Analysis of liquid extracts from tree and grass pollens by capillary electromigration methods

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pollen analysis is crucial for understanding allergenicity and composition.
• Capillary electromigration methods offer sensitive separation techniques for complex biological samples.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze water and buffer extracts from Betula verrucosa and Dactylis glomerata pollen using capillary electromigration methods.
• To quantify UV-absorbing compounds, allergens, and inorganic ions in pollen extracts.
• To compare the effectiveness of different electromigration techniques for pollen analysis.

Main Methods:

• Capillary Zone Electrophoresis (CZE) using acetic acid background electrolyte (BGE).
• Micellar Electrokinetic Chromatography (CMEKC) with tris-phosphate BGE and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles.
• Capillary Isotachophoresis (CITP) in both cationic and anionic modes.

Main Results:

• Water-buffer pollen extracts contained more UV-absorbing material than water extracts.
• Dactylis glomerata pollen yielded higher amounts of UV-absorbing material compared to Betula verrucosa.
• CITP analysis indicated significantly higher extracted amounts and numbers of anionic components versus cationic components.
• Concentrations of inorganic ions (Cl-, K+, Na+, Ca2+) were determined by CITP.

Conclusions:

• Capillary electromigration methods are effective for analyzing pollen composition and allergen content.
• Extraction conditions significantly influence the yield of UV-absorbing compounds.
• Pollen type and extraction method impact the profile of detectable components.