Large volume injection for preparative supercritical fluid chromatography

Summary A large volume injection system for preparative supercritical fluid chromatography is described. The method which is based on the solvent venting technique coupled with dilution of the sample solution consists of three steps. The first step is continuous dilution of the sample solution with liquid carbon dioxide at a controlled flow rate. The second step is solvent removal and solute trapping in a packed trap column. Combination of these two steps results in efficient solvent removal and the volume of sample which can be injected in a single injection becomes virtually unlimited. The third step is transfer and re-concentration of the solutes from the trap column on to the separation column with the pressures of both columns controlled independently; the final step is the separation. With this method, mass overloading behavior has been investigated and preparative separations performed.     

On column injection-dual channel analysis of essential oils

A system to analyze a complex mixture simultaneously on two different columns after one single on-column injection is described. The splitting device, the possibilities of component identification by searching in a data base for Kovats indices on two different polarity stationary phases, and a practical example of an essential oil analysis are presented.     

纳升液相色谱仪器的研究进展

小型化是液相色谱分离技术发展的重要趋势之一,包括仪器外形尺寸的小型化、分离材料粒径的小型化以及色谱柱内径的小型化。色谱柱内径的减小能够降低样品和流动相的消耗,具有更高的质量灵敏度,特别适合用于复杂样品体系的分离分析。纳升液相色谱一般是指使用内径小于100 μm的毛细管色谱柱,流速范围在每分钟几十至几百纳升的色谱技术。由于流速很低,色谱柱体积很小,柱外效应显著,因此对色谱仪器系统各个模块的性能以及系统柱外效应的优化提出了较高的要求。纳升液相色谱的输液装置需要能够准确稳定地输送纳升级流速,具有梯度输液模式,且拥有一定的耐压能力,以适应不同规格的色谱柱类型;进样装置需要能够进行准确重复的进样过程,进样体积及进样方式适合毛细管色谱柱,同时不产生明显的柱外效应;检测装置需要具有较高的灵敏度,且具有较小的柱外扩散;管路与连接系统需要稳定、可靠、易操作,并能够最大限度地减小柱外体积,适配纳升级流速。鉴于目前大多数纳升液相色谱系统与质谱检测器联用,因而本文主要从输液装置、进样装置、管路与连接3个方面对相关技术领域的研究论文、技术专利以及仪器厂商的宣传文件等进行了检索与归纳,综述了这些模块的技术路线与研究进展,同时简要介绍光学吸收型检测装置的优化思路与研究进展,并对部分商品化的纳升液相色谱系统进行了对比。     

Determination of column selectivity toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

An empirical test is described for the evaluation of column selectivity in reversed-phase liquid chromatography. Using a test mixture of three polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), overall column selectivity toward PAH was assessed for over 20 different commercial C₁₈ columns. Retention behavior was correlated to phase type (i.e., monomeric and polymeric surface modification chemistry) for custom synthesized phases. A classification scheme is proposed in which commercial C₁₈ columns are grouped into three classes based on retention behavior: monomeric-like, polymeric-like, and intermediate phase selectivity toward PAH. Correlation of retention behavior of the test mixture with the separation of PAH mixtures and with more general column properties (e.g., phase thickness) is discussed.     

Parallel column liquid chromatography with a single multi-wavelength absorbance detector for enhanced selectivity using chemometric analysis

The selectivity of high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separations is increased using a parallel column configuration. In this system, an injected sample is first split between two HPLC columns that provide complementary separations. The effluent from the two columns is recombined prior to detection with a single multiwavelength absorbance detector. Complementary stationary phases are used so that each chemical component produces a detected concentration profile consisting of two peaks. A parallel column configuration, when coupled with multivariate detection, provides increased chemical selectivity relative to a single column configuration with the same multivariate detection. This enhanced selectivity is achieved by doubling the number of peaks in the chromatographic dimension while keeping the run time constant. Unlike traditional single column separation methodology, the parallel column system sacrifices chromatographic resolution while actually increasing the chemical selectivity, thus allowing chemometric data analysis methods to mathematically resolve the multivariate chromatographic data. The parallel column system can be used to reduce analysis times for partially resolved peaks and simplify initial method development as well as provide a more robust methodology if and when subsequent changes in the sample matrix occur (such as when new interferences show up in subsequent samples). Here, a mixture of common aromatic compounds were separated with this system and analyzed using the generalized rank annihilation method (GRAM). Analytes that were significantly overlapped on both stationary phases applied, ZirChrom PBD and CARB phases, when used in traditional single column format, were successfully quantified with a R.S.D.% of typically 2% when the same stationary phases were used in the parallel column format. These results indicate that a parallel column system should substantially improve the chemical selectivity and quantitative precision of the analysis relative to a single-column instrument.     

