Optimization of separation in two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography by adjusting phase system selectivity and using programmed elution techniques

The overall peak capacity in comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic (LC x LC) separation can be considerably increased using efficient columns and carefully optimized mobile phases providing large differences in the retention mechanisms and separation selectivity between the first and the second dimension. Gradient-elution operation and fraction-transfer modulation by matching the retention and the elution strength of the mobile phases in the two dimensions are useful means to suppress the band broadening in the second dimension and to increase the number of sample compounds separated in LC x LC. Matching parallel gradients in the first and second dimension eliminate the necessity of second-dimension column re-equilibration after the independent gradient runs for each fraction, increase the use of the available second-dimension separation time and can significantly improve the regularity of the coverage of the available retention space in LC x LC separations, especially with the first- and second-dimension systems showing partial selectivity correlations. Systematic development of an LC x LC method with parallel two-dimensional gradients was applied for separation of phenolic acids and flavone compounds. Several types of bonded C18, amide, phenyl, pentafluorophenyl and poly(ethylene glycol) columns were compared using the linear free energy relationship method to find suitable column combination with low correlation of retention of representative standards. The phase systems were optimized step-by-step to find the mobile phases and gradients providing best separation selectivity for phenolic compounds. The optimization of simultaneous parallel gradients in the first and second dimension resulted in significant improvement in the utilization of the available two-dimensional retention space.     

Development of selective comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography with parallel first-dimension sampling and second-dimension separation—application to the quantitative analysis of furanocoumarins in apiaceous vegetables

Various implementations of two-dimensional high-performance liquid chromatography are increasingly being developed and applied to the analysis of complex materials, including those encountered in the analysis of foods, beverages, and nutraceuticals. Previously, we introduced the concept of selective comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (sLC?×?LC) as a hybrid between the more conventional, but extreme opposite sampling modes of heartcutting (LC–LC) and fully comprehensive (LC?×?LC) 2D separation. The sLC?×?LC approach breaks the link between first dimension (¹D) sampling time and second dimension (²D) analysis time that is faced in LC?×?LC and allows very rapid (as low as 1 s) sampling of highly efficient ¹D separations, while at the same time allowing efficient ²D separations on the timescale of tens of seconds. In this paper, we improve upon our previous sLC?×?LC work by demonstrating the ability to perform the processes of ¹D sampling and ²D separation in parallel. This significantly improves the flexibility of the technique and allows targeted analysis of analytes that elute close together in time in the ¹D separation. To demonstrate the value of this added capability, we have developed a sLC?×?LC method using multi-wavelength ultraviolet absorbance detection for the quantitative analysis of six target furanocoumarin compounds in extracts of celery, parsley, and parsnips. We show that ²D separations of ¹D effluent containing the target compounds of interest reveal the presence of unanticipated interferent peaks that would otherwise compromise the quantitative accuracy of the method. We also demonstrate the application of the chemometric method iterative key set factor analysis with alternating least-squares to sLC?×?LC to mathematically resolve target compounds that are only slightly separated chromatographically but not sufficiently resolved for accurate quantitation.     

Evaluation of reversed phase columns designed for polar compounds and porous graphitic carbon in "trapping" and separating neurotransmitters

Quantification of neurotransmitters as biologically active analytes in neurological samples is of high interest for studying their effect on multiple targets. This work is part of a strategy involving two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D LC) system with mass spectrometry (MS) detection. The concept of the on-line LC system is the coupling of reversed phase liquid chromatography (RPLC, the second separation dimension) to ion-exchange chromatography (IEC, the first dimension). Our objective in this study is to find the appropriate second dimension column, ensuring that samples of neurotransmitters are refocused and separated on it. Silica-based columns designed specifically to retain polar compounds were tested in LC conditions and compared with results obtained with a porous graphitic carbon (PGC, Hypercarb) column. These polar embedded, polar endcapped, and high-density alkyl chain columns successfully separated analytes in question using mobile phase systems with high percentage of water, or even pure water. Only Hypercarb column provided efficient retention of the most polar neurotransmitters and could be used for trapping and preconcentrating the compounds without rapid breakthrough.     

