Method validation of modern analytical techniques

 Validation of analytical methods of well-characterised systems, such as are found in the pharmaceutical industry, is based on a series of experimental procedures to establish: selectivity, sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, linearity of calibration, detection limit and limit of determination, and robustness. It is argued that these headings become more difficult to apply as the complexity of the analysis increases. Analysis of environmental samples is given as an example. Modern methods of analysis that use arrays of sensors challenge validation. The output may be a classification rather than a concentration of analyte, it may have been established by imprecise methods such as the responses of human taste panels, and the state space of possible responses is too large to cover in any experimental-design procedure. Moreover the process of data analysis may be done by non-linear methods such as neural networks. Validation of systems that rely on computer software is well established. The combination of software validation with validation of the analytical responses of the hardware is the challenge for the analytical chemist. As with validation of automated equipment such as programmable logic controllers in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, method developers may need to concentrate on the process of validation, as well as the minutiae of what is done.     

Performance evaluation of spectral deconvolution analysis tool (SDAT) software used for nuclear explosion radionuclide measurements

The Spectral Deconvolution Analysis Tool (SDAT) software was developed to improve counting statistics and detection limits for nuclear explosion radionuclide measurements. SDAT utilizes spectral deconvolution spectroscopy techniques and can analyze both β-γ coincidence spectra for radioxenon isotopes and high-resolution HPGe spectra from aerosol monitors. Spectral deconvolution spectroscopy is an analysis method that utilizes the entire signal deposited in a gamma-ray detector rather than the small portion of the signal that is present in one gamma-ray peak. This method shows promise to improve detection limits over classical gamma-ray spectroscopy analytical techniques; however, this hypothesis has not been tested. To address this issue, we performed three tests to compare the detection ability and variance of SDAT results to those of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) software which utilizes a standard peak search algorithm.     

Development and validation of stability indicating analytical method for Ilaprazole

The objective of the present study was to develop and validate a rapid and simple stability indicating analytical method for estimating Ilaprazole. Ilaprazole was subjected to different stress conditions prescribed by International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) such as hydrolysis, oxidation, photolytic and dry heat degradation conditions. The drug was very susceptible to degradation under hydrolysis and photolytic conditions, less susceptible to oxidation and stable under dry heat degradation condition. An acceptable separation of drug and its degradants was achieved by using a C-18 column and mobile phase composed of ammonium acetate buffer (pH 3.2)—acetonitrile (55: 45, v/v). Flow rate was 1 mL/min and detection wavelength was set at 303 nm. Retention time of drug was found to be 6.6 min and analysis can be completed within 10 min. The method was validated with respect to linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness, LOD and LOQ as per ICH. The method was linear (R² = 0.996) in the range of 2.5–250 μg/mL. The recovery was in the range from 99.2–100.2%.     

Pittcon 2005国际分析会议(Ⅰ)

2005年匹茨堡国际分析化学暨应用谱学会议于2月27日～3月4日在美国Florida州Odando市Orange County会议中心召开，本届大会共收到论文近1000篇，其中700篇列为墙报类。     

Cobalamin as an analytical tool for analysis of oxirane metabolites of 1,3-butadiene: development and validation of the method

The reduced form of vitamin B12 [cob(I)alamin] is known to be a supernucleophile, with the ability to react 10(5) times faster than standard nucleophiles. Procedures have been developed where cob(I)alamin is used as an analytical tool for the trapping of electrophilically reactive compounds. In the present work, a sensitive and accurate method for determination of reactive metabolites produced in vitro has been developed and validated. Diepoxybutane (DEB), a metabolite of 1,3-butadiene, was used as a model compound. The intermediate precursor 1,2-epoxybutene (EB) was incubated in a mouse liver S9 metabolic system and the formation of DEB was studied. Samples were taken at different times from the incubation mixture and added to the cob(I)alamin. The alkyl-cobalamins (alkyl-Cbl) formed were directly analysed by a miniaturized LC-MS/MS method and column switching. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 1.5-500 microM with acceptable precision and accuracy.     

Development and validation of analytical method for estimation of bilastine in bulk and pharmaceutical (tablet) dosage form

BackgroundThe present work describe a simple, linear, precise, robust, accurate and selective HPLC method for estimation of Bilastine in bulk and tablet dosage form. Bilastine is a second generation antihistamine medication. Generally it is used for treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis and urticaria (hives). Methanol: Acetonitrile: Phosphoric Acid Buffer pH 2.1 in proportion of (21:33:46) was used as mobile phase with flow rate 1.0 ​ml/min. The column used for the method development is 250 ​× ​4.6 mm ​× ​5 ​μm dimension.ResultIn the range of 5–25 ​μg/ml the linearity of Bilastine shows a correlation coefficient of 0.9981.ConclusionThe method was validated as per ICH guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, robustness.     

