Characterization of galactomannans by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) was utilized in the characterization of vari ous galactomannans. Standards of gums were extracted with 50% CH3CN to remo ve the residual proteins from the gum matrix. Separation buffers were optim ized with respect to pH, buffer concentration and presence of sodium dodecy l sulphate, yielding protein profiles from which the desired information co uld be obtained. Examples are given of the profiles generated by various gu ms and gum blends to aid in the verification of component presence, and to demonstrate levels of adulteration detectable under the buffer conditions u sed.