Effect of first dimension phase selectivity in online comprehensive two dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC)

In this study, we examined the effect of first dimension column selectivity in reversed phase (RP) online comprehensive two dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC). The second dimension was always a carbon clad metal oxide reversed phase material. The hydrophobic subtraction model (HSM) and the related phase selective triangles were used to guide the selection of six different RP first dimension columns. Various kinds of samples were investigated and thus two different elution conditions were needed to cause full elution from the first dimension columns. We compared LC×LC chromatograms, contours plots, and fcoverage plots by measuring peak capacities, peak numbers, relative spatial coverage, correlation values, etc. The major finding of this study is that the carbon phase due to its rather different selectivity from other reversed phases is reasonably orthogonal to a variety of common types of bonded reversed phases. Thus quite surprisingly the six different first dimension stationary phases all showed generally similar separation patterns when paired to the second dimension carbon phase. This result greatly simplifies the task of choosing the correct pair of phases for RP×RP.     

Characterization of grape seed procyanidins by comprehensive two-dimensional hydrophilic interaction × reversed phase liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and tandem mass spectrometry

In this work, the development and optimization of a new methodology to analyze grape seed procyanidins based on the application of two-dimensional comprehensive LC is presented. This two-dimensional method involves the use of a microbore column containing a diol stationary phase in the first dimension coupled to either a C₁₈ partially porous short column or a C₁₈ monolithic column in the second dimension. The orthogonal hydrophilic interaction?×?reversed phase liquid chromatography (HILIC×RP-LC) system is interfaced through a ten-port two-position switching valve. The optimized HILIC×RP-LC separation followed by diode array and tandem mass spectrometry detection (HILIC×RP-LC-DAD-MS/MS) made possible the direct analysis of a complex grape seed extract and allowed the tentative identification of 43 flavan-3-ols, including monomers and procyanidin oligomers till a polymerization degree of 7 units with different galloylation degrees. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this powerful analytical technique is employed to characterize complex procyanidin samples. This work successfully demonstrates the great capabilities of the HILIC×RP-LC-DAD-MS/MS coupling for the direct analysis of very complex natural samples like grape seeds.

Temperature effects on separation on zirconia columns: applications to one- and two-dimensional LC separations of phenolic antioxidants

The effects of temperature and mobile phase on LC chromatographic separation of phenolic antioxidants on zirconia-based columns were investigated. Unlike silica-based materials, zirconia columns show excellent thermal stability over a wide range of temperatures and enable high-temperature separations. Enthalpic and entropic contributions to the retention of phenolic compounds on ZR-Carbon and ZR-Carbon C18 columns were determined from retention versus temperature plots in order to elucidate the retention mechanism of sample compounds over the temperature range up to 14 degrees C. High-temperature liquid chromatography on ZR-Carbon columns was used for comprehensive LC x LC two-dimensional separation systems based on the different selectivity of a Zorbax SB micro-column used in the first dimension and a ZR-Carbon column used in the second dimension. Two-dimensional LC x LC systems employing a setup with two alternately operated parallel ZR-Carbon columns in the second dimension were used for the analysis of phenolic antioxidants in beer and wine samples.     

Comprehensive two‐dimensional monolithic liquid chromatography of polar compounds

