Characterization of inclusion complexes of betamethasone-related steroids with cyclodextrins using high-performance liquid chromatography

HPLC was used to study the inclusion complexes formed between various beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins and a series of corticosteroids related to betamethasone. Apparent association constants were measured in acetonitrile-water for a set of 13 steroids. An increase in the stability of the steroid-cyclodextrin complex is observed at lower concentrations of acetonitrile. The effects of the nature of the halide at the 9-position, the location of a double bond within the C-ring, substitution at the 9- and 11-positions, and modification of the D-ring of the steroid backbone were studied. The 11- and 17-positions were found to be critically involved in the inclusion process. Larger apparent association constants were obtained with gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) than with beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) due to the increased diameter of the gamma-CD cavity. Van't Hoff plots were constructed to examine the thermodynamic properties of the inclusion process. Plots constructed using retention factors were found to be nonlinear when gamma-CD was present in the mobile phase. This is due to an increase in the strength of the inclusion complex as temperature decreases. Plots constructed using apparent association constants were linear, indicating that the mechanism of inclusion does not change over the range of temperatures studied (10 to 80 degrees C). Enthalpy-entropy compensation was observed for 11 of the 13 steroids studied. The usefulness of cyclodextrins to achieve the separation of steroids in HPLC is discussed and a practical application for the analysis of a steroid and three potential impurities is described.     

Effects of alcohols on CE enantioseparation of basic drugs with native gamma-CD as chiral selector

The effects of alcohol on the CE enantioseparation of selected basic drugs with gamma-CD as the chiral selector was investigated. The enantioseparation behavior of the analytes with gamma-CD in the absence and presence of different alcohols specifically methanol, ethanol, 2-propanol (IPA), and 2-methyl-2-propanol (TBA), the relationship of enantiomeric resolution (R(s)) values with either hydrophobicity or bulkiness of the alcohols, as well as the effect of these alcohols on interaction of the analytes with gamma-CD were studied. Results showed that hydrophobicity and/or bulkiness of alcohols have an influence on the enantioresolution of most of the analytes based on the relatively high correlation coefficients (R) obtained between R(s) versus log P and between R(s) versus ovality (i.e., parameter to indicate bulkiness of a molecule). Comparison of the values of the average binding constants obtained for each enantiomeric pair in the presence and absence of 5% IPA showed that alcohols can increase, decrease, or give a minimal effect on the analyte-gamma-CD interaction depending on the analyte. Furthermore, the significant enhancement in the enantioresolution of both propranolol and pindolol in the presence of either IPA or TBA led to the baseline enantioresolution of both drugs using 35 mM gamma-CD.     

Characterization of complexes between phenethylamine enantiomers and β‐cyclodextrin derivatives by capillary electrophoresis—Determination of binding constants and complex mobilities

To optimize chiral separation conditions and to improve the knowledge of enantioseparation, it is important to know the binding constants K between analytes and cyclodextrins and the electrophoretic mobilities of the temporarily formed analyte‐cyclodextrin‐complexes. K values for complexes between eight phenethylamine enantiomers, namely ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine and norephedrine, and four different β‐cyclodextrin derivatives were determined by affinity capillary electrophoresis. The binding constants were calculated from the electrophoretic mobility values of the phenethylamine enantiomers at increasing concentrations of cyclodextrins in running buffer. Three different linear plotting methods (x ‐reciprocal, y ‐reciprocal, double reciprocal) and nonlinear regression were used for the determination of binding constants with β‐cyclodextrin, (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin, methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin and 6‐O‐α‐maltosyl‐β‐cyclodextrin. The cyclodextrin concentration in a 50 mM phosphate buffer pH 3.0 was varied from 0 to 12 mM. To investigate the influence of the binding constant values on the enantioseparation the observed electrophoretic selectivities were compared with the obtained K values and the calculated enantiomer‐cyclodextrin‐complex mobilities. The different electrophoretic mobilities of the temporarily formed complexes were crucial factors for the migration order and enantioseparation of ephedrine derivatives. To verify the apparent binding constants determined by capillary electrophoresis, a titration process using ephedrine enantiomers and β‐cyclodextrin was carried out. Furthermore, the isothermal titration calorimetry measurements gave information about the thermal properties of the complexes.     

