Nanoscale separations based on LC and CE for food analysis: A review

Nanoscale separation techniques, (e.g., Capillary/nano liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis/electro chromatography) have become primary tools in food analysis. In recent decades, significant advances have been achieved in food based nanoscale separations. The food analysis platforms still need to develop in order to increase the overall sensitivity towards nanoscale food applications. Nanoscale separations are the miniaturized techniques with great potentials in the bi-analytical separation science. These types of separations are carried out in capillaries of narrow internal diameter containing selected stationary phases. Herein, the historical development of nanoscale separations in food analysis along with the advantages of small-narrow columns towards nanoscale food analyses is provided, with particular emphasis on the capillary nano-column technology. This paper also reviews the critical revision of nanoscale separations with food analysis covering the works published in the last years (early 2013-early 2019). In addition, the use of these separation methods combined with mass spectrometry (e.g. tandem MS or high resolution MS) detection in food analysis including the study of safety issues is also discussed. (c) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.