Two‐dimensional liquid chromatography largely increases the number of separated compounds in a single run, theoretically up to the product of the peaks separated in each dimension on the columns with different selectivities. On‐line coupling of a reversed‐phase column with an aqueous normal‐phase (hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography) column yields orthogonal systems with high peak capacities. Fast on‐line two‐dimensional liquid chromatography needs a capillary or micro‐bore column providing low‐volume effluent fractions transferred to a short efficient second‐dimension column for separation at a high mobile phase flow rate. We prepared polymethacrylate zwitterionic monolithic micro‐columns in fused silica capillaries with structurally different dimethacrylate cross‐linkers. The columns provide dual retention mechanism (hydrophilic interaction and reversed‐phase). Setting the mobile phase composition allows adjusting the separation selectivity for various polar substance classes. Coupling on‐line an organic polymer monolithic capillary column in the first dimension with a short silica‐based monolithic column in the second dimension provides two‐dimensional liquid chromatography systems with high peak capacities. The silica monolithic C₁₈ columns provide higher separation efficiency than the particle‐packed columns at the flow rates as high as 5 mL/min used in the second dimension. Decreasing the diameter of the silica monolithic columns allows using a higher flow rate at the maximum operation pressure and lower fraction volumes transferred from the first, hydrophilic interaction dimension, into the second, reversed‐phase mode, avoiding the mobile phase compatibility issues, improving the resolution, increasing the peak capacity, and the peak production rate.     

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography in the analysis of antioxidant phenolic compounds in wines and juices

A novel comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic (LC×LC) system was developed for the quantification of antioxidant phenolic compounds in wine and juice. The system allows parts of the sample that are well separated in the first column to pass directly to the detector after the first column, while the rest of the sample proceeds to the second column. The optimised LC×LC system employed a combination of two C18 columns, the latter column with an ion-pair reagent (tetrapentylammonium bromide). The relative standard deviations (RSD) for the retention times were better than 0.01% in the first dimension and on average 6.3% in the second. The RSD values of the peak volumes varied from 3% (protocatechuic acid) to 13% (caffeic acid, n = 3, 10 μg/ml).     

Selective and sensitive on-line flow extraction,preconcentration and normal-phase liquid chromatography

The on-line coupling of flow extraction with normal-phase liquid chromatography (LC) was studied. The aqueous sample was introduced into the extraction unit and the organic phase of this unit was fed to the LC system, via a precolumn. This column preconcentrated the sample, thereby diminishing band broadening and improving the sensitivity. Caffeine and zidovudine were used as test compounds; the limits of detection in standard solutions were 2 × 10^?9 and 1.2 × 10^?8 M, respectively. The applicability of the method to real samples (beverages and urine) was investigated. The correlation coefficient of the calibration graphs was ? 0.99.     

Polyphenolic compounds with biological activity in guabiroba fruits (Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg.) by comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

This study aimed to evaluate the polyphenolic composition along with the biological activity of guabiroba (Campomanesia xanthocarpa Berg.) fruits using comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC). A simplex centroid design comprising three solvents (methanol, 2% acetic acid, and acetonitrile) was used to optimize the extraction mixture for polyphenols from ripe and unripe guabiroba fruits. A quantitative LC × LC platform was proposed to characterize the guabiroba extracts using a RP-Amide column and a C18 column in the first and second dimensions, respectively. Antidiabetic properties, using in vitro enzyme assay models and in vivo antioxidant activity with the eukaryote model Saccharomyces cerevisiae, was measured. Total phenolics compounds were more efficiently extracted with 2% acetic acid solution and acetonitrile (50:50, v/v). A total of 37 different compounds were identified and quantified using the proposed LC × LC method (linearity ranging from 0.9990 to 0.9994, intra- and interday precision from 0.40 to 10.57% and, accuracy from 81.89 to 108.98%). Significant differences were observed between ripe and unripe guabiroba fruits, especially for the compounds geraldone and methyl galangin isomer. Guabiroba fruits showed significant antidiabetic and antioxidant properties and may be potentially adopted as part of dietary strategies in the management of early stages of type 2 diabetes and associated complications.     

On-line coupling of counter-current chromatography and macroporous resin chromatography for continuous isolation of arctiin from the fruit of Arctium lappa L.

