Gas Chromatography for Peptides – Applications and Limitations
Gas chromatography, GC, is primarily used for the analysis of volatile compounds, but it can be applied to peptides after derivatization. Due to the non-volatile nature of peptides, GC requires the transformation of peptides into volatile derivatives, limiting its use compared to HPLC. Nonetheless, GC is valuable for specific applications in peptide research, such as analyzing peptide degradation products or small peptides that can be made volatile through chemical modification.
Principles of Gas Chromatography
In GC, volatile compounds are vaporized and carried through a column by an inert gas, typically helium or nitrogen. Peptides are derivatized to increase volatility, often using agents like trimethylsilyl, TMS, or methylation. Once derivatized, the peptides separate based on their interactions with the stationary phase in the GC column. Detection is typically performed using a flame ionization detector, FID, or mass spectrometry, GC-MS, for more detailed structural information.1
Applications and Limitations
While HPLC is preferred for peptide analysis, GC can be useful for small peptide derivatives or studying peptide hydrolysis products. It is also applied in the analysis of amino acid derivatives in peptide degradation studies. However, the requirement for derivatization limits the widespread use of GC in peptide research, and it is generally less applicable to large or complex peptide systems.2
Conclusion
Gas chromatography has limited applications in peptide analysis, primarily for volatile derivatives or degradation products. Although less commonly used than HPLC, GC can be valuable for specific analytical needs in peptide chemistry.
Citations and Links
1. Terwilliger, Neil E., et al. “Derivatization of Peptides for Gas Chromatography: Applications and Techniques.” Analytical Chemistry, vol. 55, no. 4, 1983, pp. 554–558. doi:10.1021/ac00254a009.
2. Fales, Henry M., et al. “Peptide Derivatization for Gas Chromatography: Methods and Applications.” Journal of Chromatographic Science, vol. 8, no. 7, 1970, pp. 338–343. doi:10.1093/chromsci/8.7.338
2. Terwilliger, Neil E., et al. “Derivatization of Peptides for Gas Chromatography: Applications and Techniques.” Analytical Chemistry, vol. 55, no. 4, 1983, pp. 554–558. doi:10.1021/ac00254a009.
Illustrations
Gas Chromatography for Peptides1