Rapid characterization of metallo porphyrin classes in natural extracts by gel permeation chromatography/atmospheric pressure chemical ionization/mass spectrometry

Gel permeation chromatography/mass spectrometry with an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization interface permits the rapid characterization of the types of metallo porphyrins in sediment extracts or adsorption Chromatographic fractions therefrom, even when the components are present in trace abundance and/or in much lower abundance than co-occurring components of the same polarity. Gel permeation chromatography therefore also provides a rapid means of isolating and purifying porphyrin fractions for more detailed studies of component distributions. The approach should have application for pigment analysis not only in palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and palaeoceanographic studies, but also in biological studies of porphyrins.