We investigated the applicability of short monolithic columns to the separation of major whey proteins. The columns under investigation were strong anion exchange (quaternary amine – QA), weak anion exchange (diethylamino – DEAE), and a prototype reversed phase (styrenedivinyl benzene – SDVB) column. Using the CIMac QA anion exchanger we showed the impact of different elution modes on whey protein separation. We show that, although, picking the right ion exchange column is crucial, an appropriate elution method and elution gradient also have to be carefully chosen to obtain a good separation. Due to unsatisfactory results, CIMac QA column was exchanged for a CIMac DEAE anion exchanger and consequently a method was developed, which made the coupling of ion exchange chromatography of macromolecules and mass spectrometry possible by exploiting the advantages of pH elution. Finally, the CIMac RPSDVB monolithic column enabled total separation of all major whey proteins in less than 5 min. It also proved very useful for the isolation of highly pure, native and chemically unmodified βLgA and βLgB from commercially available whey isolate. Slight modification of the method made it amenable to mass spectrometry, which should increase the overall sensitivity.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 36625669In an invited lecture at the international chromatographic symposium (19th International Symposium on Separation Sciences) we presented our latest findings and results in the field of extraction, isolation and development of HPLC, HPTLC and HPTLC-MS methods for the determination of carotenes and xanthophylls.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 5337114In an invited lecture at the international chromatographic symposium (The XXXVIth Symposium Chromatographic Methods of Investigating the Organic Compounds) we presented our latest findings and results in the field of solid-phase extraction and development of HPTLC and HPTLC-MS analytical methods for determination of flavanols, procyanidins and methylxanthines in different plant extracts, chocolate raw materials and chocolate.
B.04 Guest lecture
COBISS.SI-ID: 5267226The authors patented an adapter which enables development of commercial ultra-thin layer chromatographic plates in comercial horizontal developing chambers. International application published under PCT has a number WO 2013/154506 A1.
F.33 Slovenian patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 359723571. Irena Vovk was a mentor of young researcher Samo Smrke, who received his PhD at the Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana. Title of doctoral dissertation: "Coupled chromatographic techniques for determination of proanthocyanidins and antioxidant activities". [COBISS.SI-ID 5338650] 2. Breda Simonovska was a mentor of PhD student Katarina Černelič, who received her PhD at the Biotechnical faculty, University of Ljubljana. Title of doctoral dissertation: "Comparison of levels of lutein and zeaxanthin in the vegetable samples and food supplements with chromatographic methods". [COBISS.SI-ID 792951]
D.09 Tutoring for postgraduate students
COBISS.SI-ID: 5338650