Optimization of a polarized photometric detector equipped with a split-type flow cell and its analytical application to oligo-saccharides

A novel, non-modulated polarimeter called a polarized photometric detector (PPD) was previously described by the authors. The PPD enables the measurement of the optical rotation of chiral compounds as a change in absorbance by placing two linear polarizers on either side of a flow cell of a conventional photometric detector. The present study describes the optimization of the conditions of PPD for highly sensitive detection of saccharides. To maximize the light intensity, the light balancing filter and slit were removed from the detector (Shimadzu model SPD-10AV). These modifications resulted in an approximately 15-fold increase in the incident light intensity when the maximum current was applied to the lamp. When this intense light was transmitted through the polarizers, the signal intensity followed the theoretical equation for phase angles up to around 1 rad. If the energy of the transmitted light was less than 700 mV, however, the baseline noise was too great to determine the chiral analyte accurately. Setting the phase angle between two polarizers at 50 degrees and the detection wavelength at 400 nm provided the most suitable conditions. This detector was applicable for the determations of oligosaccharides in foodstuffs separated by HPLC using gradient elution. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.