Organic Mobile Phase Research Articles

Effect of organic mobile phase composition on signal responses for selected polyalkene additive compounds by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry

The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation methodology employed in the study of polyalkene additive compounds by atmospheric pressure ionization mass spectrometry (API-MS) was undertaken. Both atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) and atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) were examined. APPI (including dopant-assisted APPI) was found to be an inferior ionization technique to APCI in all cases. APCI ion responses were found to be highly dependent upon the organic solvent type used in the HPLC separations. Namely, employing a water/methanol gradient in place of a water/acetonitrile or a water/acetone gradient yielded improvements in analyte ion intensities between 2.3- and 52-fold for the liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) experiments. Analyte and mobile phase solvent ionization energies were found to be only partially responsible, whereas mobile phase cluster formation and hydration was also implicated. Mobile phase component modification is demonstrated to be an important consideration when developing new, or modifying existing HPLC separations for use in LC–MS experiments in order to enhance analyte sensitivity for a wide variety of common polyalkene additives.

Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography Isotope Dilution Tandem Mass Spectrometry for the Absolute Quantification of Proteins and Peptides

A selective, rapid, and sensitive 12.7-min ultra performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ID/MS/MS) method was developed and compared to conventional high-performance liquid chromatography-isotope dilution tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ID/MS/MS) for the absolute quantitative determination of multiple proteins from complex matrixes. The UPLC analysis was carried out on an Acquity UPLC ethylene-bridged hybrid (BEH) C18 reversed-phase column (50 x 2.1 mm i.d., 1.7-microm particle size) with gradient elution at a flow rate of 300 microL/min. For the HPLC separation, a similar gradient profile on a reversed-phase C18 column with dimensions of 150 x 1.0 mm at a flow rate of 30 microL/min was utilized. The aqueous and organic mobile phases were 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, respectively. Detection was performed on a triple-quadrupole mass spectrometer operated in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range of 10-90 fmol/microL. Relative standard deviation values equal to or less than 6.5% were obtained by the UPLC-ID/MS/MS method, thus demonstrating performance equivalent to conventional HPLC-ID/MS/MS for isotope dilution quantification of peptides and proteins. UPLC provides additional dimensions of rapid analysis time and high-sample throughput, which expands laboratory emergency response capabilities over conventional HPLC.

Uncertainty estimation and in-house method validation of HPLC analysis of carotenoids for food composition data production

The method for separation and quantitative determination of the main carotenoids in food by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was in-house validated. Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum M.) as food matrix was used to demonstrate its linearity, repeatability, intermediate precision, detection and quantification limits, sensitivity and bias. In addition, stability of carotenoids was studied in function of temperature and time. Method accuracy was quantified through measurement uncertainties estimate based on this validation study. Furthermore, a study was conducted to evaluate variability coming from location in an experimental field composed by 12 subfields. The use of two metal free reverse phase columns and an organic mobile phase based on acetonitrile, methanol and dichloromethane enabled the separation of the six target compounds (trans-α-carotene, trans-β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, all-lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin) within a 30min run; detection at 450nm and external calibration allowed the quantification of the analytes. Carotenoids concentration and measurement uncertainty, in mg/100g, in tomato varieties “lido” and “for salad” were, respectively, 1.0±0.14 and 0.39±0.056 for trans-β-carotene, 8±2.0 and 2.3±0.57 for all-lycopene and 0.10±0.017 and 0.08±0.015 for lutein; trans-α-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and zeaxanthin were not detected in both varieties (detection limits, in μg/100g, 0.81, 0.57 and 0.77, respectively). For β-carotene and lutein, uncertainty associated with the entire process including small-scale within-region variation was statistically different, at a significance level of 5%, from measurement uncertainty (which includes sampling in the laboratory).