Quantitative approach for the screening of cyclodextrins by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in support of chiral separations in liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis enantioseparation of norgestrel with alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins

A quantitative NMR approach is proposed for the screening of cyclodextrins with regard to their enantioselectivity as chiral mobile phase additives in column reversed-phase chromatography and capillary electrophoresis. Similarities and differences between the mechanism of enantiomeric peak-separation in NMR and HPLC and CE are interpreted. The affinity of d-norgestrel to bind to (alpha-, beta-, gammay-) cyclodextrins in aqueous solution was quantified and compared by determining the association constants from chemical shift data. The association constant of l-norgestrel was estimated from titration of the racemate. Differences between the apparent association constants of the enantiomerically pure drug and the racemate are discussed from the point of view of enantiomeric competition for the cyclodextrin. The apparent association constants and chiral selectivities determined by 'H NMR for dl-norgestrell/gamma-CD system at various water-methanol ratios are correlated with the corresponding chromatographic results found in the literature. The pitfalls of previously proposed screening methods based on comparison of chemical shift differences with separation parameters are discussed.     

Highly specific affinities of short peptides against synthetic polymers

We investigated polymer-binding 7-mer peptides that recognize differences in the polymer stereoregularity of all-purpose poly(methyl methacrylate)s (PMMAs) with simple chemical structures. Quantitative surface plasmon resonance measurements detected association/dissociation processes of the peptides against PMMA film surfaces, followed by an estimation of kinetic parameters such as association/dissociation rate constants and affinity constants. Greater association and smaller dissociation constants of the peptides were observed against a target isotactic PMMA than the structurally similar reference syndiotactic PMMA, followed by greater affinity constants against the target. A c02 peptide composed of the Glu-Leu-Trp-Arg-Pro-Thr-Arg sequence showed the greatest affinity constant (2.8x10(5) M(-1)) for the target, which was 41-fold greater than that for the reference, thus demonstrating extremely high peptide specificities. The substitution of each amino acid of the c02 peptide to Ala (Ala scanning) clearly revealed the essential amino acids for the affinity constants; the essential order was Pro5>Thr6>Arg7>Glu1>Arg4. In fact, the shorter 4-mer peptide composed of the C-terminal Arg-Pro-Thr-Arg sequence of the c02 peptide still demonstrated strong target specificity, although the N-terminal 4-mer peptide Glu-Leu-Trp-Arg completely lost its specificity. The possible conformations modeled with Molecular Mechanics supported the significance of the Arg-Pro-Thr-Arg sequence. The thermodynamic parameters of the c02 peptide suggested an induced fit mechanism for the specific affinity. The present affinity analyses of polymer-recognizing peptides revealed significant and general information that was essential for potential applications in peptidyl nanomaterials.     

Inclusion complexes of Fe(III) tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin with cyclodextrins in aqueous solutions

In aqueous solutions, inclusion complexation of Fe(III) tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (FeTSPP) with alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CD), beta-CD, gamma-CD, and heptakis(2,3,6-tri-O-methyl)-beta-CD (TM-beta-CD) has been examined by means of absorption and induced circular dichroism spectroscopy. FeTSPP has been found to form inclusion complexes with beta-CD, gamma-CD, and TM-beta-CD in pH 3.2 buffers. At pH 10.1, where FeTSPP self-associates to form an oxo-bridged dimer, FeTSPP also forms inclusion complexes with alpha-CD, beta-CD, gamma-CD, and TM-beta-CD. The stoichiometries of the CD-FeTSPP inclusion complexes are 1:1, except for TM-beta-CD in pH 10.1 buffers where its 1:1 inclusion complex associates with TM-beta-CD to form a 2:1 inclusion complex at high TM-beta-CD concentrations. Equilibrium constants of FeTSPP for the formation of the 1:1 inclusion complexes have been evaluated for beta-CD, gamma-CD, and TM-beta-CD. Induced circular dichroism spectra of FeTSPP in alpha-CD and beta-CD solutions exhibit a signal pattern (a negative sign) that is different from those in acidic and basic solutions containing gamma-CD and that in basic solution containing TM-beta-CD, suggesting different inclusion modes towards FeTSPP.     

