Separation of free amino acids in ribes nigrum l. Extract using capillary electrophoresis with contactless conductivity detector

Abstract

Capillary electrophoresis has been used for nearly half of the century in the separation science. Recognition of this separation methodology (especially coupled with contactless conductivity detection) has grown in the past few decades. The standardization of commercial and custom instrumentation is imminent. Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.) was selected as the plant of interest. It is a shrub commonly grown in various parts of the world in temperate climate. Tasteful fruits of blackcurrant are a rich source of vitamin C and other health beneficial substances such as phenolic compounds, organic acids, pectins, micro and macronutrients and essential oils. Amino acids (arginine, cysteine, glutamine, leucine, proline, and tryptophan), which are rarely investigated in this plant, can act as cell signaling molecules and regulators of gene expression. They regulate metabolic pathways that are responsible for maintenance, growth, reproduction and immunity. Literature reports that bioactive compounds in the buds of wild R. nigrum L. are constituted from approximately 50% of organic acids, 30% of polyphenols, 14% of monoterpenes and 6% of vitamins and bioactive compounds in the cultivated varieties of blackcurrant buds are constituted from approximately 70% of polyphenols, 27% of organic acids and 2% of vitamins. In this research work capillary electrophoresis instrument coupled with contactless conductivity detector was used for separation and identification of amino acids. Amino acids (L-cystine, L-hydroxyproline, L-phenylalanine) were identified in the extracts of R. nigrum L.