Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Separation Research Articles

Supercritical fluid chromatographic chiral separation of potential P2RX7 antagonists containing one, two and three chiral centers

Eleven polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases were screened to separate stereoisomers of six lactam derivatives by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). Those molecules are antagonists of the P2×7 receptor with potential anti-inflammatory activity. They present a mixture of either two enantiomers, or four or eight stereoisomers depending on the number of chiral centers in their structure. The effect of chiral stationary phase, either amylose- or cellulose-based, coated or immobilized, chlorinated or non-chlorinated, on retention and selectivity of those compounds was studied. The effect of the co-solvent nature (methanol, ethanol, propan-2-ol and acetonitrile) and percentage (15 to 40%), temperature (20 to 45°C) and backpressure (8 to 20 MPa) on the enantioseparation and retention of 1-(2-chlorobenzyl)-5-((4-methoxyphenyl)amino)pyrrolidin-2-one (compound 4) was thoroughly studied. Thus, optimal conditions were defined for each derivative in order to implement the preparative separation of the whole series, except of 1-((3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)(phenyl)methyl)-5-oxo-N-(1-phenylethyl)pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide) (compound 6) for which none of the eleven columns could resolve the eight stereoisomers. The small-scale preparative separation of the enantiomers of the most promising derivative, i.e 3-acetyl-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(2,4-dichlorobenzyl)-5-oxopyrrolidine-2-carboxamide (compound 2), is presented.

Synthesis and evaluation of aromatic stationary phases based on linear solvation energy relationship model for expanded application in supercritical fluid chromatography

In the last decade, the separation application based on aromatic stationary phases has been demonstrated in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this paper, four aromatic stationary phases involving aniline (S-aniline), 1-aminonaphthalene (S-1-ami-naph), 1-aminoanthracene (S-1-ami-anth) and 1-aminopyrene (S-1-ami-py) were synthesized based on full porous particles (FPP) silica, which were not end-capped for providing extra electrostatic interaction. Retention mechanism of these phases in SFC was investigated using a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) model. The aromatic stationary phases with five positive parameters (a, b, s, e and d+) can provide hydrogen bonding, π-π, dipole-dipole and cation exchange interactions, which belong to the moderate polar phases. The LSER results obtained using routine test solutes demonstrated that the aforementioned interactions of four aromatic stationary phases were influenced by the type and bonding density of the ligand, but to a certain extent. Furthermore, the LSER data verified that the S-1-ami-anth column based on full porous particles silica had higher cation exchange capacity (d+ value), compared to the commercialized 1-AA column (based on the ethylene-bridged hybrid particles). The relationship between the d+ value and SFC additive was quantitatively proved so as to regulate electrostatic interaction reasonably. This value was greatly increased by phosphoric acid, slightly increased by trifluoroacetic acid and formic acid, but significantly reduced by ammonium formate and diethylamine. Taking the S-1-ami-naph column as an example, better peek shape of the flavonoids was obtained after the addition of 0.1 % phosphoric acid in MeOH while isoquinoline alkaloids were eluted successfully within 11 min after adding 0.1 % diethylamine in MeOH. Combined with the unique π-π interaction and controllable electrostatic interaction, the aromatic stationary phases in this study have been proven to have expandable application potential in SFC separation.

Efikasnost superkritične fluidne hromatografije u kreiranju ekološki prihvatljivih rešenja u farmaceutskoj analizi

Initially employed primarily at a preparative scale for enantiomer separation of chiral drug candidates, Supercritical Fluid Chromatography (SFC) is nowadays extensively used in the analytical mode. Recent advances in SFC separation science have emphasized its potential for modern and environmentally friendly pharmaceutical analysis. The aim of this review is to provide a deeper insight into the main fundamental and practical aspects of the SFC technique in order to familiarize readers with its versatile nature and efficiency in creating sustainable chromatographic solutions. All considerations are made primarily in the context of the most widely used mode of operation - achiral SFC. In addition, recent applications of this promising technique are presented at the end of the article to further promote its use in pharmaceutical analytical practice.