Determination of association constants between steroid compounds and albumins by partial-filling ACE

ACE is a popular technique for evaluating association constants between drugs and proteins. However, ACE has not previously been applied to study the association between electrically neutral biomolecules and plasma proteins. We studied the affinity between human and bovine serum albumins (HSA and BSA, respectively) and three neutral endogenous steroid hormones (testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione) and two synthetic analogues (methyltestosterone and fluoxymesterone) by applying the partial-filling technique in ACE (PF-ACE). From the endocrinological point of view, the distribution of endogenous steroids among plasma components is of great interest. Strong interactions with albumins suppress the biological activity of steroids. Notable differences in the association constants were observed. In the case of the endogenous steroids, the interactions between testosterone and the albumins were strongest, and those between androstenedione and the albumins were substantially weaker. The association constants, K(b), for testosterone, epitestosterone and androstenedione and HSA at 37 degrees C were 32 100 +/- 3600, 21 600 +/- 1500 and 13 300 +/- 1300 M(-1), respectively, while the corresponding values for the steroids and BSA were 18 800 +/- 1500, 14 000 +/- 400 and 7800 +/- 900 M(-1). Methyltestosterone was bound even more strongly than testosterone, while fluoxymesterone was only weakly bound by the albumins. Finally, the steroids were separated by PF-ACE with HSA and BSA used as resolving components.     

Comparison of binding of tetraphenylborate and tetraphenylphosphonium ions to cyclodextrins studied by capillary electrophoresis

Binding constants for tetraphenylborate and tetraphenylphosphonium ions (Ph4B- and Ph4P+) to cyclodextrins (CDs) to give 1:1 host-guest complexes have been measured using capillary electrophoresis. Mobilities of the ions as a function of gamma-CD concentration give binding constants, K, of 1.08 x 10(5) M-1 for Ph4B- and 0.6 x 10(1) M-1 for Ph4P+. This dramatic difference of four orders of magnitude in binding constants is not seen with beta-CD (K = 7.7 x 10(1) M-1 for Ph4B- and 3.7 x 10(1) M-1 for Ph4P+) or dimethyl (DM)-beta-CD (K = 46 x 10(1) M-1 for Ph4B-1 and 7.7 x 10(1) M-1 for Ph4P+). The crystal and hydrodynamic radii of the ions, the latter calculated from their absolute mobilities, indicate that Ph4B- is smaller than the gamma-CD cavity, whereas Ph4P+ is approximately the gamma-CD cavity size. Results suggest that Ph4B- fits exactly into a gamma-CD cavity, with hydrophobic contacts involving several of the phenyl rings, whereas Ph4P+ is too large to enable these multiple contacts to be made. When only a single phenyl ring can fit into the CD cavity, binding strengths are in the order DM-beta-CD > beta-CD > gamma-CD and Ph4B- > Ph4P+. Measurement of electrophoretic mobilities of the complexes shows that their hydrodynamic radii are in the order gamma-CD < beta-CD approximately DM-beta-CD for Ph4B- and gamma-CD > beta-CD approximately DM-beta-CD for Ph4P+.     

Interaction of native α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin and their hydroxypropyl derivatives with selected organic low molecular mass compounds at elevated and subambient temperature under RP-HPLC conditions

The main focus of this study was to explore the capability of native α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin and γ-cyclodextrin and their hydroxypropyl derivatives for host-guest interaction with 7,8-dimethoxyflavone, selected steroids (estetrol, estriol, estradiol, estrone, testosterone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, progesterone and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, naphthalene, 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene, 1-acenaphthenol, acenaphthylene and acenaphthene) under reversed-phase liquid-chromatography conditions. The study revealed that native cyclodextrins interact more efficiently with the analytes investigated than do their hydroxypropyl counterparts. In the low-temperature region, enormously high ratios were observed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene, acenaphthene and acenaphthylene chromatographed on a β-cyclodextrin-modified mobile phase. In such a case, the retention times of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were strongly reduced (e.g. from 127 to 1.2 min for 1,8-dimethylnaphthalene) and were close to the hold-up time of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) system (0.7 min). Moreover, chiral separation of 1-acenaphthenol optical isomers was observed and the elution order of the enantiomers was determined. Within the steroids group, strong interaction was observed for estradiol and testosterone. The results of cluster analysis indicate that β-cyclodextrin as well as γ-cyclodextrin and its hydroxypropyl derivative can be most effective mobile-phase additives under reversed-phase HPLC conditions for 3D-shape-recognition-driven separation, performed at subambient and elevated temperatures, respectively.     

