High Performance Liquid Chromatography of Anthocyanidins as a New Approach to Study Flower Pigment Genetics

Abstract

Abstract The described method allows rapid screening and accurate quantification of anthocyanidins with the aid of HPLC. Using a linear gradient in 40 m in from 20 to 40% of solvent B (1.5% phosphoric acid -20% acetic acid - 25% acetonitrile) in solvent A (1.5% phosphoric acid) + B on LiChrosorb RP-8 the common six anthocyanidins delphinidin, cyanidin, petunidin, pelargonidin, peonidin, and malvidin were resolved within 40 min. It is demonstrated that acetonitrile is superior to other solvents in resolving methoxylated phenolic compounds. The application of the described method is shown with Gladiolus petals in studies of flower pigment genetics.