ACCTA, Inc. Methods
Caffeine,
Sorbate, and Benzoate by HPLC
A "Monster" method for analyzing energy
drinks and other liquids.
Sorbate and benzoate are common additives
in many food products, including juices and energy drinks. Existing
analytical methods for sorbate and benzoate are not optimized for
current HPLC technology. The columns are too long (often 250 mm),
the mobile phase typically requires preparation of buffers, and
retention times are longer than they should be. Such systems reduce
the lifetime of your HPLC components (all mobile phases with dissolved
solids do this), use too much mobile phase (increasing purchase
and disposal costs), and make you wait for an answer. In a brief
literature survey, we were able to find multiple methods, but all
showed analysis times of 10 - 15 minutes.
What is the problem? In a word: selectivity.
Sorbate and benzoate have almost identical retention times on the
most common stationary phases. To get a good separation, you need
a long column, and you must use conditions that produce long retention
times.
We have developed a new method that eliminates
these problems. With our knowledge of selectivity and method
development experience, we have identified four different columns,
from two different manufacturers, using two different mobile phase
options, that produce a good separation of sorbate and benzoate
in less than four minutes.
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With this method you will:
- Reduce analysis cycle time to less than
four minutes with some columns, thus increasing your throughput
and decreasing costs.
- Save money on mobile phase preparation
time and materials costs.
- Achieve better reproducibility due
to simplified preparation and operating procedures.
The method has the following characteristics:
- Uses a simple and inexpensive mobile
phase that does not require buffers. You have two options
to choose from.
- Uses commercially available columns
from reputable manufacturers. You have four options from
two different manufacturers.
- Can be used on any modern HPLC equipped
with an absorbance detector, although wavelength switching or
multi-channel detectors (e.g., diode array) will improve sensitivity
and selectivity. We will even give you three different detection
options.
- Is linear from 1 - 100 ug/mL (ppm).
Lower concentrations can also be detected.
- Has an analysis time of less than 4
minutes!
- Is simple to use and operate.
Our method includes the following information:
- Materials and Equipment
- Preparation of Standards and Mobile Phase
- Instrument Equilibration and Calibration
- Options for column selection, mobile phase,
and detector settings.
- Analysis Conditions and Suggestions for
Further Optimization
- Sample Preparation, QC, and Calculations
- Performance Data (see table below)
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% Relative Standard Deviation
(%RSD) |
Parameter |
Caffeine |
Sorbate |
Benzoate |
Retention Time |
0.09 % (n = 9) |
0.08 % (n = 9) |
0.09 % (n = 9) |
Peak Area |
0.30 % (n = 4) |
0.31 % (n = 4) |
0.17 % (n = 4) |
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Results matter!
These two chromatograms compare a
standard mixture with Monster energy drink. Notice the good separation
of sorbate and benzoate and an analysis time of less than four minutes,
with no interferences.
Note: We have also used this method
for Amp and Rock Star, with the same results.
Monster, Amp, and Rock Star are copyrighted
products of their respective manufacturers. There is no relationship
between these manufacturers and ACCTA, Inc.
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Why Pay For a Method?
You will spend $49 of your time
just doing a Google search. We know, we tried it! The top hits
in the search are all less efficient and more expensive than our
method.
We have done the work for you, and
are offering the method details for less than it would cost to develop
the method in your laboratory.
Our expertise is developing and optimizing
methods. If you aren't in the business of method development, you
would never be able to develop a rugged method like this one for
under $1000. If you do method development, you will recognize the
value in having the basic operating parameters already identified.
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You can purchase the details of this method
using one of the following options:
- Purchase the method details and a license
to use this method, with installation and training by your own
staff.
- Cost: $49, Delivery: electronic
(pdf format).
- Payment: Order
on-line.
- Purchase the method details and a license
to use this method, with on-site training at your facility by
our staff.
- Cost: Call for quote, Delivery: one
day of on-site installation and training.
- Payment: Purchase Order/Check
- Purchase the method details, a license
to use this method, and method development services to adapt the
method to your specific product(s).
- Cost: to be determined based on your
individual needs
- Payment: Purchase Order/Check
Analysis of your samples in our laboratory
is also possible. Please contact us for
more information, or to receive one free analysis of your sample
type.
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Summary of License Agreement
Click here
for complete details, which are also attached to the method.
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This license allows you
to use this analytical method in one laboratory. One laboratory
is defined as a contiguous laboratory facility at a single site.
Multiple laboratories at a single site may use the method only
if they are engaged in the same analytical functions, and are
separated solely for logistical purposes.
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This Method may not be
copied, distributed, or transmitted to other individuals or
laboratories, except as required for regulatory and/or documentation
purposes.
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Any public presentation
or publication that includes method details must cite the copyright
holder (ACCTA, Inc.).
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Derivative documents (SOPs,
etc.), written by the purchaser, that incorporate the details
of this method are covered under this License Agreement.
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Verification and validation
of Method performance in the Licensee's laboratory are the responsibility
of the Licensee.
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