Rapid determination of the applicability of hydrophilic interaction chromatography utilizing ACD Labs Log D Suite: A bioanalytical application

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) is an effective technique for retaining and separating polar compounds. This approach offers several advantages for bioanalytical liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, considering that a majority of active pharmaceutical ingredients are polar amines. HILIC employs high concentrations of relatively polar organic mobile phase components (i.e. acetonitrile), providing enhanced desolvation and electrospray ionization efficiency, as well as allowing direct injection of many protein precipitation, liquid/liquid, and solid phase extracts. A set of 30 probe compounds was evaluated to demonstrate a relationship between a compound's HILIC capacity factor ( k′), and pH dependent distribution coefficient ( D), using three sets of generic isocratic conditions. Plots of log k′ versus log D pH 3.0 produced correlation coefficients of 0.751, 0.696, and 0.689 at acetonitrile mobile phase concentrations of 85%, 90%, and 95% (v/v), respectively. For bioanalytical applications a k′ > 2 is typically targeted to ensure adequate retention of a given analyte relative to extracted matrix components. Using k′ ≥ 2 as a measure of HILIC applicability, the linear relationships for each of the three acetonitrile levels predicted whether or not HILIC was able to meet this criterion for at least 90% of the compounds tested. Overall, the relationship between k′ and log D can serve as a valuable tool for identifying the applicability of HILIC and a starting point for the chromatographic conditions, prior to the initiation of any laboratory activities. Additionally, this relationship can assist with the selection of appropriate chemical analog internal standards.

Electrostatic Repulsion Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography for Isocratic Separation of Charged Solutes and Selective Isolation of Phosphopeptides

If an ion-exchange column is eluted with a predominantly organic mobile phase, then solutes can be retained through hydrophilic interaction even if they have the same charge as the stationary phase. This combination is termed electrostatic repulsion-hydrophilic interaction chromatography (ERLIC). With mixtures of solutes that differ greatly in charge, repulsion effects can be exploited to selectively antagonize the retention of the solutes that normally would be the best retained. This permits the isocratic resolution of mixtures that normally require gradients, including peptides, amino acids, and nucleotides. ERLIC affords convenient separations of highly charged peptides that cannot readily be resolved by other means. In addition, phosphopeptides can be isolated selectively from a tryptic digest.

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry using atmospheric pressure chemical ionization or electrospray ionization with tropylium post‐column derivatization

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) with four to six rings are potent carcinogens. This study analyzed ten of the sixteen US EPA priority PAHs using reversed-phase liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in selected reaction monitoring mode with two ionization sources: positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI+) or positive elecrtrospray ionization (ESI+) with tropylium post-column derivatization. Several factors were investigated, including mobile phases, stationary phases of columns and chromatographic temperature, to determine how optimal separation and sensitivity might be achieved. Methanol used as an organic mobile phase provided better sensitivities for most PAHs than acetonitrile, although some PAHs co-eluted. Acidic buffers did not increase analyte signals. Use of Restek Pinnacle II PAH columns (250 x 4.6 mm or 250 x 2.1 mm, 5 microm) with water/acetonitrile gradient at 27 degrees C made possible a good separation of the ten analytes. [M]+. were the best precursor ions in both APCI and ESI, although fluoranthene could not be detected in ESI mode when tropylium post-column derivatization was performed. [M-28]+ and [M-52]+ were the major product ions of PAHs after collision-induced dissociation, a result of neutral losses of C(2)H(4) and (C(2)H(2))(2), respectively. Chromatographic separation for PAH isomers was crucial because the mass spectra were so similar that even MS/MS could not distinguish them from each other. The recoveries of sample preparations of PAHs spiked onto air-sampling filters ranged between 77.5 and 106% with relative standard deviations between 1.1 and 15.9%. This method was validated by analyzing NIST SRM 1649a (urban dust), producing results comparable with the certified PAH concentrations. The detection limits using APCI and ESI interfaces, defined as three times the noise levels, ranged between 0.23 and 0.83 ng and between 0.16 and 0.84 ng of on-column injection, respectively.

Fatty acid composition of triacylglycerols from Wharton's jelly determined by high-performance liquid chromatography

The improved method for HPLC determination of fatty acids was proposed. The chromatographic separation of p-bromophenacyl derivatives of fatty acids under a gradient elution was achieved at 40 °C with an RP-18 LiChroCART 5 column and organic mobile phase containing methanol, acetonitrile, water and TEAP buffer pH 5.6. The quantitative determination of those derivatives was performed at 254 nm. Preeclampsia, the most common pregnancy complication, did not affect triacylglycerol content in the umbilical cord Wharton's jelly in comparison to the control material. However, it changed the composition of fatty acids, bound to that lipid class. The method allows the determination of almost all fatty acids forming the investigated neutral lipid class, contained in a solid tissue sample. The use of TEAP buffer excluded precipitation and flow stoppage in the HPLC system. The method reduced time and costs and might be useful for all other lipid classes and different tissues.