In this work, we have developed a novel hybrid two-dimensional counter-current chromatography and liquid chromatography (2D CCC × LC) system for the continuous purification of arctiin from crude extract of Arctium lappa. The first dimensional CCC column has been designed to fractionalize crude complex extract into pure arctiin effluent using a one-component organic/salt-containing system, and the second dimensional LC column has been packed with macroporous resin for on-line adsorption, desalination and desorption of arctiin which was effluent purified from the first CCC dimension. Thus, the crude arctiin mixture has been purified efficiently and conveniently by on-line CCC × LC in spite of the use of a salt-containing solvent system in CCC separation. As a result, high purity (more than 97%) of arctiin has been isolated by repeated injections both using the ethyl acetate–8% sodium chloride aqueous solution and butanol–1% sodium chloride aqueous solution. By contrast with the traditional CCC processes using multi-component organic/aqueous solvent systems, the present on-line CCC × LC process only used a one-component organic solvent and thus the solvent is easier to recover and regenerate. All of used solvents such as ethyl acetate, n-butanol and NaCl aqueous solution are low toxicity and environment-friendly. Moreover, the lower phase of salt-containing aqueous solution used as mobile phase, only contained minor organic solvent, which will save much organic solvent in continuous separation. In summary, our results indicated that the on-line hybrid 2D CCC × LC system using one-component organic/salt-containing aqueous solution is very promising and powerful tool for high-throughput purification of arctiin from fruits of A. lappa.     

Use of shift gradient in the second dimension to improve the separation space in comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC?×?LC) has received much attention because it offers much higher peak capacities than separation in a single dimension. The advantageous peak capacity makes it attractive for the separation of complex samples. Various gradient methods have been used in LC?×?LC systems. The use of continuous shift gradient is advantageous because it combines the peak compression effect of full gradient mode and the tailed gradient program in parallel gradient mode. Here, a comparison of LC?×?LC analysis of Chinese herbal medicine with full gradient mode and shift gradient mode in the second dimension was performed. A correlation between the first and second dimensions was found in full gradient mode, and this was significantly reduced with shift gradient mode. The orthogonality increased by 43.7 %. The effective peak distribution area increased significantly, which produced better separation.     

2D LC Separation and Determination of Bradykinin in Rat Muscle Tissue Dialysate with On-Line SPE-HILIC-SPE-RP-MS

A 2D liquid chromatography (LC) system using hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and reversed phase columns has been employed for comprehensive (LC × LC) separation of rat muscle tissue micro-dialysate. Incorporation of an on-line reverse-phase solid phase extraction (SPE) enrichment column in front of the first dimension enabled aqueous samples with high salt concentrations to be injected directly without compromising the chromatographic performance of the HILIC column. Since the SPE enrichment column allowed injection of large sample volumes (e.g. 450 μL), a capillary HILIC column (inner diameter 0.3 mm) could be employed instead of a larger column which is often used in the first dimension to load sufficient amounts of sample. The two chromatographic dimensions were connected using a column selector system with 18, 1.0 mm I.D. C₁₈ “transition” SPE columns. A PLRP C₁₈ column was used in the second dimension. The 2D LC system’s performance was evaluated with a tryptic digest mixture of three model proteins. Good trapping accuracy (HILIC→transition SPE→RP recovery >95%) and repeatability (within-and between day retention time RSDs of first and second dimension chromatography >1%) was achieved. A dialysis sample of rat muscle tissue was separated with the 2D system, revealing complexity and large differences in concentrations of the various compounds present, factors which could potentially interfere with the quantification and monitoring of two target analytes, arg-bradykinin and bradykinin. Subsequently, “Heart-cut” 2D LC-electrospray–mass spectrometry (ESI–MS) with post-column on-line standard injection was employed to monitor arg-bradykinin and bradykinin levels as a function of various muscle conditions. The method’s quantification precision was RSD = 3.4% for bradykinin.     

Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Having nearly exhausted the possibilities for generating peak capacity through improvements in column technology, chromatographers are increasingly looking to alternative ways of maximising chromatographic separation. In recent years there has been increasing activity in the field of comprehensive multidimensional separations to meet analysis demands. Comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC) approaches offer high peak capacity which leads to significantly improved analytical performance over single-column liquid chromatography. There are several closely related avenues available for achieving an LC×LC separation and this review pays special attention to the different valve-based interfaces that have been used to comprehensively couple the first and second dimension columns in LC×LC systems. A brief discussion of column choices for selected applications and the conditions employed is also presented.     