Supercritical fluid chromatography based on reversed-phase/ ion chromatography mixed-mode stationary phase for separation of spirooxindole alkaloids

The present paper illustrates the versatility of the supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) since, for the first time, four spirooxindole alkaloids (SOAs) including two pairs of isomers were separated by using two types of reversed-phase/ ion chromatography (RP/IC) mixed-mode stationary phases. Two mixed-mode stationary phases (C8SAX and C8SCX) was simultaneously provided dispersive and electrostatic interactions, which were suitable for the separation of such alkaloids. This study tried to provide an in-depth understanding of the SFC separation mechanism of the mixed-mode stationary phase through investigation of the impact of changes in mobile phase composition on alkaloids’ retention behavior. On C8SAX, due to the strong electrostatic repulsion, there was a very narrow elution window of the alkaloids, of which behaviors were hardly affected by adding diethylamine in mobile phase. When adding formic acid or acidic ammonium formate, the prolonged retention time of alkaloids was presented because of the shielded effect of formate anions on the electrostatic repulsion. In particular, better peak shape and improved resolution were obtained by using acidic ammonium formate due to the deactivation of silanol groups by ammonium cations. On the other hand, both formic acid and acidic ammonium formate can strengthen the electrostatic attraction of C8SCX, causing difficult elution of the alkaloids. Ammonium cations from either the protonated diethylamine or the ionized ammonium formate, were considered as counter ions to effectively mask the electrostatic attraction of C8SCX, to significantly reduce the retention of alkaloids, but improve the resolution. Finally, utilizing two developed SFC methods, i.e., C8SAX with EtOH+ 10 mM acidic ammonium formate in CO2, or C8SCX with EtOH+0.1% diethylamine in CO2, the baseline separation of corynoxeine and isocorynoxeine, rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline was achieved within 5 min.

A one-step sample pretreatment and loading method for complex sample separation with supercritical fluid chromatography

Solvent mismatches as well as impurity interference have become obstacles for supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). In this study, a one-step sample pretreatment and loading method was developed for separation of Hedyotis diffusa (H. diffusa) with SFC. H. diffusa was firstly mixed with C18-bonded silica, and then subjected to a loading device, which was in line with a SFC column. Non-targeted components were firmly retained on C18-bonded silica in the condition of 100% CO2 at a flow rate of 15 mL/min for 10 min, while targeted fractions were eluted to the SFC column, where the targets were enriched and then separated. Thus, a one-step pretreatment and direct loading of target components were achieved with the use of chromatographic material, which in turn solves the issue of solvent incompatible as well as co-existing impurities. Finally, a rapid and effective SFC separation of the targets in H. diffusa was achieved with sharp peaks.

Application of supercritical fluid chromatography for separation and quantitation of 15 co-formulated binary anti-hypertensive medications using a single elution protocol.

A facile supercritical fluid chromatography method is proposed to analyse 15 co-formulated binary anti-hypertensive drug combinations using a customized elution procedure. The effect of mobile phase composition, column back pressure and temperature was suitably optimized for adequate retention, analyte response and resolution. The chromatographic separation of the different drug combinations was performed on a DCPak poly(4-vinylpyridine) column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm) at 125-bar pressure and 40°C using a photodiode array detector. A linear gradient of CO2 and 0.1% formic acid in methanol provided the best elution conditions for all drug combinations. Baseline separation of the drugs was possible with resolution factor Rs ranging from 1.42 to 12.58. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, accuracy and precision, recovery and robustness. The limit of detection and limit of quantitation for aliskiren, amlodipine, atenolol, candesartan, hydrochlorothiazide, lisinopril, losartan, metoprolol, olmesartan, telmisartan and valsartan were in the range of 0.26-2.56 and 0.77-7.75 μg/mL, respectively. The thermodynamic study revealed that interactions of the drugs with the stationary phase were spontaneous as evident from the negative free energy values, and the separation process was enthalpy driven. The developed method was successfully employed to analyse these drugs in their co-formulated tablet formulations.

Supercritical fluid chromatography hyphenated to mass spectrometry for metabolomics applications.

While supercritical fluid chromatography was developed over 50 years ago, it is only over the past 15 to 20 years that it has become routinely utilized. Along with the commercialization of a new generation of instruments, during the last 20 years supercritical fluid chromatography has improved performance, reliability, and robustness. Supercritical fluid chromatography is fully compatible with mass spectrometric techniques. This review compiles the application of supercritical fluid chromatography separations coupled to mass spectrometry instrumentation for the exploration, profiling, and quantitation of metabolites during the last two decades. The selection of metabolites chosen for this article have direct applications in preclinical models of disease and clinical applications as potential biomarkers of disease including lipids, steroid hormones, bile acids, polar metabolites, peptides, and proteins.

