Synthesis of penetrable macroporous silica spheres for high-performance liquid chromatography

Silica microspheres have been synthesized by phase separation and sol–gel transition coupled with emulsion method. The as-obtained material is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, nitrogen sorption, elemental analysis and particle size distribution measurements. The results demonstrated that the material featured with hierarchically porous structure, possessing both mesopores and penetrable macropores. The mesopores provide large surface area while the macropores traverse the silica particles, which may facilitate fast mass transfer as well as guarantee low backpressure when such materials are used for packed high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column. Therefore, their preliminary applications as HPLC packings in fast separation and low-pressure separation have been attempted in the present study. Benzene, benzaldehyde and benzyl alcohol were separated within two minutes on the silica column at a flow rate of 7 mL min⁻¹. Vitamin E mixtures can also be baseline separated at a high flow rate of 8 mL min⁻¹. In addition, thirteen aromatic hydrocarbons were well separated on the octadecyl-bonded silica (ODS) column. In comparison with a commercial Kromasil ODS column, the pressure of the proposed column is much lower (<1/2) under the same chromatographic conditions, while comparable separation efficiency can be achieved.     

Lipophilicity data for some preservatives estimated by reversed-phase liquid chromatography and different computation methods

The chromatographic behavior of some preservatives was performed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography on C18 (LiChroCART, Purosphere RP-18e), C8 (Zorbax, Eclipse XDB-C8), CN100 (Säulentechnik, Lichrosphere) and NH₂ (Supelcosil LC-NH₂) columns. The lipophilicity estimated for the first time on the first three columns are comparable and very well correlated. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol–water (0.1% formic acid) in different volume proportions from 40% to 60% (v/v) for RP-C18, RP-C8 and RP-CN100 column (exception for parabens on RP-C8 column—the methanol concentrations being from 55% to 65%) and from 30% to 50% (v/v) for RP-NH₂. Highly significant correlations were obtained between different experimental indices of lipophilicity (log k_w, S, φ₀, mean of k and log k, and scores of k and log k corresponding to the first principal component) and computed log P values, and C8 column seems to be more suited for estimating the lipophilicity of the investigated compounds. These direct correlations offer a very good opportunity to derive powerful predictive models via Collander-type equations. The reliability of scores values as lipophilic indices is shown by their high correlation with the log K_ow obtained using classical “shake-flask” technique, log k_w and also some of the computed log P values. In addition, the results obtained applying PCA to the retention data may be used in interpreting the molecular mechanism of interactions between eluents and stationary phases with different polarity and to explain the chromatographic behavior of compounds. Finally, the “congeneric lipophilicity chart” described by the scores corresponding to the first principal component has the effect of separating compounds from each other more effectively from congeneric ((dis)similarity) point of view. The parabens and tert-butylhydroquinone appeared to be the most lipophilic preservatives.     

Application of Snyder–Dolan classification scheme to the selection of “orthogonal” columns for fast screening of illicit drugs and impurity profiling of pharmaceuticals – I. Isocratic elution

Fourteen judiciously selected reversed phase columns were tested with 18 cationic drug solutes under the isocratic elution conditions advised in the Snyder–Dolan (S–D) hydrophobic subtraction method of column classification. The standard errors (S.E.) of the least squares regressions of log k′ vs. log k′_REF were obtained for a given column against a reference column and used to compare and classify columns based on their selectivity. The results are consistent with those obtained with a study of the 16 test solutes recommended by Snyder and Dolan. To the extent these drugs are representative, these results show that the S–D classification scheme is also generally applicable to pharmaceuticals under isocratic conditions. That is, those columns judged to be similar based on the 16 S–D solutes were similar based on the 18 drugs; furthermore those columns judged to have significantly different selectivities based on the 16 S–D probes appeared to be quite different for the drugs as well. Given that the S–D method has been used to classify more than 400 different types of reversed phases the extension to cationic drugs is a significant finding.     

