Overview
EN ISO 10504:2015 (identical to ISO 10504:2013) specifies a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determining the composition of starch-derived syrups. The standard covers analysis of dextrose solutions, glucose syrups, fructose-containing syrups, hydrogenated glucose syrups and related polyols (sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol). Typical analytes include glucose, maltose, maltotriose, fructose, sorbitol, mannitol, maltitol and other malto-oligosaccharides.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Separation principle: HPLC using a cation-exchange column with water as the eluent; detection by a thermostatted differential refractometer and quantification via an electronic integrator.
- Essential column type: Pre-packed cation-exchange resin (recommended 6–8% cross-linked sulfonated polystyrene divinylbenzene; bead size 9–25 µm). Column form (Ca2+, K+ or Na+) is chosen depending on resolution needs (e.g., improved maltose/maltotriose separation with K+ or Na+ forms).
- Sample demineralization: Salts must be removed before analysis to avoid co-elution and detector interference. Use in-line guard cartridges (dual-cartridge system) or off-line ion-exchange resins (strong cation and weak anion types).
- System and consumables:
- Pulse-free pump, thermostatted column oven (up to 95 °C, ±0.5 °C), loop injector (≤20 µL), differential refractometer.
- Water for mobile phase: high-purity, 0.22 µm filtered or degassed (ISO 3696 quality recommended).
- Sample filtration: 0.45 µm membrane filters (0.22 µm if clogging occurs).
- Prepare primary standard solutions (≈10% dry matter) similar in composition to samples for calibration.
- Method steps covered: Column selection, system start-up, column calibration, sample preparation and analysis, calculation, and precision assessment (repeatability and reproducibility).
Applications and users
EN ISO 10504:2015 is used for:
- Quality control and product specification in syrup and sweetener manufacturing (corn syrup, fructose syrups, sugar-reduced ingredients).
- Analytical testing in food laboratories, ingredient suppliers and contract testing services.
- Regulatory and compliance testing where accurate quantification of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polyols is required.
- R&D and process monitoring for starch-derivative production and hydrogenation processes.
Keywords: EN ISO 10504:2015, ISO 10504:2013, HPLC method, glucose syrups analysis, fructose syrups, hydrogenated glucose syrups, cation-exchange column, starch derivatives, sugar composition.
Related standards
- ISO 3696 - Water for analytical laboratory use (recommended mobile phase quality)
- ISO 5381 - Determination of water content in starch hydrolysis products (Karl Fischer)