Determination of the binding constants of modafinil enantiomers with sulfated β‐cyclodextrin chiral selector by capillary electrophoresis using three different linear plotting methods

Binding constants for the enantiomers of modafinil with the negatively charged chiral selector sulfated‐β‐CD (S‐β‐CD) using CE technique is presented. The calculations of the binding constants employing three different linearization plots (double reciprocal, X‐reciprocal and Y‐reciprocal) were performed from the electrophoretic mobility values of modafinil enantiomers at different concentrations of S‐β‐CD in the BGE. The highest inclusion affinity of the modafinil enantiomers were observed for the S‐enantiomer–S‐β‐CD complex, in agreement with the computational calculations performed previously. Binding constants for each enantiomer–S‐β‐CD complex at different temperatures, as well as thermodynamic parameters for binding, were calculated. Host–guest binding constants using the double reciprocal fit showed better linearity (r²>0.99) at all temperatures studied (15–30°C) and compared with the other two fit methods. The linear van't Hoff (15–30°C) plot obtained indicated that the thermodynamic parameters of complexation were temperature dependent for the enantiomers.     

A spectroscopic study of the inclusion of azulene by beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins

The inclusion of azulene (AZ) inside the cavities of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) was studied using absorption, fluorescence and induced-circular dichroism spectroscopy. The inclusion of AZ into the cavity of beta-CD has a stoichiometry of 1:1, whereas that of AZ/gamma-CD complex is 1:2. The equilibrium constants for the formation of the two complexes were calculated to be 780+/-150 M(-1) for AZ:beta-CD and (4.5+/-0.86)x10(5) M(-2) for AZ:(gamma-CD)(2). The latter is due to a stepwise equilibrium mechanism in which a 1:1 complex is formed with a binding constant of 775 M(-1), followed by the formation of a 1:2 complex with a binding constant of 580 M(-1). The difference between the two binding constant values is slight, indicating an almost equal contribution from each of the gamma-CD molecules to the overall binding in AZ:(gamma-CD)(2). From the induced-circular dichroism spectra, the inclusion of AZ was found to be axial in AZ:beta-CD and nearly axial in AZ:(gamma-CD)(2).     

Hydrogen-bond effect and ion-pair association in the separation of neutral calix[4]pyrroles by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis

A study on the migration behavior of four neutral macrocyclic compounds calix[4]pyrroles (C4Ps) by nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE) with tetrabutylammonium halide salts as background electrolyte (BGE) is described. Systematic studies were carried out with different BGE in acetonitrile (ACN) to elucidate the involved phenomena. The effect of BGE concentration on analytes effective mobilities mu eff,i was studied. Rough values of analytes absolute mobilities mu infinity,i were obtained by extrapolation of effective mobilities to zero ionic strength of BGE. Stokes radius of C4Ps in the form of C4PF(-) and C4PCl(-) was calculated. The complex constants of C4Ps with F(-) anion and Cl(-) anion and ion-pair association constants of each C4PF(-) and C4PCl(-) with tetrabutylammonium cations was evaluated and confronted. Hydrogen bonding effect is prerequisite in the separation; meanwhile ion-pair association which is intensified by steric hindrance effect plays an important role.     

Enantioseparation of phenothiazines in cyclodextrin-modified capillary zone electrophoresis: reversal of migration order

Enantioseparations of phenothiazines with gamma-cyclodextrin (gamma-CD) as a chiral selector were investigated using citrate and phosphate buffer electrolytes at pH 3.0. Reversal of the enantiomer migration order of promethazine, ethopropazine, and trimeprazine was observed by varying gamma-CD concentration in the range of 5-9 mM, 2.5-4.5 mM and 1.5-2.8 mM, respectively, using 100 mM citrate buffer at pH 3.0. As in the case of beta-CD, the (+)-enantiomers of phenothiazines possess greater binding strength to gamma-CD than the (-)-enantiomers. The evaluation of the binding constants and limiting mobility of the complexes formed between the enantiomers of phenothiazines and gamma-CD reveals that the binding strength of phenothiazines to gamma-CD and the differences in the binding constants and limiting mobility of the complexes are responsible for the enantiomer migration reversal. Both the binding constants and limiting mobility of the complexes between the (+)-enantiomers of phenothiazine and gamma-CD are greater than those of the corresponding (-)-enantiomers in a citrate buffer, while the binding constants of the complexes primarily determined the migration order of the enantiomers in a phosphate buffer. Compared with the results obtained using a phosphate buffer, we may conclude that citrate buffer which involves competitive complexation with chiral selector plays a significant role in the enantiomer migration reversal.     