Overpressured layer chromatography (OPLC)--a flexible tool of analysis and isolation

This review briefly summarizes the overpressured layer chromatography (OPLC) technique and its progress from the beginning until today. Some theoretical aspects, important technical and methodological solutions, as well as analytical separations and isolations are demonstrated covering the last 30 years. The infusion and transfusion OPLC operations, as well as their combination, and their off-line and on-line processes, and off-line and on-line hyphenations for detection and structure elucidation are presented. The combination of OPLC separation with biological detection by direct bioautography and BioArena as an important solution touches the potential of analysis and isolation based on biological activity.     

Response surface methodology (RSM) as a tool for optimization in analytical chemistry

A review about the application of response surface methodology (RSM) in the optimization of analytical methods is presented. The theoretical principles of RSM and steps for its application are described to introduce readers to this multivariate statistical technique. Symmetrical experimental designs (three-level factorial, Box-Behnken, central composite, and Doehlert designs) are compared in terms of characteristics and efficiency. Furthermore, recent references of their uses in analytical chemistry are presented. Multiple response optimization applying desirability functions in RSM and the use of artificial neural networks for modeling are also discussed.     

Biosensors as new analytical tool for detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Three different biosensors for detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are presented. The sensing principle is based on the affinity interaction between nucleic acids: the probe is immobilised on the sensor surface and the target analyte is free in solution. The immobilised probes are specific for most inserted sequences in GMOs: the promoter P35S and the terminator TNOS. Electrochemical methods with screen-printed electrodes, piezoelectric and optical (SPR) transduction principles were applied.     

Biosensors as new analytical tool for detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs)

Three different biosensors for detection of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) are presented. The sensing principle is based on the affinity interaction between nucleic acids: the probe is immobilised on the sensor surface and the target analyte is free in solution. The immobilised probes are specific for most inserted sequences in GMOs: the promoter P35S and the terminator TNOS. Electrochemical methods with screen-printed electrodes, piezoelectric and optical (SPR) transduction principles were applied.     

Evaluation of the analytical method performance for incurred samples

A methodology for the evaluation of the performance of an analytical method for incurred samples is presented. Since this methodology is based on intra-laboratory information, it is suitable for analytical fields that lack reference materials with incurred analytes and it can be used to evaluate the analytical steps prior to the analytical portion, which are usually excluded in proficiency tests or at the certification of reference materials. This methodology can be based on tests performed on routine samples allowing the collection of information on the more relevant combinations analyte/matrix; therefore, this approach is particularly useful for analytical fields that involve a high number of analyte/matrix combinations, which are difficult to cover even considering the frequent participation in expensive proficiency tests.This approach is based on the development of a model of the performance of the analytical method based on the differential approach for the quantification of measurement uncertainty and on the comparison of recovery associated with each one of the analytical steps whose performance can vary with the analyte origin, for spiked and incurred samples.This approach was applied to the determination of pesticide residues in apples. For the analytes covered, no evidence was found that the studied sample processing and extraction steps performance for this matrix varies with the analyte origins.     

Analysis of recent pharmaceutical regulatory documents on analytical method validation

All analysts face the same situations as method validation is the process of proving that an analytical method is acceptable for its intended purpose. In order to resolve this problem, the analyst refers to regulatory or guidance documents, and therefore the validity of the analytical methods is dependent on the guidance, terminology and methodology, proposed in these documents. It is therefore of prime importance to have clear definitions of the different validation criteria used to assess this validity. It is also necessary to have methodologies in accordance with these definitions and consequently to use statistical methods which are relevant with these definitions, the objective of the validation and the objective of the analytical method. The main purpose of this paper is to outline the inconsistencies between some definitions of the criteria and the experimental procedures proposed to evaluate those criteria in recent documents dedicated to the validation of analytical methods in the pharmaceutical field, together with the risks and problems when trying to cope with contradictory, and sometimes scientifically irrelevant, requirements and definitions.     

Some practical examples of method validation in the analytical laboratory

Method validation is a key element in both the elaboration of reference methods and the assessment of a laboratory's competence in producing reliable analytical data. Hence, the scope of the term method validation is wide, especially if one bears in mind that there is or at least should be a close relation between validation, calibration and quality control QA/QC. Moreover, validation should include more than the instrumental step only since the whole cycle from sampling to the final analytical result is important in the assessment of the validity of an analytical result. In this article validation is put in the context of the process of producing chemical information. Two cases are presented in more detail: the development of a European standard for chlorophenols and its validation by a full scale collaborative trial, and the intralaboratory validation of a method for ethylenethiourea using alternative analytical techniques.     

