HPLC Retention of Polysorbate on Zodiac HST RP Column

Polysorbates are a widely used class of emulsifiers found in pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetic products. They are particularly effective in solubilizing essential oils into water-based formulations. Chemically, polysorbates are oily liquids derived from PEG-ylated sorbitan (a sorbitol derivative) that has been esterified with fatty acids. In contrast, surfactants made from non-PEG-ylated sorbitan esters are known as Span compounds.

Quantification of polysorbates—such as Polysorbate 20 (Tween 20), Polysorbate 40, Polysorbate 60 (Tween 60), and Polysorbate 80—is often necessary in a variety of formulations using HPLC. Polysorbates exist as complex mixtures of oligomers, which can complicate analysis.

The Zodiac HST RP mixed-mode column enables efficient separation of all polysorbate oligomers. One well-resolved oligomer can be selected as a quantitative marker, allowing reliable measurement of total polysorbate content in pharmaceutical and food formulations. This method provides a robust and reproducible solution for monitoring polysorbate levels across diverse product types.