Characterization of Ascentis RP-Amide column: Lipophilicity measurement and linear solvation energy relationships

This study investigates lipophilicity determination by chromatographic measurements using the polar embedded Ascentis RP-Amide stationary phase. As a new generation of amide-functionalized silica stationary phase, the Ascentis RP-Amide column is evaluated as a possible substitution to the n  -octanol/water partitioning system for lipophilicity measurements. For this evaluation, extrapolated retention factors, log k^′_w$\text{log}{k^{\prime }}_w$, of a set of diverse compounds were determined using different methanol contents in the mobile phase. The use of n-octanol enriched mobile phase enhances the relationship between the slope (S  ) of the extrapolation lines and the extrapolated log k^′_w$\text{log}{k^{\prime }}_w$ (the intercept of the extrapolation), as well as the correlation between log P   values and the extrapolated log k^′_w$\text{log}{k^{\prime }}_w$ (1:1 correlation, r² = 0.966). In addition, the use of isocratic retention factors, at 40% methanol in the mobile phase, provides a rapid tool for lipophilicity determination. The intermolecular interactions that contribute to the retention process in the Ascentis RP-Amide phase are characterized using the solvation parameter model of Abraham. The LSER system constants for the column are very similar to the LSER constants of the n-octanol/water extraction system. Tanaka radar plots are used for quick visual comparison of the system constants of the Ascentis RP-Amide column and the n-octanol/water extraction system. The results all indicate that the Ascentis RP-Amide stationary phase can provide reliable lipophilic data.     

Characterization of sodium laureth sulfate by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection and H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

A direct and effective method utilizing reversed-phase liquid chromatography combined with evaporative light scattering detection was developed to determine the relative ratio of different alkyl chain lengths, to quantify the average ethylene oxide (EO) level and to identify EO distribution in the presence of sodium laureth sulfates. A C8 bonded silica gel column and an acetonitrile–water gradient mobile phase containing ammonium acetate were used as the best stationary and mobile phase, respectively. The results were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The detection limit was 80 μg/mL and the calibration curve, i.e., the log–log plots (peak area vs. concentration), was linear in the working range of 80–4200 μg/mL with R² values of above 0.999 (in the case of 3 mol sodium laureth sulfates). Furthermore, the application of the chromatographic method to a commercial product without pretreatment was presented. The raw material was identified by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry.     

Investigation of the chromatographic behaviour of some selenium species—Comparison with their octanol-water partitioning

The retention behaviour of selenites (Se(IV)), selenates (Se(VI)), seleno-dl-methionine (Se-Met), selenocystine (Se-Cyst), selenocystamine (Se-CM) and selenourea (Se-U) was investigated using a Discovery end-capped reversed-phase column as stationary phase and different mobile phase conditions. Extrapolated to 100% aqueous mobile phase retention factors (log k_w) of the investigated Se species, determined using different methanol fractions (φ) as organic modifier, were compared with the corresponding actual values. The proper operation of this column even at 100% aqueous phase proved to be valuable for the accurate determination of log k_w values of Se-CM and Se-Cyst, presenting a convex curvature log k = f(φ) at low MeOH fractions, often neglected in the extrapolation procedure. The effect of the presence of n-decylamine as well as saturation of the mobile phase with n-octanol was also studied. For ampholytic Se-Met and Se-Cyst the effect of n-decylamine in retention reflected the predominance of zwitterionic nature in the case of Se-Met in contrary to the non-zwitterionic species found in the case of Se-Cyst, in accordance with our previous findings concerning partitioning experiments in the n-octanol/water system. Finally, an attempt was made to correlate log k_w values with the logarithm of n-octanol/water distribution coefficient, log D, of the investigated Se species and an indicative log D value of Se-U was derived.     

