mL/min. Calibration curves for all the nine analytes provided optimum linear detector response (with R² ≥0.9989) over the concentration range of 0.5–1000 ng/mL. The precision and accuracy were within RSDs ≤2.4 and ≤2.3%, respectively. The results indicated significant variation in the total contents of the nine compounds in Berberis species.     

Anti‐inflammatory bioactive equivalence of combinatorial components β‐carboline alkaloids identified in Arenaria kansuensis by two‐dimensional chromatography and solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid–liquid extraction enrichment technology

Bioactive equivalent combinatorial components play a critical role in herbal medicines. However, how to discover and enrich them efficiently is a question for herbal pharmaceuticals researchers. In our work, a novel two‐dimensional reversed‐phase/hydrophilic interaction high‐performance liquid chromatography method was established to perform real‐time components trapping and combining for preparation and isolation of coeluting components. Arenaria kansuensis was taken as an example, and solid‐phase extraction coupled with liquid–liquid extraction as a simple and efficient method for enriching trace components, reversed phase column coupled with hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography XAmide column as two‐dimensional chromatography technology for isolation and preparation of coeluting constituents, enzyme‐linked immune‐sorbent assay as bio‐guided assay, and anti‐inflammatory bioactivity evaluation for bioactive constituents. A combination of 12 β‐carboline alkaloids was identified as anti‐inflammatory bioactive equivalent combinatorial components from A. kansuensis , which accounts for 1.9% w/w of original A. kansuensis . This work answers the key question of which are real anti‐inflammatory components from A. kansuensis and provides a fast and efficient approach for discovering and enriching trace β‐carboline alkaloids from herbal medicines for the first time. More importantly, the discovery of bioactive equivalent combinatorial components could improve the quality control of herbal products and inspire a herbal medicine based on combinatorial therapeutics.     

Preparation of a novel carboxyl stationary phase by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry for hydrophilic interaction chromatography

A novel carboxyl‐bonded silica stationary phase was prepared by “thiol‐ene” click chemistry. The resultant Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase was evaluated under hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) mobile phase conditions. A comparison of the chromatographic performance of Thiol‐Click‐COOH and pure silica columns was performed according to the retention behaviors of analytes and the charged state of the stationary phases. The results indicated that the newly developed Thiol‐Click‐COOH column has a higher surface charge and stronger hydrophilicity than the pure silica column. Furthermore, the chromatographic behaviors of five nucleosides on the Thiol‐Click‐COOH phase were investigated in detail. Finally, a good separation of 13 nucleosides and bases, and four water‐soluble vitamins was achieved.     

Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography analysis of all‐trans‐, 9‐cis‐, and 13‐cis‐astaxanthin in raw extracts from Phaffia rhodozyma

An effective two‐dimensional liquid chromatography method has been established for the analysis of all‐trans‐astaxanthin and its geometric isomers from Phaffia rhodozyma employing a C18 column at the first dimension and a C30 column in the second dimension, connected by a 10‐port valve using the photo‐diode array detector. The regression equation of astaxanthin calibration curve was established, and the precision and accuracy values were found to be in the range of 0.32–1.14% and 98.21–106.13%, respectively. By using two‐dimensional liquid chromatography, it was found that day light, ultrasonic treatment, and heat treatment have significant influence on the content of all‐trans‐astaxanthin in the extract from P. rhodozyma due to the transformation of all‐trans‐astaxanthin to cis‐astaxanthin. The day light and ultrasonic treatments more likely transform all‐trans‐astaxanthin to 9‐cis‐astaxanthin, and the thermal treatment transforms all‐trans‐astaxanthin to 13‐cis‐astaxanthin. These results indicate that the two‐dimensional liquid chromatography method can facilitate monitoring astaxanthin isomerization in the raw extract from P. rhodozyma. In addition, the study will provide a general reference for monitoring other medicals and bioactive chemicals with geometric isomers.     

Porous structure of the monolithic sorbent and separation properties of monolithic capillary columns in gas and liquid chromatography

Macroporous polymer based on polydivinylbenzene was used for the preparation of monolithic capillary columns with the diameter from 0.01 to 0.53 mm for separations by gas and liquid chromatography. The separation properties of the columns were studied by analysis of model systems of aromatic (in liquid chromatography) and light (in gas chromatography) hydrocarbons. The permeability was determined and the C parameter of the Van-Deemter equation was found for each column. The permeability of the majority of columns determined by gas chromatography is independent of the column diameter. The permeability of the same columns in liquid chromatography is also almost constant for the columns 0.53–0.1 mm in diameter; however, the permeability decreases sharply on going to columns of smaller diameter. In gas chromatography the value of the C parameter reflecting the effect of the mass transfer of the sorbate between the mobile and stationary phases on the smearing of a chromatographic peak in the column approximately the same for all columns. In liquid chromatography the value of the C coefficient in the Van-Deemter equation for the same capillary columns changes with a change in the column diameter and reaches a minimum for the columns 0.1 mm in diameter. The differences observed for the characteristics of the columns in gas and liquid chromatography are due to different structures of the macroporous monolith formed in columns of different diameter and to the effect of solvation of the monolith by the mobile phase under the conditions of liquid chromatography.     