Multiple dual-mode centrifugal partition chromatography, a semi-continuous development mode for routine laboratory-scale purifications

Nowadays, centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) separations can be routinely achieved at the laboratory scale. The solvent system selection has been made easy, as generic sets of solvent systems are described in publications and books. This approach, however, generally reduces the scope of optimization strategies for two important parameters: selectivity and sample solubility. This can be very limiting for the preparative separation of structurally similar compounds. Multiple dual-mode (MDM) CPC has been developed to provide an easy-to-use alternative technique to circumvent this problem. A MDM separation consists of a succession of dual-mode runs (i.e. multiple inversion of stationary and mobile phase) that can only be achieved because both chromatographic phases are liquids. This original elution mode is thus a semi-continuous process with a classical sample injection and which only requires a single CPC column. Underlying mechanisms of MDM were studied using a model mixture of acenaphthylene and naphthalene. A mixture of two synthetic pairs of diastereomers was then successfully submitted to MDM CPC, in the framework of the synthesis of biologically active compounds.     

An integrated multipath liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry system for the simultaneous preparation,separation, and detection of proteins and small molecules

A multipath liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry instrument was constructed with the help of restricted access media to online segregate small and large molecules. This liquid chromatography system was custom built with five pumps and three two‐position six‐port valves to control the flow in a multipath system for the simultaneous analysis of small molecules and proteins. On separate chromatographic channels, small molecules trapped and proteins excluded from the online restricted access media were analyzed downstream using high‐efficiency columns and a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. A model sample, which included five proteins and 22 small molecules with different physicochemical properties, was used to evaluate the system. Following injection, the complete multipath separation and detection was performed in 22 min. Protein exclusion by the restricted access media was not quantitative. Four commercial trap columns were evaluated for their exclusion efficiency toward the proteins. Exclusion efficiency varied from <50% to only a maximum of 75% exclusion across the trap columns tested. An attempt was made to optimize the exclusion efficiency using different flow rates, flow rate gradients, and different additives both in the sample and the mobile phases. Protein exclusion was still erratic and generally nonquantitative.     

Increased throughput in quantitative bioanalysis using parallel-column liquid chromatography with mass spectrometric detection

The feasibility of quantitative bioanalysis by parallel-column liquid chromatography in conjunction with a conventional single-source electrospray mass spectrometer has been investigated using plasma samples containing a drug and its three metabolites. Within a single chromatographic run time, sample injections were made alternately onto each of two analytical columns in parallel at specified intervals, with a mass spectrometer data file opened at every injection. Thus, the mass spectrometer collected data from two sample injections into separate data files within a single chromatographic run time. Therefore, without sacrificing the chromatographic separation or the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) dwell time, the sample throughput was increased by a factor of two. Comparing the method validation results obtained using the two-column system with those obtained using the corresponding conventional single-column approach, the methods on the two systems were found to be equivalent in terms of accuracy and precision. The parallel-column system is simple and can be implemented using existing laboratory equipment with no additional capital outlays. A parallel-column system configured in this manner can be used not only for the within-a-run analysis of two samples containing two different sets of chemical entities, but also for the within-a-run analysis of two samples containing the same set of chemical entities.     

Determination of brain and plasma drug concentrations by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

A method is described for the evaluation of drug concentrations in plasma and brain from treated rats. The analyte is recovered from plasma or brain homogenate by liquid-liquid extraction and subsequently analyzed by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). A simple experimental protocol renders the procedure valuable for obtaining information rapidly on brain penetration and plasma exposure of specific classes of compounds. This methodology has been applied to evaluate brain penetration with 30 different compounds from the same discovery program. In an attempt to increase throughput in our screening efforts, mixture dosing was evaluated. Results from single compound administration were compared with results following administration of a mixture of four compounds. Preliminary results, with specific classes of compounds, show no major differences (ranking order) in brain or plasma concentrations between mixture dosing and single compound administration, suggesting that mixture dosing could be applicable to brain penetration studies in the drug discovery phase.     