Development and validation of an analytical method for detection of estrogens in water

An analytical procedure enabling routine analysis of four environmental estrogens at concentrations below 1 ng L^–1 in estuarine water samples has been developed and validated. The method includes extraction of water samples using solid-phase extraction discs and detection by gas chromatography (GC) with tandem mass spectrometry (MS–MS) in electron-impact (EI) mode. The targeted estrogens included 17- and 17-estradiol (aE2, bE2), estrone (E1), and 17-ethinylestradiol (EE2), all known environmental endocrine disruptors. Method performance characteristics, for example trueness, recovery, calibration, precision, accuracy, limit of quantification (LOQ), and the stability of the compounds are presented for each of the selected estrogens. Application of the procedure to water samples from the Scheldt estuary (Belgium – The Netherlands), a polluted estuary with reported incidences of environmental endocrine disruption, revealed that E1 was detected most frequently at concentrations up to 7 ng L^–1. aE2 was detected once only and concentrations of bE2 and EE2 were below the LOQ.Presented at the 9th FECS Conference on Chemistry and the Environment, Bordeaux, France, 29 August–1 September 2004     

Intralaboratory validation of an analytical method for determining the migration of bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate from packaging to fat foods

Polyvinylchloride (PVC) has been widely used in the packaging industry in the form of flexible films for food packaging. Among the main plasticizers used in flexible PVC films is bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, DEHA. Brazilian law provides a specific migration limit for DEHA of 18 mg kg^?1 of food simulant. Although Brazilian Sanitary Surveillance Agency Resolution no. 51 (passed on November 26, 2010) establishes conditions for the migration test, there is a need for intralaboratory validation of the method involved. This paper presents the validation of a method for determining the migration of DEHA from food packaging using fatty food simulant. The DEHA migration test was performed through contact between a 1 dm² PVC film cutout and 100 ml of a food simulant, 2,2,4-trimethylpentane (isooctane), for 48 h at 20 °C. The mass fraction of DEHA in the migration solutions was determined by gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The method was validated and determined to be well suited to the intended purpose. The working range was defined as 5–25 mg kg^?1 and was determined to be linear, with no observed lack of fit to the model. There was no matrix effect, and the selectivity of the method was considered adequate. The method showed adequate repeatability, intermediate precision, and robust results for migration temperature and migration time: 20 °C with tolerance limit of ±3 °C and 48 h with tolerance limit of ±30 min, respectively.     

Challenges in the analytical method development and validation for an unstable active pharmaceutical ingredient

A sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) impurity profile method for the antibiotic ertapenem is developed and subsequently validated. The method utilizes an Inertsil phenyl column at ambient temperature, gradient elution with aqueous sodium phosphate buffer at pH 8, and acetonitrile as the mobile phase. The linearity, method precision, method ruggedness, limit of quantitation, and limit of detection of the impurity profile HPLC method are found to be satisfactory. The method is determined to be specific, as judged by resolving ertapenem from in-process impurities in crude samples and degradation products that arise from solid state thermal and light stress, acid, base, and oxidative stressed solutions. In addition, evidence is obtained by photodiode array detection studies that no degradate or impurity having a different UV spectrum coeluted with the major component in stressed or unstressed samples. The challenges during the development and validation of the method are discussed. The difficulties of analyzing an unstable active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) are addressed. Several major impurities/degradates of the API have very different UV response factors from the API. These impurities/degradates are synthesized or prepared by controlled degradation and the relative response factors are determined.     

Development and validation of an analytical method for metformin hydrochloride and its related compound (1-cyanoguanidine) in tablet formulations by HPLC-UV

A simple, and stability-indicating liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the analysis of metformin hydrochloride and its related compound (1-cyanoguanidine) in tablet formulations. Liquid chromatography with a UV detector at a wavelength of 232 nm using a Nova-Pak silica column was employed in this study. Isocratic elution was employed using a mixture of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate buffer and methanol (21:79, v/v). This new method was validated in accordance with USP requirements for new methods for assay determination, which include accuracy, precision, specificity, linearity and range. The current method demonstrates good linearity over the range of 0.01-0.03 mg mL⁻¹ of metformin hydrochloride. The accuracy of the method is 100.4%. The precision of this method reflected by relative standard deviation of replicates is 0.30%. Validation of the same method for 1-cyanoguanidine determination was also performed according to USP requirements for quantitative determination of impurities which include accuracy, precision, linearity and range, selectivity, and limit of quantification (LOQ). Low LOQ of 1-cyanoguanidine using this method enables the detection and quantification of this impurity at low concentration.     

New software tools for visualization of analytical data

Efforts towards using advanced computer graphics for improved visualization of three-dimensional (3-D) secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) data are described. The application of the Visualization Toolkit (vtk), a freely available C++ class library for 3-D graphics and visualization for both PC and Unix systems, is demonstrated. Various available algorithms are used to analyze and visualize features otherwise hidden within data. A selection of examples is presented to demonstrate the capabilities of data visualization.