Evaluation of stationary phases and gas chromatographic detectors for determination of amines in water

For the first time, a systematic overview deals with the advantages and disadvantages of several stationary phases (polar and non‐polar) and gas chromatographic detectors (flame ionization detector, nitrogen–phosphorus detector and MS) for the determination of 27 amines (aliphatic and aromatic amines and N‐nitrosamines) in water samples. To increase sensitivity (250 mL of sample was eluted with 150 μL of solvent) and matrix elimination, an automatic SPE system was employed prior to GC determination. The best results in terms of resolution and retention times were achieved using a column coated with 5% phenyl‐dimethylpolysiloxane (DB‐5). Capacity factor (k) values for the 27 amines increased with the rise in the polarity of the stationary phase, ranging from 3.0–27.7 and 2.2–14.4 for polar (polyethylene glycol) and non‐polar (DB‐5) columns, respectively. The detection limits of the method were 0.9–9 μg/L for flame ionization detector, 8–95 ng/L for nitrogen–phosphorus detector and 0.2–6.3 ng/L for MS. The precision was similar for the three detectors (RSD, 3.7–6.0%). The GC‐MS method was applied with a high degree of accuracy and precision to determine amines in real samples including tap, river, pond, well, swimming pool and wastewaters.     

Simultaneous determination of nine nucleosides and nucleobases in different Fritillaria species by HPLC‐diode array detector

A sensitive and reliable HPLC‐diode‐array detector method was developed for the first time to simultaneously determine nine nucleosides and nucleobases including uracil, cytidine, guanine, uridine, thymine, inosine, guanosine, thymidine and adenosine in 13 different Fritillaria species. The analysis was performed on a BaseLine C18 column with a gradient of acetonitrile in water at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min. The diode‐array detector wavelength was set at 260 nm for the UV detection of nucleosides and nucleobases. Satisfactory separation of these compounds was obtained in less than 40 min. The optimized method provided good linear relation (r² >0.9995 for all the investigated analytes), satisfactory precision (RSD <1.51%) and good recovery (from 97.64 to 101.16%). The established method was successfully applied to simultaneous determination of nine nucleosides and nucleobases in 61 batches of samples from 13 Fritillaria species collected from different habitats in China, which could be helpful to control the quality of Fritillaria bulbs.     

Identification and Quantitative Analysis of Nucleosides and Nucleobases in Aqueous Extracts of Fritillaria Cirrhosa D. Don. Using HPLC–DAD and HPLC-ESI-MS

Bulbus Fritillariae cirrhosae is the most widely used medicinal herb for antitussive and apophlegmatic in China and commonly prepared as a water decoction. For clarifying the water-soluble components in Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don., a simple and sensitive method was developed using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-DAD) and an electrospray ionization mass spectrometer (HPLC-ESI/MS) for the quantitative determination and identification of 10 nucleosides and nucleobases. Of the 10 compounds, two (2-deoxyadenosine and hypoxanthine) were identified and determined in F. cirrhosa for the first time. The 10 compounds were separated using a Zorbax SB-Aq column with a gradient elution of methanol and water. All the calibration curves showed good linearity (r² ≥ 0.9991). The recoveries were between 97.7% and 103.5%. The method was validated with respect to precision, repeatability and accuracy, and was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the 10 analytes in 24 batches of F. cirrhosa, collected from different parts of China. This report provided a firm basis for clarifying the pharmacological effect and comprehensively evaluating the quality of F. cirrhosa and related preparations.     

Comprehensive two‐dimensional monolithic liquid chromatography of polar compounds

Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography largely increases the number of separated compounds in a single run, theoretically up to the product of the peaks separated in each dimension on the columns with different selectivities. On‐line coupling of a reversed‐phase column with an aqueous normal‐phase (hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography) column yields orthogonal systems with high peak capacities. Fast on‐line two‐dimensional liquid chromatography needs a capillary or micro‐bore column providing low‐volume effluent fractions transferred to a short efficient second‐dimension column for separation at a high mobile phase flow rate. We prepared polymethacrylate zwitterionic monolithic micro‐columns in fused silica capillaries with structurally different dimethacrylate cross‐linkers. The columns provide dual retention mechanism (hydrophilic interaction and reversed‐phase). Setting the mobile phase composition allows adjusting the separation selectivity for various polar substance classes. Coupling on‐line an organic polymer monolithic capillary column in the first dimension with a short silica‐based monolithic column in the second dimension provides two‐dimensional liquid chromatography systems with high peak capacities. The silica monolithic C₁₈ columns provide higher separation efficiency than the particle‐packed columns at the flow rates as high as 5 mL/min used in the second dimension. Decreasing the diameter of the silica monolithic columns allows using a higher flow rate at the maximum operation pressure and lower fraction volumes transferred from the first, hydrophilic interaction dimension, into the second, reversed‐phase mode, avoiding the mobile phase compatibility issues, improving the resolution, increasing the peak capacity, and the peak production rate.