due to a strong base line drift. In contrast Ara h 2 showed greater
absorbance and better resolution at 220 nm compared to 280 nm.
The C18 column was able to overcome the drawbacks of the C12 column
and the goal of developing a single method to detect all of the
three peanut allergens was achieved.
Method E was chosen as the most optimal method for allergen
analysis. The use of method E increased sensitivity (absorbance),
resolution between allergen peaks, and shortened retention time for allergens. Ara h 1 and Ara h 2 eluted as individual peaks at 18.6
and 14.4 min, respectively, and Ara h 3 elutes as a set of three
peaks ranging from 19.5 to 20.2 min. The methods were very
repeatable from sample to sample and from day to day.