Supercritical fluid chromatography separation of chiral pesticides: Unique capabilities to study cyhalothrin and metalaxyl as examples

Evaluation of chiral pesticides remains a frequently neglected matter in routine food control laboratories. This fact is due to the existence of many residue definitions but also due to the lack of robust instrumental methods for the evaluation of these isomeric compounds. However, supercritical fluid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (SFC-ESI-MS/MS) has been demonstrated to perform fast and highly efficient separations without the need to change the mobile phase employed in multiresidue pesticide analyses. Regarding chiral stationary phase columns, the polysaccharide-based ones clearly demonstrate the best separation technology. Two polysaccharide-based columns were tested in this study, and the robustness of their combination with SFC was verified. The enantiomers of lambda-cyhalothrin and metalaxyl were studied precisely due to their markedly distinct toxicity and enantioselectivity. Furthermore, the acute reference dose for gamma-cyhalothrin is half in comparison with its enantiomer (0.0025 and 0.005 mg/kg respectively), which is present in the lambda-cyhalothin residue definition. These enantiomers were analyzed in terms of linearity, reproducibility, and matrix effects in four representative matrices (tomato, orange, leek, and cayenne). Additionally, field tests under greenhouse conditions for these compounds were performed. The results obtained after different sample collections revealed a similar degradation in lambda-cyhalothrin enantiomers (R, S, S, and S, R, R) but not in the case of metalaxyl-M (mefenoxam) where the degradation in tomato was 2 to 6 times less in comparison with its S-enantiomer.

Chiral separation of underivatized amino acids in supercritical fluid chromatography with chiral crown ether derived column.

The supercritical fluid chromatographic separation of underivatized amino acids was explored using immobilized chiral crown ether column CROWNPAK CR-I (+) and mass spectrometric detection. The type of modifier, acidic additives, and the role of water were investigated. Enantioseparation was achieved for all 18 amino acids investigated with short retention times (less than 3 minutes) and average resolution of greater than 5.0. Analysis of enantiomerically pure standards demonstrated the D enantiomer eluted first for all amino acids using a CROWNPAK CR-I (+) column.

Replacing methanol with azeotropic ethanol as the co-solvent for improved chiral separations with supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC)

Using azeoptropic ‘190 proof’ ethanol eliminates the use of methanol in chiral super/subcritical fluid chromatography.

Adjustable column length using a water stationary phase in supercritical fluid chromatography

A novel method for adjusting the column length during analysis in capillary supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) is introduced. The approach is based on using a water stationary phase that can be partially ejected (or replenished) from the column as desired, without physically removing the supporting hardware elements. By flowing cool air through a sleeve surrounding the column in a heated oven, an axial thermal gradient along the length of the column was formed. This established a cooler region where the water stationary phase could be maintained and a hotter region where the coating was removed through dehydration. As such, the effective column length could be easily adjusted by changing the gradient via the air flow rate. Using this prototype arrangement, column lengths could be readily varied between 1.4 and 10 m. System response was also fairly rapid and changes took effect in under 1 min. Once a given length was established, retention times were highly reproducible with a relative standard deviation of 1.8% (n = 3). The method is cheaper and faster than the conventional method of storing numerous columns for manual switching. Further, it avoids the convolution of system pressure and flow rate that accompanies the pressure adjustments normally used to optimize capillary SFC separations. Results indicate that this approach could be a useful alternative for adjusting column length to optimize separation speed and resolution.

Efficient preparative separation of 6-(4-aminophenyl)-5-methyl-4, 5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone enantiomers on polysaccharide-based stationary phases in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography.

6-(4-Aminophenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone is a key synthetic intermediate for cardiotonic agent levosimendan. Very few studies address the use of chiral stationary phases in chromatography for the enantioseparation of this intermediate. This study presents two efficient preparative methods for the isolation of (R)(-)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone in polar organic solvent chromatography and supercritical fluid chromatography using polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases and volatile organic mobile phases without additives in isocratic mode. Under optimum conditions, Chiralcel OJ column showed the best performance (α=1.71, Rs=5.47) in polar organic solvent chromatography, while Chiralpak AS column exhibited remarkable separations (α=1.81 and Rs=6.51) in supercritical fluid chromatography with an opposite enantiomer elution order. Considering the sample solubility, runtime and solvent cost, the preparations were carried out on Chiralcel OJ column and Chiralpak AS column (250× 20mm i.d.; 10µm) in polar organic mode and supercritical fluid chromatography mode with methanol and CO2 /methanol as mobile phases, respectively. By utilizing the advantages of chromatographic techniques and polysaccharide-based chiral stationary phases, this work provides two methods for the fast and economic preparation of (R)(-)-6-(4-aminophenyl)-5-methyl-4,5-dihydro-3(2H)-pyridazinone, which are suitable for the pharmaceutical industry.

