Knowledge-based expert system for troubleshooting high-performance liquid chromatographic assay methods

Abstract

An expert system has been written to assist in troubleshooting 21 high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay methods frequently performed in our laboratories. The knowledge used in this expert system includes the facts, heuristics (rules-of-thumb based on experience that provides short cuts over a strict textbook approach to a problem) and problem-solving strategies for diagnosing problems that occur in HPLC assay methods. The expert system operates by gathering necessary data from a user, analyzing the assay parameter, determining the most probable causes of the problem and displaying its conclusions together with justifications for its diagnosis. Data are quickly and easily entered by a user through the use of a notebook-style form that is displayed on a PC screen. The expert system analyzes the assay problem based on user-supplied chromatographic symptoms and selectivity, capacity factor ( k′) and resolution (itR s that are derived from the data. Once the system has diagnosed the most probable causes, it prints these out ranked in order of most likely causes and proceeds for further in-depth troubleshooting.