Complete composition analysis of polysaccharides based on HPAEC‐PAD coupled with quantitative analysis of multi‐components by single marker

Abstract Introduction Monosaccharide compositions analysis (MCA) is indispensable for structural characterisations and structure–activity relationships of plant polysaccharides. Objectives To develop a concise and direct MCA method, we established a quantitative analysis of the multi‐monosaccharaides by single marker (QAMS) by high‐performance anion‐exchange chromatography with pulsed‐amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) method. Methodology A stable and reproducible HPAEC‐PAD method for simultaneous determination of aldoses, ketoses and uronic acids (i.e., l ‐arabinose, d ‐xylose, d ‐ribose, l ‐rhamnose, d ‐fucose, d ‐mannose, d ‐glucose, d ‐galactose, d ‐fructose, d ‐glucuronic acid and d ‐galacturonic acid) was established by systematic optimisation of stationary phases, column temperatures and elution programmes. On this basis, the QAMS method was proposed through comprehensive investigations of relative correction factor (RCF) variations under different influencing factors, for example, sample concentrations, flow rates, and column temperatures. Results Using rhamnose as an internal reference standard, the contents of the other monosaccharide components in polysaccharides from Panax quinquefolium L. and Achyranthes bidentata Bl. samples were simultaneously determined by QAMS, and there was no significant difference between the results from the QAMS and external standard method ( t test, P > 0.520). In addition, a MCA fingerprinting of 30 batches of P. quinquefolium polysaccharide was established by HPAEC‐PAD, and six common peaks were assigned and determined. Conclusions The established HPAEC‐PAD‐QAMS method was successfully applied to the MCA of polysaccharides from P. quinquefolium and A. bidentata after optimisation of hydrolysis conditions. HPAEC‐PAD‐QAMS was proposed and established for MCA of plant polysaccharides for the first time.