Performance comparison of chlorinated chiral stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography for separation of selected pyrrolidone derivatives

The effects of two chlorinated chiral stationary phases, namely, Lux Cellulose-2 and Lux i-Cellulose-5, flow-rate, percentage of co-solvent and chemical structures of the compounds on retention and resolution were studied within this article. In this work a backpressure of 150 bar, a temperature of 40 °C and 10% of methanol as co-solvent were chosen as operating conditions. The optimum flow-rate was 2 mL/min. The percentage of co-solvent was studied between 7.5% and 15%. We have observed that 15% of methanol gave the best results for most of the compounds. For all the derivatives, the Lux Cellulose-2 provided better resolutions going from 1.50 to 3.59 compared with Lux i-Cellulose-5.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of a series of alkylsiloxane-bonded stationary phases for expanded supercritical fluid chromatography separations

Supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) today represents an alternative technique in analytical chemistry due to its obvious benefits in kinetic performance and its complementarity to liquid chromatography. In this paper, a series of alkylsiloxane-bonded stationary phases were synthesized and evaluated to expand their SFC applications. Five kinds of non-endcapped C8 stationary phases (C8-1 to C8-5) with increasing bonding density were synthesized, and the carbon content was 3.91%, 6.07%, 7.97%, 8.65% and 9.10% respectively. Retention mechanism of the C8 phases in SFC in SFC was investigated by the use of a linear solvation energy relationship (LSER) model. Results underlined a close relationship between the bonding density of alkyl chain and the dispersion and polar interactions of the stationary phase. Complementary evaluation was studied based on the calculation of vector angle (θ), and the widest θ of 123° was found between silica and C8 with the highest bonding density. Selective diversity also existed between the two C8 phases with the highest and lowest bonding densities. In addition, the effect of modifier on the SFC mechanism was investigated. Modifiers (methanol, ethanol, isopropanol and acetonitrile) had insignificant influence on the dispersion interaction but they mainly affected the hydrogen bonding interaction by changing the LSER parameters a and b. Finally, C8 and silica columns were applied for separation of eight amide alkaloids of Piper kadsura. Silica provided better retention but limited selectivity while C8 can distinguish alkaloids different in alkyl chain, double bond and cis-trans structure. This research further contributed to demonstrate the potential of alkylsiloxane-bonded stationary phase in improving selectivity of SFC.

Effect of the Mobile Phase Composition on Selectivity in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography in the Separation of Salbutamol Enantiomers

Three chiral chromatography stationary phases based on amylose and cellulose were tested for the supercritical fluid chromatography separation of antiasthmatic drug salbutamol enantiomers. A cellulose tris- 3-chloro-4-methylphenylcarbamate stationary phase provided the highest selectivity for this separation. The optimization of mobile phase composition allowed us to maximize the selectivity coefficient and to minimize the peak asymmetry factors. A successful salbutamol enantiomer separation is achieved at moderate modifier fraction (10–15 vol %) in the mobile phase on this column. Amine additives are necessary to suppress peak tailing. Among three tested amines isopropylamine gives the most symmetrical peaks along with the highest enantioselectivity.

Investigation of robustness for supercritical fluid chromatography separation of peptides: Isocratic vs gradient mode

We investigated and compared the robustness of supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) separations of the peptide gramicidin, using either isocratic or gradient elution. This was done using design of experiments in a design space of co-solvent fraction, water mass fraction in co-solvent, pressure, and temperature. The density of the eluent (CO2-MeOH-H2O) was experimentally determined using a Coriolis mass flow meter to calculate the volumetric flow rate required by the design. For both retention models, the most important factor was the total co-solvent fraction and water mass fraction in co-solvent. Comparing the elution modes, we found that gradient elution was more than three times more robust than isocratic elution. We also observed a relationship between the sensitivity to changes and the gradient steepness and used this to draw general conclusions beyond the studied experimental system.To test the robustness in a practical context, both the isocratic and gradient separations were transferred to another laboratory. The gradient elution was highly reproducible between laboratories, whereas the isocratic system was not. Using measurements of the actual operational conditions (not the set system conditions), the isocratic deviation was quantitatively explained using the retention model. The findings indicate the benefits of using gradient elution in SFC as well as the importance of measuring the actual operational conditions to be able to explain observed differences between laboratories when conducting method transfer.