Improvement of separation efficiencies of anion-exchange chromatography using monolithic silica capillary columns modified with polyacrylates and polymethacrylates containing tertiary amino or quaternary ammonium groups

Anion-exchange (AEX) columns were prepared by on-column polymerization of acrylates and methacrylates containing tertiary amino or quaternary ammonium groups on monolithic silica in a fused silica capillary modified with anchor groups. The columns provided a plate height (H) of less than 10 μm at optimum linear velocity (u) with keeping their high permeability (K = 9–12 × 10⁻¹⁴ m²). Among seven kinds of AEX columns, a monolithic silica column modified with poly(2-hydroxy-3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl methacrylates) (HMPMA) showed larger retentions and better selectivities for nucleotides and inorganic anions than the others. The HMPMA column of 410 mm length produced 42 000–55 000 theoretical plates (N) at a linear velocity of 0.97 mm/s with a backpressure of 3.8 MPa. The same column could be employed for a fast separation of inorganic anions in 1.8 min at a linear velocity of 5.3 mm/s with a backpressure of 20 MPa. In terms of van Deemter plot and separation impedance, the HMPMA column showed higher performance than a conventional particle-packed AEX column. The HMPMA column showed good recovery of a protein, trypsin inhibitor, and it was applied to the separation of proteins and tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin (BSA) in a gradient elution, to provide better separation compared to a conventional particle-packed AEX column.     

Improved method for the determination of kynurenic acid in rat plasma by column-switching HPLC with post-column fluorescence detection

Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous antagonist of ionotropic glutamate and α7 nicotinic receptors, was fluorometrically determined by column-switching high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection. The HPLC system consists of two octadecyl silica (ODS) columns, both of which are connected with an anion-exchange column (trapping column). Following sample injection onto the HPLC column, KYNA was separated on the first ODS column with a mobile phase of H₂O/acetonitrile (95/5) containing 0.1% acetic acid. The peak fraction of KYNA was trapped on the anion-exchange column by changing the position of a six-port valve and then introduced into the second ODS column. Subsequently, KYNA was detected fluorometrically as a fluorescence complex formed with zinc ion which was pumped constantly. Instrumental limit of detection was approximately 0.16 nM, which corresponded to 8.0 fmol (per 50 μl injection, signal to noise ratio 3), and the limit of quantification was 0.53 nM (signal to noise ratio 10). Intra- and inter-day relative standard deviations were 1.1-3.9% (n = 3) and 3.0-5.3% (n = 3), respectively. The peak of KYNA in rat plasma was clearly detected by the proposed column-switching HPLC system after a facile pretreatment procedure. Intra- and inter-day relative mean errors were −1.6-1.4% (n = 3) and −2.4 to −0.4% (n = 3), respectively, with a satisfactory precision (within 5.0%). A calibration curve for the determination of KYNA showed a good linearity (r² > 0.999) in the range of 25-200 nM. The KYNA concentrations in the plasma of male Sprague-Dawley rats (8-week-old) were 44 ± 5.5 nM (mean ± S.E., n = 5). In ketamine-treated rats, which are animal models of schizophrenia, the plasma KYNA concentrations were significantly increased compared with those in the control rats (p < 0.05).     

Determination of airborne particle-associated benz[a]anthracene-7,12-quinone using high-performance liquid chromatography with in-line reduction and fluorescence detection

A simple and sensitive method for measuring airborne particle-associated benz[a]anthracene-7,12-quinone (BaAQ) based on two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorescence detection was established. The system involves an ODS column for sample clean up, a 6-port switching valve, an ODS column for trapping the fraction containing BaAQ, an ODS column for sample separation, and a Pt-Rh catalytic column for reduction of BaAQ to a corresponding fluorescent compound. The accuracy of the assay, as applied to airborne particulate sample extracts spiked with known amounts of BaAQ was 94–108%. The detection limit was 97 fmol per injection (signal-to-noise ratio = 3), and the calibration range was from 1 to 100 pmol with excellent proportionality (R² = 0.9995). BaAQ in airborne particles collected in Osaka, Japan every 3 h was successfully measured using the established analytical method with simple sample preparation steps: ultrasonic extraction in organic solvent and concentration under reduced pressure and/or nitrogen stream.     

