HPLC of oligosaccharides: New developments in detection and peak identification

The use of novel mass spectrometric techniques, off-line coupled to chromatographic techniques is described in order to obtain molecular mass information of compounds present in complex mixtures of oligosaccharides. Such information could be quite useful in studies where pure and well-defined enzymes are used to study the chemical fine structure of polysaccharides. Post source decay fragmentation using a Matrixassisted laser desorption/ionisation Time of flight Mass Spectrometer may result in more detailed structure information of oligosaccharides without laborious purification protocols. In addition to the valuable contribution of HPAEC in the separation of complex oligosaccharide mixtures, alternatives for the separation of oligosaccharides having alkali-labile substituents are suggested.