Chromatographic behavior of dithiocarbamate fungicides on cellulose plates

Summary The chromatographic behavior of the dithiocarbamate fungicides mancozeb, NaDDC, propineb, ziram, and zineb has been studied on TLC plates coated with cellulose or with cellulose impregnated with heavy metal salts. The mobile phases used were prepared from distilled water, n-butyl acetate, isopropanol, and sodium lauryl sulfate. High RF values (0.97) were obtained when aqueous mobile phases were used whereas use of organic mobile phases led to low R F values. Important separations achieved included zineb from mancozeb, NaDDC from propineb, ziram from zineb, and ziram from zineb.

Preparation and evaluation of a vancomycin‐immobilized silica monolith as chiral stationary phase for CEC

Enantiomeric separations in CEC with the macrocyclic antibiotic vancomycin immobilized silica monolith as a chiral stationary phase are presented. The monolithic silica capillary columns were prepared by a sol-gel process in fused-silica capillaries with an inner diameter of 50 mum and subsequently in situ immobilization of vancomycin as a chiral selector by reductive amination. Enantioselectivity was obtained for eight pairs of enantiomers in nonaqueous polar organic or aqueous mobile phases and most of them were baseline-separated with high column efficiencies. It was observed that the organic modifier ratio (MeOH/ACN) in the polar organic mobile phase played a significant role in controlling the resolution and efficiency of the enantiomers. In enantiomeric separation of propranolol, repeatability for column efficiency and resolution in the nonaqueous mobile phase was given in terms of RSD values at 1.1 and 2.3% (n = 5) for run-to-run injections and 7.2 and 9.6% (n = 5) for column-to-column testing while repeatability for the separation of thalidomide in the aqueous mobile phase was given in terms of RSD values at 1.5, 2.8% and 6.1, 10.5%, respectively.

Novel strong cation-exchange type chiral stationary phase for the enantiomer separation of chiral amines by high-performance liquid chromatography

The preparation of novel brush-type chiral cation-exchange materials based on de novo designed synthetic low molecular mass selectors (SOs) and their evaluation for enantioselective separation of chiral amines by HPLC are presented. The SO as the functional unit for enantioselectivity contains a β-aminocyclohexanesulfonic acid moiety and is readily accessible via straightforward synthesis in both enantiomeric forms yielding chiral stationary phases (CSPs) with opposite configurations, CSPs 1 and 2, and reversed elution orders. For the evaluation of these novel CSPs by HPLC a sound set of chiral amines, mainly amino-alcohol type drug molecules, was selected. The chromatographic evaluations were carried out using polar organic mobile phase conditions. All of the analytes could be baseline separated, compared to common CSPs in parts with excellent peak efficiencies (up to 70 000 theoretical plates per meter for the second eluted enantiomer). A number of experimental parameters have been varied to look at and prove the underlying ion-exchange process on CSPs 1 and 2, and to reveal suitable conditions for their operation. In this context, the influence of proton activity in the mobile phase and the effects of varying concentration and type of the counterion as well as type of co-ion and of bulk solvent components were thoroughly investigated.

New Approaches for Analysis of Metabolism Compounds in Hydrophilic Interaction Chromatography

Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) was developed by Andrew Alpert for separation of highly polar compounds. HILIC is characterized by a high organic mobile phase concentration and the hydrophilic stationary phase. Thus, the retention times of highly polar compounds are increased with the increase of the hydrophilicity of the solutes. Recently, it became necessary to determine highly polar compounds, such as pharmaceutical metabolism products. Therefore, HILIC has been promoted by the demand to analyze polar compounds in a complex matrix. Another reason for the increase in popularity is the widespread use of mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC). It is easy to promote ionization of several compounds, because there is low concentration of aqueous mobile phase. This review attempts to summarize the ongoing discussion of the separation mechanism and gives an overview of the stationary phases used and the applications addressed with this separation mode in LC.