Application of perfluorinated acids as ion-pairing reagents for reversed-phase chromatography and retention-hydrophobicity relationships studies of selected β-blockers

The addition of the homologous series of perfluorinated acids-trifluoroacetic acid (TFAA), pentafluoropropionic acid (PFPA), heptafluorobutyric acid (HFBA) to mobile phases for reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) of β-blockers was tested. Acidic modifiers were responsible for acidification of mobile phase (pH 3) ensuring the protonation of the β-blockers and further ion pairs creation. The effect of the type and concentration of mobile phase additives on retention parameters, the efficiency of the peaks, their symmetry and separation selectivity of the β-blockers mixture were all studied. It appeared that at increasing acid concentration, the retention factor, for all compounds investigated, increased to varying degrees. It should be stressed that the presence of acids more significantly affected the retention of the most hydrophobic β-blockers. Differences in hydrophobicity of drugs can be maximized through variation of the hydrophobicity of additives. Thus, the relative increase in the retention depends on either concentration and hydrophobicity of the anionic mobile phase additive or hydrophobicity of analytes. According to QSRR (quantitative structure retention relationship) methodology, chromatographic lipophilicity parameters: isocratic log k and log k_w values (extrapolated retention to pure water) were correlated with the molecular (log P_o/w) and apparent (log P_app) octanol–water partition coefficients obtained experimentally by countercurrent chromatography (CCC) or predicted by Pallas software. The obtained, satisfactory retention-hydrophobicity correlations indicate that, in the case of the basic drugs examined in RP-HPLC systems modified with perfluorinated acids, the retention is mainly governed by their hydrophobicity.     

Revision of iron(III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution. Voltammetric and spectrophotometric studies

A detailed study of iron (III)–citrate speciation in aqueous solution (θ = 25 °C, I_c = 0.7 mol L⁻¹) was carried out by voltammetric and UV–vis spectrophotometric measurements and the obtained data were used for reconciled characterization of iron (III)–citrate complexes. Four different redox processes were registered in the voltammograms: at 0.1 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of iron(III)–monocitrate species (Fe:cit = 1:1), at about −0.1 V (pH = 5.5) that was related to the reduction of FeL₂⁵⁻, FeL₂H⁴⁻ and FeL₂H₂³⁻ complexes, at −0.28 V (pH = 5.5) which corresponded to the reduction of polynuclear iron(III)–citrate complex(es), and at −0.4 V (pH = 7.5) which was probably a consequence of Fe(cit)₂(OH)_x species reduction. Reversible redox process at −0.1 V allowed for the determination of iron(III)–citrate species and their stability constants by analyzing E_p vs. pH and E_p vs. [L⁴⁻] dependence. The UV–vis spectra recorded at varied pH revealed four different spectrally active species: FeLH (log β = 25.69), FeL₂H₂³⁻ (log β = 48.06), FeL₂H⁴⁻ (log β = 44.60), and FeL₂⁵⁻ (log β = 38.85). The stability constants obtained by spectrophotometry were in agreement with those determined electrochemically. The UV–vis spectra recorded at various citrate concentrations (pH = 2.0) supported the results of spectrophotometric–potentiometric titration.     

The performance of hybrid monolithic silica capillary columns prepared by changing feed ratios of tetramethoxysilane and methyltrimethoxysilane

The effect of a feed ratio of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) to tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) was studied to improve the performance of a hybrid monolithic silica capillary column with 100-μm i.d. in HPLC in a range MTMS/TMOS (v/v) = 10/90–25/75. The domain size was also varied by adjusting the amount of PEG to control permeability (K = 2.8 × 10⁻¹⁴–6.9 × 10⁻¹⁴ m²). Evaluation of the performance for those capillary columns following octadecylsilylation proved an increase in retention factor (k) and a decrease in steric selectivity α(triphenylene/ortho-terphenyl) with the increase in MTMS content in the feed. The effect of the feed ratio was also observed in porosity and hydrophobic property of the C18 stationary phase from the results of size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and reversed phase characterization. The monolithic silica capillary columns prepared under new preparation conditions were able to produce a plate height of 4.6–6.0 μm for hexylbenzene in a mobile phase acetonitrile/water = 80/20 at a linear velocity of 2 mm/s. Consequently, it was possible to prepare hybrid monolithic silica capillary columns with higher performance than those reported previously while maintaining the retention factors in a similar range by reducing the MTMS/TMOS ratio and increasing the total silane concentration in feed.     