Simultaneous, sequential quantitative achiral-chiral analysis by two-dimensional liquid chromatography

In general, chromatographic analysis of chiral compounds involves a minimum of two methods; a primary achiral method for assay and impurity analysis and a secondary chiral method for assessing chiral purity. Achiral method resolves main enantiomeric pairs of component from potential impurities and degradation products and chiral method resolves enantiomeric pairs of the main component and diastereomer pairs. Reversed-phase chromatographic methods are preferred for assay and impurity analysis (high efficiency and selectivity) whereas chiral separation is performed by reverse phase, normal phase, or polar organic mode. In this work, we have demonstrated the use of heart-cutting (LC-LC) and comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC) in simultaneous, sequential achiral and chiral analysis and quantitation of minor, undesired enantiomer in the presence of major, desired enantiomer using phenylalanine as an example. The results were comparable between LC-LC and LC × LC with former offering better sensitivity and accuracy. The quantitation range was over three orders of magnitude with undesired D-phenylalanine detected at approximately 0.3% in the presence of predominant, desired L-phenylalanine (99.7%). The limit of quantitation was comparable to conventional high-performance liquid chromatography. A reversed-phase C18 achiral column in the primary and reversed-phase Chirobiotic Tag chiral column in the secondary dimension were used with a compatible mobile phase.     

Characterization of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) using comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Various hydroxyl-propylmethylcellulose (HPMC) polymers were characterized according to size and compositional distributions (percentage of methoxyl and hydroxyl-propoxyl substitution) by means of comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC×LC) using reversed-phase (RP) liquid chromatography in the first dimension and aqueous size-exclusion chromatography (aq-SEC) in the second dimension. RP separation was carried out in gradient-elution mode applying 0.05% TFA in water and 1-propanol, while 0.05% TFA in water was used as mobile phase in aqueous SEC. A two-position ten-port switching valve equipped with two storage loops was used to realize LC×LC. Detection of HPMC was accomplished by charged-aerosol detection (CAD). Data processing to visualize chromatograms was carried out using Matlab software. The significant influence of the LC×LC temperature on (the retention of) HPMC was studied using a column oven which allowed accurate temperature control. Due to the phenomenon of thermal gelation, which is a result of methyl and hydroxypropyl substitution of anhydroglucose units from the cellulose backbone, we were able to obtain additional, specific information on compositional characteristics of various HPMC samples. As the retention behaviour of gelated and non-gelated polymer proved to be different, the fraction of the polymer that is gelated in the chromatographic column could be monitored at different temperatures. Moreover, the temperature at which half of the polymer is gelated could be correlated with the cloud-point temperature. As a result, differences in inherent cloud points of modified cellulose can be used as a further distinguishing property in "temperature-responsive" LC×LC.     

全二维液相色谱(NPLC×RPLC)接口及其应用

用内径为0.53 mm的填充毛细管正相液相色谱为第一维, 用4.6 mm(i.d.)×50 mm RP-18e整体柱反相色谱为第二维, 建立了定量环-阀切换接口的全二维液相色谱系统(NPLC×RPLC). 第一维色谱分离洗脱出的组分交替存储在十通阀上的两个定量环中, 同时定量环中前一个组分被转移到第二维进行反相分离. 因为第一维的流动相流量仅是第二维的1/500, 自然解决了流动相兼容问题. 采用芳香族化合物的混合物和中药丹参正己烷提取液对该全二维液相系统的分离能力进行了评价.     