A validated liquid chromatography method for the simultaneous determination of vitamins A and E in human plasma

A fast (15 min) and simple HPLC method for determination of all- trans-retinol and α-, γ- and δ-tocopherols in human plasma has been developed. The assay utilized 200 μl of plasma to which 20 μl of internal standard solution (retinol acetate) was added followed by 200 μl of water, 400 μl of ethanol and 800 μl of hexane. The hexane layer was collected, evaporated, the residue dissolved in 200 μl of methanol and analyzed on a Zorbax Eclipse XDB-C18 column using a step gradient with a polar organic mobile phase composed of acetonitrile and methanol and variable wavelength fluorescence detection. The quantification limits for all- trans-retinol and γ-tocopherol were 20 ng/ml and for α- and δ-tocopherols 500 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml, respectively. The procedure was validated and applied to the analysis of plasma samples from the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Use of di(n-butyl) and di(iso-butyl)dithiophosphoric acids as complexing agents in the TLC separation of somedandftransition metal ions

The thin layer chromatographic behavior of U(VI), Th(IV), lanthanides(III), Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) on silica gel H with di( n -butyl) and di( iso -butyl)dithiophosphoric acids as complexing agents in the organic mobile phase has been investigated. The results obtained show that the dithiophosphate anion has a substantial effect on the migration of these metal ions. The presence of electron-donor solvents in the mobile phase increases retention, especially for U(VI), Th(IV), and lanthanides(III). The effect is explained on the basis of greater solubility of the metal chelates of the dithiophosphoric anions in the organic mobile phase, because of a solvation process. Separation was investigated for three groups of metal ions — actinides, lanthanides, and d transition metals. By choice of an appropriate organic mobile phase, separation of the pairs Th(IV)-U(VI), Pr(III)-Sm(III), Sm(III)-Gd(III), and Gd(III)-Er(III) was achieved, as was separation of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) from each other. A complex s...

An unexpected observation concerning the effect of anionic additives on the retention behavior of basic drugs and peptides in reversed-phase liquid chromatography

Anionic species with ion pair forming ability are commonly used to enhance the retention and efficiency of basic analytes in RPLC separations. However, little is known about the interactions between organic mobile phase modifiers and such ion pairing anions. In this work, we measured the magnitude of the retention increase of basic drugs and peptides upon addition of strong inorganic ion pairing anions (e.g. perchlorate) as a function of the volume fraction of modifier in acidic water-acetonitrile mobile phases on two different stationary phases. We found that the increase in retention upon addition of various salts depended strongly on the eluent strength. In general, larger retention increases upon addition of the anion were observed at higher organic fractions. Regression of retention against the volume fraction of organic modifier indicated that the ion pair forming anions substantially decreased S values while only slightly changing ln k ′ w values. The decrease in S is the major cause of the retention increase of basic drugs and peptides when such anions are added to the mobile phase.

HPLC retention behavior on hydride‐based stationary phases

Two stationary phases attached to a silica hydride surface, cholesterol and bidentate C18, are investigated with a number of pharmaceutically related compounds in order to illustrate the various retention mechanisms that are possible for these bonded materials. The test solutes range from hydrophilic to hydrophobic based on log P (octanol/water partition coefficient) and pKa values. The mobile phases consist of acidified (formic and perchloric acid) water/methanol or water/ACN mixtures. Of particular interest are the high organic content mobile phase compositions where the retention would increase if the bonded material was operating in the aqueous normal phase (ANP) mode. Plots of retention factor (k) versus mobile phase composition are used to elucidate the retention mechanism. A number of examples are presented where solutes are retained based on RP, ANP, or dual retention mechanisms. The silica hydride-based stationary phases can also retain compounds in the organic normal phase.

Alkylammonium Formate Ionic Liquids as Organic Mobile Phase Replacements for Reversed‐Phase Liquid Chromatography

Alkylammonium formate (AAF) ionic liquids, RNH3 + [HCO2 −], R=C2H5, C3H7, or C4H9, are prepared in high yield and purity by slowly reacting an alkylamine and formic acid in an ice bath under N2. UV spectra of undiluted ethylammonium formate (EAF), n‐propylammonium formate (PAF), n‐butylammonium formate (BAF) show no appreciable background absorbance down to about 250 nm, 270 nm, and 295 nm, respectively. Physical properties such as viscosity, melting point, decomposition temperature, density, and miscibility with common organic solvents are also determined. The viscosity of EAF of 11.5 cP at 24°C is considered very low, as compared to previously reported imidazolium or alkylammonium ionic liquids. Because of the higher viscosities, van Deemter plots using the AAF ionic liquids are shifted to lower flow rate optima, as compared to that taken with methanol. The polarity index P′ values for EAF, PAF, and BAF, chromatographically determined to be (6.4±0.1); (5.8±0.1), and (5.2±0.1) (n=5), are quite close to methanol (5.1) and acetonitrile (5.8). Kamlet‐Taft solvatochromic parameters were also measured and the AAFs were found to have acid, base character similar to that for methanol but polarizability like acetonitrile. The solvent strength S values of 1.9, 2.2, and 2.5 for EAF, PAF, and BAF, respectively, are smaller but comparable to those for methanol (about 2.6). Application of these AAF ionic liquids in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography to separate a test mixture of caffeine, p‐nitroaniline, and phenol or water soluble vitamins is demonstrated using the polystyrene‐divinylbenzene PRP‐1 column.

High performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) assay for chiral separation of lactic acid enantiomers in urine using a teicoplanin based stationary phase

A novel method for the separation and simultaneous determination of urinary d- and l-lactic acid enantiomers by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS/MS) is presented. The chiral separation was optimized on a Chirobiotic teicoplanin aglyocone (TAG) column. Most interestingly, the addition of water in small volume fraction to the polar organic mobile phase was found to significantly improve the chromatography. Calibration curves were linear ( r 2 > 0.9950) over the range 3–1000 mg/L for l-lactic acid and 0.5–160.8 mg/L for d-lactic acid. The limit of detection (LOD) (S/N = 3) and limit of quantification (LOQ) (S/N = 10) were determined experimentally ( n = 3) to be 0.2 and 0.5 mg/L for l-lactic acid and 0.4 and 1.3 mg/L for d-lactic acid, respectively. The normal patient range of l-lactic acid was 1–20 μg/mg creatinine with an elevated value of 85 μg/mg creatinine. For d-lactic acid, the range of normal values were between 0 and 5 μg/mg creatinine with an elevated value of 40 μg/mg creatinine. Finally, the validated method allows for rapid analysis with a total run time of 7.5 min.

Quantitative analysis of s-adenosylmethionine and s-adenosylhomocysteine in neurulation-stage mouse embryos by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

The potential importance of the methylation cycle during embryonic development necessitates the establishment of methodology to detect alterations in the relative abundance of s-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and s-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) in an embryonic experimental system. We have developed a precise and sensitive method for measurement of SAM and SAH based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) in single neurulation-stage mouse embryos. Use of a penta-fluorinated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) stationary phase gave enhanced sensitivity due to optimal ionisation in organic mobile phase and increased retention time compared to standard reversed-phase separation. Calibration curves suitable for the analysis of neurulation-stage mouse embryos (SAM 0.02–25.0 μM, SAH 0.01–10.0 μM) were linear ( r 2 > 0.997) with limits of detection for SAM and SAH of 10 and 2.5 nmol/L, respectively.

Micellar Liquid Chromatography Study of Quantitative Retention–Activity Relationships for Antihypertensive Drugs

Use of micellar mobile phases in reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) results in hydrophobic and electrostatic sites for interaction. Modified stationary phases in micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) are structurally similar to biomembranes. To confirm this we focused on the effects of the type and concentration of surfactant (Brij 35, SDS, and CTAB) and mobile phase pH on the retention of antihypertensive drugs on modified C18 stationary phases. Quantitative retention-activity relationships are proposed for the drugs and the different surfactants and compared with those obtained using aqueous–organic mobile phases. Finally, a correlation was obtained between the logarithm of retention factors (log k) and the toxicity (LD50) of antihypertensive drugs.

Quantification of uric acid, xanthine and hypoxanthine in human serum by HPLC for pharmacodynamic studies

A simple HPLC method was developed and validated for the determination of uric acid (UA), xanthine (X) and hypoxanthine (HX) concentrations in human serum to support pharmacodynamic (PD) studies of a novel xanthine oxidase inhibitor during its clinical development. Serum proteins were removed by ultrafiltration. The hydrophilic analytes and the I.S. were eluted by 100% aqueous phosphate buffer mobile phase. The hydrophobic matrix components (late peaks) were eluted with a step gradient of a higher organic mobile phase. Validation on linearity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy, stability, and robustness of the method for PD biomarkers (UA, X, and HX) was carried out in a similar manner to that for pharmacokinetic (PK) data where applicable. Issues of selectivity for endogenous biomarker analytes and individual concentration variations were addressed during method validation. Standards were prepared in analyte-free phosphate buffer. Quality control samples were prepared in control serum from individuals not dosed with the xanthine oxidase inhibitor. The method was simple and robust with good accuracy and precision for the measurement of serum UA, X, and HX concentrations.