Comparison of two-stage retention index monitoring capillary gas chromatography and selected ion monitoring capillary gas chromatography – mass spectrometry as analytical tools

Two-stage capillary GC with two-stage retention index monitoring is an efficient analytical technique which can be used for detection and determination of small amounts of volatile compounds in complex mixtures of hundreds or thousands of other compounds. The system employs two capillary columns, coated with different stationary phases, connected on-line with the aid of a micro valve; the first column acts as a pre-separating unit from which unresolved fractions of interest are cut (transferred) into another column for final, interference-free separation of the compounds to be determined. This technique has been compared with selected ion monitoring capillary GC-MS using a hydrocarbon mixture as a test sample for comparing resolution, repeatability, and the practical usefulness of the techniques. Results indicate that two-stage capillary GC is very useful for mixtures containing compounds which produce mostly non-specific ions in the MS ion source whereas compounds producing specific ions can be easily analyzed by capillary GC – single ion monitoring MS even if they are not perfectly separated by a single capillary column.     

Modelling the gas chromatographic separation of multicomponent samples on a system of three open-tubular columns coupled in series

A procedure was developed for modelling the gas chromatographic separation on a system of columns coupled in series. This procedure can be used for computer based optimization of lengths and order of serially coupled columns at isothermal conditions. The sample component retention factors and column resistances needed for the model can easily be measured on each individual column. The proposed procedure was verified by analyzing a 52 component hydrocarbon mixture on three columns of different polarity coupled in series by various column orders. Good agreement between experimental and calculated retention data was found. The procedure is also well suited for optimization of the chromatographic selectivity by coupling columns with different selectivity in series.Dedicated to Professor Dr. h.c. mult. J.F.K. Huber on the occasion of his 70th birthday     

A new method for solvent-free application of polymers and inorganic materials to ferromagnetic wires used for pyrolysis-capillary gas chromatographic studies

A method is described that enables soluble and insoluble samples to be applied to ferromagnetic wires. The principle of the method consists in pressing the sample on to a flattened Curie-point wire at a pressure of 15 tonnes. It is shown that this method is suitable for a wide variety of polymers and for inorganic materials. As the pyrolysis—gas chromatographic results obtained are not only influenced by the pyrolysis itself but also to a large extent by the gas chromatographic process, a number of considerations are given with respect to the use of capillary gas chromatography in combination with a Curie-point pyrolyser. The sample application technique described has also been used to check the inertness of the chromatographic system by the preparation of Curie wires loaded with Tenax. These wires have been used for the “injection” of volatile compounds, such as a Grob mixture, with the pyrolyser system.     

Sample introduction in correlation liquid chromatography Application,properties and working conditions for a novel injection system

To apply correlation liquid chromatography in practice, a reliable, accurate and simple injection system is essential. The injection system described is suitable. The system is tested thoroughly for different sample concentrations. The effects of possible non-idealities and incorrect working conditions are studied. The resulting disturbances are listed, so that inappropriate operating conditions can be traced and eliminated. To demonstrate the performance of the system, a standard mixture of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons is analysed and the results are compared with those obtained by conventional chromatography. The injection system and some special software greatly facilitates the practical use of correlation chromatography.     

Liquid chromatographic retention and separation of phenols and related aromatic compounds on reversed phase columns

Summary Isocratic column liquid chromatographic systems with UV absorbance detection at 280 nm have been developed for the separation of 29 phenolics and related compounds.The selectivity was investigated on silica-, carbon- and polymer-based separation columns for the separation of phenolic type of components. The effects of various acetonitrile/buffer mixtures, and pH of the mobile phase, and their impact on the retention of the phenols was assessed. Tables of retention times on the four columns for the 29 phenols with two different acetonitrile/buffer mixtures, together with the retention times at three pHs from 6.5 to 2.3 with varying levels of organic modifier on the LiChrospher RP 18 column are presented.As an application, the analysis of real river water samples from the Ebro river is described using a solid phase extraction step prior to injection into the chromatographic system.     

Novel, fully automatic hydrophilic interaction/reversed-phase column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic system for the complementary analysis of polar and apolar compounds in complex samples

In this study we developed and optimized a column-switching high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) system for the complementary analysis of polar and apolar compounds in complex samples. The polar compounds are separated on a hydrophilic interaction chromatographic (HILIC) column; the part of the sample non-retained on HILIC is transferred into and separated on a reversed-phase (RP) column through an interface, thus preventing the loss of analytes eluting at dead time in common single-column mode. The signals are in turn recorded in the same chromatogram either by a UV or by a mass spectrometric detector. Applying a mixture of 25 standard compounds (12 hydrophilic and 13 hydrophobic) the system proves to be reliable, robust and easy-operating. The investigation of urine revealed an increase in the detected metabolite ion masses compared to the single-column HILIC-electrospray ionization (ESI)-MS analysis. Utilizing online the complementary selectivity of HILIC and RPLC in a fully automatic mode, this approach holds out the prospect to enlarge the number of detectable compounds in non-targeted "-omics" studies and sophisticated target-driven approaches by a single injection.     