Chiral Separations Using a Modified Water Stationary Phase in Supercritical Fluid Chromatography

A novel means of achieving chiral separations in supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) using a water stationary phase is presented. By adding various chiral selectors to the phase, different chiral analytes can be readily separated using neat CO2 as a mobile phase. For example, by adding β-cyclodextrin, it is found that certain flavanone enantiomers can be separated, while using the antibiotic vancomycin as a selector provides separation of some chiral phenoxypropionic acids. Other additives such as sodium chloride and triethylamine are also explored and found to enhance certain separations when also present in the water phase. While column pressure has a moderate impact on chiral analyte retention and separation in this SFC method, column temperature has a comparatively larger influence. In particular, relatively cooler temperatures below about 5 °C are found to markedly increase resolution and selectivity. For instance, notably large resolution of 4.7 is achieved for a phenoxypropionic acid pair at 0 °C and 150 atm CO2. Since the method does not require modifier to elute such polar species, it is also readily compatible with FID detection and does not generate organic waste. Therefore, results indicate that this approach could be a potentially simple and flexible means of achieving chiral separations in SFC.

Supercritical fluid chromatographic separation on preparative scale and in continuous mode

Chromatography with supercritical fluids (SFC) is a powerful tool for carrying out separations of substances with very similar structure and volatility, such as isomers of various kinds. In this contribution, we discuss the separation process aiming at the recovery of products on a much larger scale than analytical. Nevertheless, for developing such a process, the separation is carried out first on analytical scale to determine optimum operating conditions and select stationary phase, mobile phase, and co-solvent (modifier), if necessary. Determination of isotherms is helpful for simulating the separation process. Verification of the separation process includes the recycling of the mobile phase. The chromatographic process can be a batch process in the elution mode, or a continuous process, approximated as simulated moving bed (SMB). The batch SFC process, although using a higher quantity of mobile phase is less cost intensive than the SFC-SMB process.

Supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry: A high-efficiency detection technique to quantify Taxane drugs in whole-blood samples.

We present a technique to rapid determine taxane in blood samples by supercritical fluid chromatography together with mass spectrometry. The aim of this study was to develop a supercritical fluid chromatography with mass spectrometry method for the analysis of paclitaxel, cabazitaxel, and docetaxel in whole-blood samples of rats. Liquid-dry matrix spot extraction was selected in sample preparation procedure. Supercritical fluid chromatography separation of paclitaxel, cabazitaxel, docetaxel, and glyburide (internal standard) was accomplished within 3min by using the gradient mobile phase consisted of methanol as the compensation solvent and carbon dioxide at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min. The method was validated regarding specificity, the lower limit of quantification, repeatability, and reproducibility of quantification, extraction recovery, and matrix effects. The lower limit of quantification was found to be 10ng/mL since it exhibited acceptable precision and accuracy at the corresponding level. All interday accuracies and precisions were within the accepted criteria of ±15% of the nominal value and within ±20% at the lower limit of quantification, implying that the method was reliable and reproducible. In conclusion, this method is a promising tool to support and improve preclinical or clinical pharmacokinetic studies with the taxanes anticancer drugs.

The Effect of Pressure and Solvent on the Supercritical Fluid Chromatography Separation of Tocol Analogs in Palm Oil.

There are six tocol analogs present in palm oil, namely α-tocopherol (α-T), α-tocomonoenol (α-T1), α-tocotrienol (α-T3), γ-tocotrienol (γ-T3), β-tocotrioenol (β-T3) and δ-tocotrienol (δ-T3). These analogs were difficult to separate chromatographically due to their similar structures, physical and chemical properties. This paper reports on the effect of pressure and injection solvent on the separation of the tocol analogs in palm oil. Supercritical CO2 modified with ethanol was used as the mobile phase. Both total elution time and resolution of the tocol analogs decreased with increased pressure. Ethanol as an injection solvent resulted in peak broadening of the analogs within the entire pressure range studied. Solvents with an eluent strength of 3.4 or less were more suitable for use as injecting solvents.