Separation of steroids using temperature-dependent inclusion chromatography

The influence of temperature on retention and separation of estrogens, progesterone derivatives and beta-cyclodextrin in reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography has been studied. Steroids were detected using direct UV detection at 240 and 280 nm. Detection of beta-cyclodextrin was achieved using a post-column indirect photometric method. Chromatographic experiments were performed using an acetonitrile-water mobile phase (30%, v/v) and a wide range of column temperatures from 0 to 80 degrees C with 20 degrees C steps. Linear Van't Hoff plots were observed for steroids and beta-cyclodextrin when an unmodified binary mobile phase was applied. The retention of steroids was strongly influenced by temperature when the mobile phase was modified with beta-cyclodextrin at a concentration of 12 mM. Particularly, for 17beta-estradiol and 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone a strong deviation from the linear Van't Hoff plots and a remarkable affinity for beta-cyclodextrin was observed. Polynomial regression calculations were performed to fit the set of experimental data points. Using third-order polynomial equations, minimum separation factor values (alphamin) were calculated for temperatures from -10 to + 100 degrees C with 1 degrees C steps. The best chromatographic conditions for separation of multicomponent samples were chosen. A possible retention mechanism for solutes in the presence of macrocyclic additives is discussed. The results presented describe the role of temperature in high-performance liquid chromatography systems in which the mobile phase is modified with an inclusion agent.     

Analysis of the interaction between human plasma fibronectin and gelatin by affinity electrophoresis

The interaction between human plasma fibronectin and gelatin was analyzed by affinity electrophoresis, in which the fibronectin was subjected to electrophoresis in a 4% polyacrylamide gel in the presence and absence of gelatin, as an affinity ligand, and the fibronectin band was stained by an immunoblotting method. The apparent dissociation constants (Kd) of fibronectin for gelatin were calculated from affinity plots based on the original affinity equation at different pHs, urea concentrations, and temperatures. The fibronectin exhibited much lower affinity in the presence of urea. The Kds at 37 degrees C were 1.49 X 10(-7) M, 2.50 X 10(-6) M, and 3.58 X 10(-6) M with 2 M, 3 M, and 4 M urea, respectively. The van't Hoff plots of Kd values against absolute temperature (T) showed that the value of log Kd decreased in proportion to the increase in the value of 1/T within the range of 15-50 degrees C. The standard enthalpy, the standard free energy change at 37 degrees C, and the entropy change at 37 degrees C for association were calculated to be -124.7 kJ/mol, -33.23 kJ/mol, and -295.1 J/mol/deg, respectively. These results suggest that a hydrophilic interaction, such as hydrogen bond or van der Waals interaction, plays an important role in the binding of plasma fibronectin to gelatin.     

Characterization of the interaction between human plasma fibronectin and collagen by means of affinity electrophoresis.

The interaction between human plasma fibronectin and different types and forms of collagen were analysed by affinity electrophoresis at different pH values. The fibronectin bound tightly to collagen type I, III and IV, but not to type V. The fibronectin interacted better with the denatured form of collagen type I (gelatin) than with the native form. At pH less than 5.5 the fibronectin exhibited much lower affinity to gelatin than at pH greater than 8.0. The interaction between the fibronectin and gelatin was further analysed by affinity electrophoresis in which apparent dissociation constants (Kd) of the fibronectin for gelatin were calculated, and effects of urea, 2-mercaptoethanol and temperature on the interaction were examined. The fibronectin markedly diminished its affinity to gelatin at 3 M urea to give Kd = 2.5 x 10(-6) M, which was 1000 times larger than the value without urea. The fibronectin dissociated into its monomers and the monomers diminished their affinity to gelatin in a stepwise fashion with increase in concentration of 2-mercaptoethanol. The fibronectin diminished the affinity to gelatin by elevating temperature, and van't Hoff plots of log Kd values against the reciprocal of absolute temperature (T) showed that log Kd was inversely proportional to 1/T in the range 15-50 degrees C, and the thermodynamic parameters of the standard enthalpy change, the standard free energy change and the entropy change at 37 degrees C for association of fibronectin and gelatin were all negative. At 60 degrees C the affinity of fibronectin to gelatin was not detectable.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of DNA mismatches on binding affinity and kinetics of polymerase-DNA complexes as revealed by surface plasmon resonance biosensor

