Qualitative and quantitative analyses of goitrin–epigoitrin in Isatis indigotica using supercritical fluid chromatography-photodiode array detector-mass spectrometry

Abstract

A novel comprehensive method using supercritical fluid chromatography-photodiode array detector-mass spectrometry (SFC-PDA-MS) was developed for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a chiral isomer pair in Ban Lan Gen (dried root of Isatis indigotica) and the processed product. A standard goitrin–epigoitrin racemic mixture was used for method development. A total of six chiral stationary phases (CSPs) were screened and the (S,S)-Whelk-O 1 (4.6 × 250 mm, 10 μm) column was chosen as it offers baseline resolution for the enantiomeric pair with separation accomplished in 6 minutes. A single quadrupole MS and a PDA detector were used in line for the detection. The validated method was applied successfully in the analysis of different samples. Results indicated that the developed assay was fast, sensitive and reproducible. SFC should be an integral part of the overall analytical platform for TCM and natural product research, especially in the area of chiral analysis.