Core-Shell Columns Speed Separation of Catechins in Tea

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced a quick and easy method to determine catechins in various teas after a simple solvent extraction.

Application Brief 150: Rapid Separation of Catechins in Tea Using Core-Shell Columns demonstrates use of a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) core-shell column and absorbance detection to separate and detect catechins in <6 minutes.

Core-shell particles improve mass transfer kinetics by restricting intraparticle diffusion to the thin, porous shell while maintaining the hydraulic permeability associated with the total particle diameter.

Core-shell columns can be used to increase separation efficiency without significantly increasing pressure.

Catechins are flavonoid phytochemical compounds found primarily in green tea and-in smaller amounts-in grapes, black tea, chocolate, and wine.

Catechins are considered potent antioxidants that provide protection against certain diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer.

In North America, the consumption of green tea products has increased due to the reported health benefits.

However, commercially available teas show a high variability in catechin content; therefore, simple and rapid methods are needed to evaluate product quality.