Phospholipid-Modified ODS Monolithic Column for Affinity Prediction of Hydrophobic Basic Drugs to Phospholipids

A phospholipid-modified octadecyl silica (ODS) monolithic column was prepared and its interaction with basic hydrophobic drugs was studied. These drugs are of interest in pharmaceutical research because of their strong interaction with biomembranes. The amount of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine trapped on the ODS surface was reproducible, and the results of the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid assay suggested the formation of a monolayer on the surface. Both hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions acted between the model drugs and the phosphatidylcholine. The column was stable for 10 days at least. The column was applied to the affinity screening of basic drugs to phospholipid. Good correlation was obtained between log k and log P for the basic drugs lidocaine, quinidine, propranolol, imipramine, and chlorpromazine. The monolithic silica column allowed highly hydrophobic basic drugs such as imipramine and chlorpromazine to be assayed; these are difficult to analyze by using a conventional particle-packed column. These drugs were clearly separated from acidic drugs naproxen and warfarin on the log k versus log P plots. The thermodynamic studies revealed that the retention of the drug was an enthalpy-driven process, and that the decrease in enthalpy for the phospholipid-modified ODS monolithic column was larger than those for immobilized artificial membrane columns. Our results suggest that the phospholipid-modified ODS monolithic column is applicable to affinity screening of drugs to phospholipids.     

Hybrid carbon nanoparticles modified core–shell silica: A high efficiency carbon-based phase for hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography

Hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) is a fast growing separation technique for hydrophilic and polar analytes. In this work, we combine the unique selectivity of carbon surfaces with the high efficiency of core–shell silica. First, 5 μm core–shell silica is electrostatically coated with 105 nm cationic latex bearing quaternary ammonium groups. Then 50 nm anionic carbon nanoparticles are anchored onto the surface of the latex coated core–shell silica particles to produce a hybrid carbon–silica phase. The hybrid phase shows different selectivity than ten previously classified HILIC column chemistries and 36 stationary phases. The hybrid HILIC phase has shape selectivity for positional isomeric pairs (phthalic/isophthalic and 1-naphthoic/2-naphthoic acids). Fast and high efficiency HILIC separations of biologically important carboxylates, phenols and pharmaceuticals are reported with efficiencies up to 85,000 plates m⁻¹. Reduced plate height of 1.9 (95,000 plates m⁻¹) can be achieved. The hybrid phase is stable for at least 3 months of usage and storage under typical HILIC eluents.     

Molecularly imprinted layer-coated silica nanoparticles for selective solid-phase extraction of bisphenol A from chemical cleansing and cosmetics samples

Highly selective molecularly imprinted layer-coated silica nanoparticles for bisphenol A (BPA) were synthesized by molecular imprinting technique with a sol-gel process on the supporter of silica nanoparticles. The BPA-imprinted silica nanoparticles were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrometer, transmission electron microscope, dynamic adsorption and static adsorption tests. The equilibrium association constant, K_a, and the apparent maximum number of binding sites, Q_max, were estimated to be 1.25 × 10⁵ mL μmol⁻¹ and 16.4 μmol g⁻¹, respectively. The BPA-imprinted silica nanoparticles solid-phase extraction (SPE) column had higher selectivity for BPA than the commercial C18-SPE column. The results of the study indicated that the prepared BPA-imprinted silica nanoparticles exhibited high adsorption capacity and selectivity, and offered a fast kinetics for the rebinding of BPA. The BPA-imprinted silica nanoparticles were successfully used in SPE to selectively enrich and determine BPA from shampoo, bath lotion and cosmetic cream samples.     