In this study, surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor techniques were used to obtain quantitative information on the kinetics of the DNA and polymerase I (Klenow fragment) interaction. DNA duplexes containing different base compositions at the binding site were immobilized on the SPR sensor surface via biotin-streptavidin chemistry and the subsequent binding of the polymerase was measured in real time. Various kinetic models were tested and a translocation model was shown to provide the best fit for the binding and dissociation profiles. The results revealed that the enzyme binds to DNA at both the polymerase and the exonuclease domains with different association and dissociation rates as well as affinity constants, depending on the presence of mismatches near the primer 3'-end. Introduction of unpaired bases increases the DNA binding affinity towards the exonuclease domain and promotes the translocation of DNA from the polymerase site to the exonuclease site. The results also demonstrated that SPR biosensors may be used as a sensitive technique for studying molecular recognition events such as single-base discrimination involved in protein-DNA interaction.     

Characterisation of antibodies and analytes by surface plasmon resonance for the optimisation of a competitive immunoassay based on energy transfer

The determination of binding constants using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) was introduced to optimise a competitive homogeneous fluorescence energy-transfer immunoassay (ETIA) before labelling. Steroids were chosen as model for the detection of three analytes estrone, estradiol and ethinylestradiol--by taking three polyclonal antibodies (anti estrone-, anti estradiol- and anti estrogen-antibodies) and the corresponding analyte derivatives used for the immunisation. The active concentration of the antibodies was determined before and after labelling. Inhibition curves were recorded using SPR for all possible combinations of analyte, antibody, and analyte derivatives. The experiments revealed that the active antibody concentration can be reduced to 30% whereas the antibody affinity is not affected by the labelling process. Limits of the use of SPR for determination of affinity constants in solution are discussed. All possible ETIA calibration for the quantification of estrone and estradiol was performed. The lower limits of detection for estrone (0.06 microg L(-1)) and estradiol (0.17 microg L(-1)) were reached with the anti-estrogen IgG and its derivative     

Complexation and Sensing Behavior of Dansyl-appended Cyclodextrins and Cyclodextrin Dimers with Bile Salts

The dansyl-modified cyclodextrin derivatives 2 and 3 form complexes with the steroidal bile salts. The selectivity of the monomeric derivative 3 is similar to that of native g -cyclodextrin. All binding constants with 3 are lowered compared to g -cyclodextrin because of the competition for the cavity between the steroids and the dansyl moiety. Cholate ( 4a ) and deoxycholate ( 4b ) form weak complexes, the other bile salts ( 4c - e ) are complexed far more strongly. The difference is attributed to the absence of a 12-hydroxy group in the latter steroids. Data for dimer 2 reveal strongly enhanced binding of 4a and 4b and only slightly stronger complexes with the other steroids. Due to the low binding affinity of 3 for 4a and 4b , this receptor could not be used for their detection by fluorescence spectroscopy. Steroids 4c - e showed a decrease in fluorescence intensity. The detection of all steroids 4a - e was possible using 2 . The fluorescence intensity of the dimer increased or decreased, depending on which steroid was added.     

Modeling the effects of type and concentration of organic modifiers, column type and chemical structure of analytes on the retention in reversed phase liquid chromatography using a single model

A previously proposed model for representing the retention factor (k) of an analyte in mixed solvent mobile phases was extended to calculate the k of different analytes with respect to the nature of analyte, organic modifier, its concentration and type of the stationary phase. The accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by calculating mean percentage deviation (MPD) as accuracy criterion. The predicted vs. observed plots were also provided as goodness of fit criteria. The developed model prediction capability compared with a number of previous models (i.e. LSER, general LSER and Oscik equation) through MPD and fitting plots. The proposed method provided acceptable predictions with the advantage of modeling the effects of organic modifiers, mobile phase compositions, columns and analytes using a single equation. The accuracy of developed model was checked using the one column and one analyte out cross validation analyses and the results showed that the developed model was able to predict the unknown analyte retention and the analytes retentions on unknown column accurately.