Abstract
1βD and 2βD comprehensive (LCΓLC) liquid chromatography methods have been developed and compared for the separation and quantification of flavanones in various Citrus juices. 1βD analyses were carried out on a superficially porous C18 column, whereas the 2βD LC approach was composed of a polyethylene glycol silica narrowβbore column packed with totally porous particles in the first dimension (D1) and a superficially porous C18 column in the second dimension (D2). Lowβselectivity correlations were ensured by the complementary separation mechanisms offered by the D1 and D2 columns. Quantification was carried out both manually and by means of a software capable of detecting and quantifying each peak from the 2βD plot. Limit of detection (LOD) values as low as 0.023βΞΌg/mL were obtained for hesperidin used as reference material for 1βD LC analyses, whereas values as high as 0.432βΞΌg/mL were obtained by comprehensive LC. This discrepancy can be traced back to the minor sensitivity experienced in comprehensive LC due to both sample dilution in D1 and the high flow rates employed in D2. On the other hand, the separation capabilities of the LCΓLC approach allowed to reduce the interferences coming from the matrix and to achieve the separation of some critical pairs, e.g. hesperidin/naringin difficult to accomplish in 1βD LC.