二维液相色谱接口的改进及其在蛋白质组学研究中的应用

随着蛋白质组学、本草物质组学等组学概念的提出,所需分析的样品的成分越来越复杂,因此具有强大分离能力的多维液相色谱技术受到人们越来越多的关注。二维液相色谱中第二维的分离性能和速度是整个分离系统性能的关键。基于捕集柱模式,我们采用经特殊设计的流路系统,使得双捕集柱型接口具有预分离的功能。样品从第一维流出以后被富集在捕集柱1的柱头,经过脱盐后,正冲捕集柱,捕集柱1与第二维色谱柱联用对富集的样品进行分离,增加了第二维分离效率。当捕集柱上的样品全部被洗脱到第二维色谱柱上时,捕集柱2已经完成对第一维洗脱液中样品的捕集和脱盐,此时将阀进行切换,捕集柱2与第二维色谱柱直接相连进行洗脱。循环切换捕集柱1和捕集柱2,维持较高的阀切换频率,实现了第二维色谱柱的连续洗脱。因此保证了第二维分离具有较快速度,同时具有较高的分离效率。使用35 mm长捕集柱和十通阀为接口,以弱阴离子交换(WAX)色谱为第一维分离模式,以反相(RP)色谱为第二维分离模式,构建了WAX-RP二维液相色谱系统(2D-LC system)。以小鼠血清为样品对系统进行了初步评价。色谱流出曲线出现了明显的界面现象,这是由于捕集柱流动相中含有的较多盐分流出时的背景吸收造成的。同时,由于界面两侧的流动相黏度不同产生了黏性指进(VF)现象。当第二维色谱柱长度为50 mm时,理论上可将第二维分离效能提高70%。该接口可以应用于多种二维液相色谱模式,适用于蛋白质组学和本草物质组学研究中对于复杂样品的分离分析。     

Comprehensive profiling of Sanguisorba officinalis using offline two-dimensional mixed-mode liquid chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography,tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry,and molecular network

The profiling of natural products is important in modern biological sciences and new drug development. However, the separation and characterization of complex herbal extracts are significantly challenging for researchers in the biochemical field. Herein, an offline two-dimensional mixed-mode liquid chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography system is developed. Our system exhibits high orthogonality and is composed of a newly prepared stationary phase in the first dimension and a traditional C₁₈ phase in the second dimension, and is operated in combination with a high-resolution mass spectrometry and molecular network. Sanguisorba officinalis L. is studied using the proposed method owing to its bioactivity. With the aid of orthogonal separation, the ionization of the individual components is improved. The number of detected compounds and separated peaks are significantly increased when one-dimensional liquid chromatography is upgraded to two-dimensional liquid chromatography. In addition, 270 compounds (127 of which are tentatively characterized as new compounds, and further confirmation is needed) are successfully characterized based on their fragmentation patterns under the guidance of molecular network, while only 95 compounds are characterized using one-dimensional liquid chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The results indicate that the developed offline two-dimensional mixed-mode liquid chromatography × reversed-phase liquid chromatography, tandem high-resolution mass spectrometry, and molecular network method are effective for profiling complex samples.     

Columns and optimum gradient conditions for fast second-dimension separations in comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography

Gradient elution provides significantly higher peak capacity in comparison to the isocratic elution mode, hence it is very useful in online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography (LC). We compared suitability of five commercial core-shell columns and one monolithic column for fast gradients in the second LC dimension, where the time of separation is strictly limited by the fraction cycle time. In two-dimensional reversed-phase systems with partially correlated retention, the resolution, the peak capacity, and the regularity of coverage of the second-dimension retention space can be improved by appropriate adjusting the gradient time and the gradient range to suit the sample properties. We developed a new strategy for adjusting the gradient mobile phase composition range in the second-dimension, employing the retention data of representative sample standards characterizing the sample properties, which can be calibrated using the reference alkylbenzene series. Optimized second-dimension gradients with single-step or segmented profiles covering two or more fraction ranges, employed for the separation of subsequent fractions from the first-dimension, improve significantly the resolution, the separation time, and the regularity of coverage of the two-dimensional retention plane. The approach was applied to the two-dimensional comprehensive separation of phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds occurring as natural antioxidants.