Polar, monolithic CEC columns having an amine and/or cyano functional
stationary phase are used to separate complex mixtures of saccharides.
Using the positive-ion mode of detection for neutral saccharides,
detection conditions were optimized to low-femtomole sensitivities with
the use of an ion trap mass spectrometer. The described column technology
provides a universal system for separating a wide range of carbohydrates:
mono- and oligosaccharides with the intact reducing end, as well as
saccharide alditols.
