This Application Note describes the use of two different anion-exchange columns with amperometric detection to analyze simple sugars, sugar alcohols, alcohols, and glycols in yeast and bacterial fermentation broths. This record describes the CarboPac MA1 column method. The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD) broth and the bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth are common eukaryotic and prokaryotic fermentation systems, respectively.

Two oral, over-the-counter medications were evaluated as representative pharmaceutical products. A cough suppressant and a multisymptom cold/flu medication were chosen because they contain a complex mixture of simple sugars, glycols,and sugar alcohols. These carbohydrates and glycols are also commonly found in other medications. This method uses the CarboPac MA1 column to retain and separate the target analytes.

Sugar alcohols are used in confectionary products because they impart a sweet taste without the calories associated with sugars. Their use in foods is regulated due to their laxative and diuretic properties. This application note uses the Dionex CarboPac MA1 column and pulsed amperometric detection to determine sugar alcohols without the need for derivitization or postcolumn reagents.

The second method in this application note takes advantage of the selectivity and high capacity of the Dionex CarboPac MA1 column. Use of this column allows mannitol to be strongly retained with minimal interferences. These advantages have led to many publications that can be found in the reference section of the application note.

Glycerin, sorbitol, and propylene glycol (PG) are widely used in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. These products are at risk from adulteration by similar, less costly, and very toxic compounds (ethylene glycol (EG) and diethylene glycol (DG)). The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) as directed by the US FDA revised USP 32 NF 26–27 monographs to identify and quantify EG and DEG in PG, sorbitol, and glycerin solutions. Here EG in sorbitol solution is separated by HPAE on CarboPac MA1 column, optimized for the separation of sugar alcohols and detected by PAD with Au working electrode.