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Simultaneous separation of steviol and steviol glycosides is challenging because of differences in their polarity and chemical structure. In this study, simultaneous analysis of steviol and steviol glycosides was achieved by LC with UV detection using a mixed-mode RP weak anion exchange chromatography column. Steviol and seven steviol glycosides were analyzed on an Acclaim Mixed-Mode Wax-1 (Dionex) column with a linear gradient of deionized water adjusted to pH 3.00 with phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The extraction was performed by sonicating dry plant material at 40 degreesC in acetonitrile-water (30 + 70, v/v). LOQ values (mg/g dry weight of plant material) were rebaudioside B, 0.50; steviol, 0.70, dulcoside A, 1.0; steviolbioside, 1.2; stevioside and rebaudioside C, 2.0; rebaudioside D, 3.3; and rebaudioside A, 5.0. The method demonstrated suitable performance for all analytes tested with respect to accuracy (mean recoveries 95-99%), intraday and interday precision for retention times (0.070-0.28% and 0.33-1.0% RSD, respectively), and linearity. The method was used to authenticate steviol glycosides in several samples of Stevia plant material as well as to quantitate steviol glycosides in dietary supplements containing Stevia.

A comparison of polymeric and ceramic membranes in the ultrafiltration process was studied and presented. This study was conducted on the separation of cadmium(II) ions, with particular reference to parameters such as hydrodynamic permeability coefficient, membrane fouling, amount of surfactant in the permeate, efficiency, and effectiveness of the process. The effect of ionic (SDS) and non-ionic (Rofam 10) surfactants or their mixture was investigated. The hydrodynamic permeability coefficient of the ceramic membrane was found to be much lower in comparison to those of the polymeric ones (1.69 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1, 5.66 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1, and 9.26 × 10−7 m3 h−1 m−2 Pa−1 for ceramic, CA, and PVDF, respectively). However, filtration of the surfactants solutions did not cause permanent blocking of pores and the surface of the ceramic membrane in contrast to the polymeric ones. No significant differences in surfactants permeation through the membranes tested were observed. Concentration of the surfactant in the permeate was lower than 1 CMC for the Rofam 10 solution and exceeded the CMC by about 40 % for the SDS solution. Better separation properties of polymer membranes for the separation of cadmium(II) ions from micellar systems were identified.