Disposable pipette extraction for the analysis of pesticides in fruit and vegetables using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

Organochlorine, organophosphate pesticides and fungicides in fruits and vegetables were analyzed using disposable pipette extraction (DPX) followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-selective ion monitoring (GC/MS-SIM). The intrinsic rapid mixing capabilities of DPX result in fast and efficient extractions, and eluates are concentrated by using minimal elution solvent volumes rather than solvent evaporation methods. Matrix-matched calibrations were performed with reversed phase mechanisms (DPX-RP), and the limits of detection (LOD) were determined to be lower than 0.1 μg/mL for all targeted pesticides in carrot and orange sample matrices. Coefficients of determination (r²) were greater than 0.995 for most studied pesticides. DPX-RP exhibited recoveries between 72 and 116% for nonpolar and slightly polar pesticides (log P > 2) with most of the recoveries over 88%. Only very polar pesticides (e.g., acephate, mathamidophos) were not extracted well using DPX-RP.     

Analysis of trace levels of domoic acid in seawater and plankton by liquid chromatography without derivatization,using UV or mass spectrometry detection

Quantitation of trace levels of domoic acid (DA) in seawater samples usually requires labour-intensive protocols involving chemical derivatization with 9-fluorenylmethylchloroformate and liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (FMOC–LC–FLD). Procedures based on LC–MS have been published, but time-consuming and costly solid-phase extraction pre-concentration steps are required to achieve suitable detection limits. This paper describes an alternative, simple and inexpensive LC method with ultraviolet detection (LC–UVD) for the routine analysis of trace levels of DA in seawater without the use of sample pre-concentration or derivatization steps. Qualitative confirmation of DA identity in dubious samples can be achieved by mass spectrometry (LC–MS) using the same chromatographic conditions. Addition of an ion-pairing/acidifying agent (0.15% trifluoroacetic acid) to sample extracts and the use of a gradient elution permitted the direct analysis of large sample volumes (100 μl), resulting in both high selectivity and sensitivity (limit of detection = 42 pg ml⁻¹ by LC–UVD and 15 pg ml⁻¹ by LC–MS). Same-day precision varied between 0.4 and 5%, depending on the detection method and DA concentration. Mean recoveries of spiked DA in seawater by LC–UVD were 98.8% at 0.1–10 ng ml⁻¹ and 99.8% at 50–1000 ng ml⁻¹. LC–UVD exhibited strong correlation with FMOC–LC–FLD during inter-laboratory analysis of Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries cultures containing 60–2000 ng DA ml⁻¹ (r² > 0.99), but more variable results were obtained by LC–MS (r² = 0.85). This new technique was used to confirm the presence of trace DA levels in low-toxicity Pseudo-nitzschia spp. isolates (0.2–1.6 ng ml⁻¹) and in whole-water field samples (0.3–5.8 ng ml⁻¹), even in the absence of detectable Pseudo-nitzschia spp. cells in the water column.     

Application of affinity capillary electrophoresis and density functional theory to the investigation of benzo-18-crown-6-ether complex with ammonium cation

Affinity capillary electrophoresis (ACE) and quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been employed for investigation of non-covalent interactions between macrocyclic ligand, benzo-18-crown-6-ether (B18C6) and ammonium cation, NH₄⁺. Firstly, by means of ACE, the strength of the B18C6-NH₄⁺ complex in mixed binary hydro-organic solvent system, methanol–water (50/50, v/v), was determined from the dependence of effective electrophoretic mobility of B18C6 (corrected to reference temperature 25 °C and constant ionic strength, 10 mM) on the concentration of ammonium ion in the background electrolyte (BGE) using non-linear regression analysis. The logarithmic form of the apparent binding (stability) constant (log K_b) of B18C6-NH₄⁺ complex in the above binary solvent system was found to be equal to log K_b = 1.63 ± 0.10. Secondly, the structural characteristics of B18C6-NH₄⁺ complex were described by quantum mechanical density functional theory (DFT) calculations. According to these calculations, in the energetically most favoured form of the B18C6-NH₄⁺ complex, three strong hydrogen bonds are formed between central ammonium ion and B18C6 ligand, one of them is directed to aryl-O-alkyl (Ar–O–CH₂) ethereal oxygen and the other two hydrogen bonds are oriented to alkyl-O-alkyl (CH₂–O–CH₂) ethereal oxygen atoms of the macrocyclic crown ligand.