Development of hybrid elution systems for efficient purification of stilbenoids using centrifugal partition chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry

The phytochemical study of the root extract of the stilbenoid-rich Vitis riparia × Vitis berlandieri grapevine was carried out by centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC). For this reason, we developed a new elution mode we named back-step, which allowed us to obtain cleaner fractions and a more efficient separation process when used in conjunction with a classical elution approach. Three hydroxystilbenes: (E)-resveratrol, (E)-ɛ-viniferin and (E)-vitisin C, with greater than 90% purity were thus obtained through such process, with minimal sample handling and purification steps. Online coupling of CPC to ESI mass spectrometry was used for optimization of the separation parameters and to facilitate the characterization of the stilbenoids. This study details the first phytochemical investigation of stilbenoids from the hybrid species together with a new elution mode able to widen the range of ARIZONA biphasic systems.