A complementary mobile phase approach based on the peak count concept oriented to the full resolution of complex mixtures

Situations of minimal resolution are often found in liquid chromatography, when samples that contain a large number of compounds, or highly similar in terms of structure and/or polarity, are analysed. This makes full resolution with a single separation condition (e.g., mobile phase, gradient or column) unfeasible. In this work, the optimisation of the resolution of such samples in reversed-phase liquid chromatography is approached using two or more isocratic mobile phases with a complementary resolution behaviour (complementary mobile phases, CMPs). Each mobile phase is dedicated to the separation of a group of compounds. The CMPs are selected in such a way that, when the separation is considered globally, all the compounds in the sample are satisfactorily resolved. The search of optimal CMPs can be carried out through a comprehensive examination of the mobile phases in a selected domain. The computation time of this search has been reported to be substantially reduced by application of a genetic algorithm with local search (LOGA). A much simpler approach is here described, which is accessible to non-experts in programming, and offers solutions of the same quality as LOGA, with a similar computation time. The approach makes a sequential search of CMPs based on the peak count concept, which is the number of peaks exceeding a pre-established resolution threshold. The new approach is described using as test sample a mixture of 30 probe compounds, 23 of them with an ionisable character, and the pH and organic solvent contents as experimental factors.     

Retention in coupled capillary column supercritical fluid chromatography with lipids as model compounds

Summary We have investigated to which extent retention data, acquired on single capillary columns, can be used for predicting retention factors in a coupled column system. For this purpose we utilized a model mixture of 18 lipid components with widely different vapor pressures and polarities. The sample was chromatographed on two columns, SB-biphenyl-30 (70% methyl-30% biphenylpolysiloxane) and SB-cyanopropyl-50 (50% methyl-50% cyanopropylsiloxane). Experimental retention factors, acquired in coupled column systems with two columns connected in different order, were thus compared with values calculated from runs on each single column. The agreement between calculated and experimental values generally was better than 5% without any pressure drop correction.To study the possibility of predicting retention behavior in a wide pressure range from a limited number of experiments, we also investigated the relation between solute retention and mobile phase density. We found that all data could be fitted to second order equations, which gives the possibility to optimize the resolution with respect to pressure from a limited number of runs at different pressures.     

A window diagram for key component analysis in on-line gas chromatography

Window diagrams that optimize for the separation of only one or a few components in a complex mixture are applied to on-line process analysis when speed of analysis is more important than a complete separation of all components in the sample. A window diagram based on retention indexes is the most useful for quickly evaluating the feasibility of a given pair of phases. The one with the most useful output is one based on partition ratios, as this can be used directly with the columns in hand. A PC-based spreadsheet program with integral specific retention volume data for the common liquid phases is described as a tool for selecting the optimum ratio of lengths for the columns in hand.     

Solute focusing technique for on-column injection in capillary gas chromatography

A novel solute focusing technique for on-column injection of liquid samples onto capillary GC columns is described. The focusing technique allows injection of 8.0 microliters or more of sample without producing the peak distortion or splitting observed under conventional on-column injection conditions. The experimentally determined performance of the technique is given for a wide volatility range sample. Solute focusing is useful in situations where on-column injection of 1.0 microliter or greater is required.     

Evaluation of a nitrogen-cooled, electrically heated cold trap inlet for high-speed gas chromatography

Gas chromatography has the potential to be a much faster method of separation than is usually realized. If column operating conditions are optimized for speed and injection band width is minimized, some simple separations can be completed in a few seconds. A prototype cryofocusing system for producing narrow injection bands with 0.25-mm i.d. columns is described here. The gas-cooled and electrically heated inlet produces injection bands with widths of about 10-20 ms. In the present study the system is evaluated using mixtures of common organics, including alkanes, aromatics, alcohols, ketones, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Quantitative trapping and reinjection is achieved for all tested compounds. Coefficients of variation are less than 3% for peak area and less than 0.2% for retention time. Base-line separation of simple mixture is achieved with retention times of less than 10 s. By using the cold trap inlet with a low-dead-volume detector and a high-speed electrometer, the efficiency available from commercial capillary columns can be better utilized, and retention times for some routine separations may be reduced to a few seconds.