Application of Chromatography in Bioactive Compound Analysis

A Special Issue of Separations (ISSN 2297-8739) belonging to the section "Analysis of Natural Products and Pharmaceuticals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 10 May 2027 | Viewed by 3364

Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Mathematics, University of Niš, Višegradska 33, 18106 Niš, Serbia
Interests: phytochemistry; chromatography; sample preparation; extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
Interests: phytochemicals; antioxidant activity; extraction
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, University of Niš, Niš, Serbia
Interests: analytical chemistry; phytochemicals; chromatography; extraction

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chromatography plays a key role in modern analytical chemistry, especially in the study of bioactive compounds from complex natural and synthetic samples. This Special Issue focuses on the wide application of chromatography—not only for the detection and quantification of compounds but also in sample preparation, including extraction steps. Techniques such as HPLC, GC, and LC-MS, combined with modern detectors, continue to provide fast, reliable, and validated results in fields such as food analysis, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.

We welcome original research and review articles that focus on the analysis of bioactive compounds using new or improved chromatographic methods. Particular attention will be given to studies that emphasize the role of bioactive molecules in promoting health, as well as their occurrence in food, medicinal plants, and pharmaceutical products. We especially encourage submissions that combine effective extraction methods with reliable chromatographic techniques—such as LC-MS or GC-MS—to achieve accurate and comprehensive analysis of bioactive compounds.

Studies involving statistical analysis, method validation, or optimization of analytical parameters are also highly encouraged.

We look forward to your contributions to this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Milan N. Mitić
Prof. Dr. Vesna Stankov-Jovanovic
Dr. Jelena S. Nikolić
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • analytical method validation
  • sample preparation
  • antioxidant compounds
  • phytochemicals
  • chromatography
  • bioactive compounds
  • natural products
  • LC-MS
  • HPLC
  • GC-MS

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

21 pages, 9550 KB  
Article
Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Cyclamen purpurascens Mill. Tubers: Box–Behnken Design and UHPLC-ESI-MS/MS Characterization
by Miljana G. Stojanović, Ivan M. Savić, Jovana Vunduk and Ivana M. Savić Gajić
Separations 2026, 13(6), 175; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations13060175 - 12 Jun 2026
Viewed by 449
Abstract
In contemporary research on natural bioactive compounds, increasing emphasis is placed on the development of efficient and sustainable extraction technologies. This study aimed to develop and optimize an innovative extraction process for wild cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) tubers to maximize the yield [...] Read more.
In contemporary research on natural bioactive compounds, increasing emphasis is placed on the development of efficient and sustainable extraction technologies. This study aimed to develop and optimize an innovative extraction process for wild cyclamen (Cyclamen purpurascens Mill.) tubers to maximize the yield of total extractives using a Box–Behnken design. The effects of four extraction parameters were evaluated on the system response. A second-order polynomial model accurately described the extraction process, yielding a coefficient of determination of 0.919. The liquid-to-solid ratio was identified as the dominant factor affecting the extraction efficiency compared to the other factors investigated. The optimal extraction conditions were as follows: extraction time of 15.5 min, 13% (v/v) ethanol, liquid-to-solid ratio of 13.5 mL/g, and extraction temperature of 34 °C, resulting in a yield of 53.44%. The optimized process yielded a significant saponin content of 16.19 g/100 g, while the levels of phenolic compounds (132.52 mg GAE/100 g) and flavonoids (12.04 mg QE/100 g) were also quantified. UHPLC–ESI–MS/MS analysis confirmed the presence of triterpene saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. DPPH, ABTS+, and CUPRAC assays indicated the antioxidant potential of the extract, while the minimum inhibitory concentration assay showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The established chemical profile and observed biological activities provide the basis for further evaluation of wild cyclamen tubers as a source of bioactive secondary metabolites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chromatography in Bioactive Compound Analysis)
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14 pages, 264 KB  
Article
Variations in Quantitative Composition of Phenolic Compounds in Flowers, Leaves, and Fruits of Mespilus germanica L. During Harvesting Period
by Jelena Nikolić, Vesna Stankov Jovanović, Jovana Pavlović, Milica D. Nikolić, Ana Barjaktarević, Ksenija Obradović and Milan Mitić
Separations 2025, 12(10), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/separations12100268 - 1 Oct 2025
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2256
Abstract
The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant has been valued throughout history for its culinary uses and medicinal applications. Medlar fruit contains a high amount of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and pectin, making [...] Read more.
The medlar (Mespilus germanica) is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant has been valued throughout history for its culinary uses and medicinal applications. Medlar fruit contains a high amount of vitamin C, carbohydrates, and pectin, making it a valuable remedy for treating scurvy. In folk medicine, medlar is used to treat constipation and other digestive issues. This study investigates the quantitative composition and seasonal variation in phenolic compounds in flowers, leaves, and fruits of Mespilus germanica L. using high performance liquid chromatography, as well as total phenolic content and antioxidant activity. The predominant class of phenolics in flowers were flavonols, with 52.5% of the total phenolic content. On the other hand, dominant phenolics in fruits were flavan-3-ols, with procyanidin B2 and epicatechin being most abundant, whereas in leaves, hydroxycinnamic acids were the most prevalent phenolic compounds. Seasonal variations were noted for analyzed compounds in various plant parts. This study highlights significant changes in the phenolic profile of M. germanica during various harvesting periods and suggests that both fruits and leaves are rich sources of bioactive compounds. However, its nutraceutical potential might depend on harvesting time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Chromatography in Bioactive Compound Analysis)
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