This article describes the analysis of flavonoids in plant extracts using CE-MS. The combination of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) with capillary electrophoresis allows for specific identification of analytes in complex matrices. The analysis of flavonoids from orange extracts is presented as an example, highlighting the specificity and sensitivity of the method. Monitoring the presence of these flavonoids in orange juice can be used to assess the quality of the product.
The document details a method for analyzing flavonoids, specifically hesperidine and naringin, in complex plant extracts like orange peel. It demonstrates how Electrospray Mass Spectrometry (ESI-MS) provides specific identification of analytes within difficult matrices.
The experimental section outlines the use of an Agilent Capillary Electrophoresis system equipped with DAD detection and ChemStation software. Specific conditions for capillaries, buffers, sheath flow, and nebulizing gas are provided to achieve separation and quantification.
The Agilent capillaries for CE-MS were 50 um id with a total length of 75 cm.
The buffer used was 50 mM borate, pH 9.3 diluted tenfold by Agilent ultra pure water.
Hesperetin is found at m/z value 325 (the Na adduct mass) and naringin as the protonated adduct at m/z 581.