Morphological modification of nanostructured ultrathin-layer chromatography stationary phases

Ultrathin-layer chromatography (UTLC) provides the high sensitivities and rapid separations over short distances desirable in many analytical applications. The dependence of these performance benefits on UTLC layer microstructure motivates continued stationary phase engineering efforts. A new method of modifying the elution behaviours of nanostructured thin film UTLC stationary phases is investigated in this report. Macroporous normal phase silica thin films ～5 μm thick were fabricated using glancing angle deposition (GLAD). Reactive ion etching (RIE) and a subsequent annealing treatment modified stationary phase morphology to tune migration velocity, analyte retention, and overall separation performance. Combining this technique with a RIE shadow mask enabled fabrication of adjacent concentration and separation zones with markedly different elution properties. Although produced using an entirely new approach, GLAD UTLC concentration zone media behaved in a manner consistent with traditional thin-layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance TLC (HPTLC) concentration zone plates. In particular, these new media focused large volume, low concentration dye mixture spots into narrow bands to achieve high-quality separations. The described approach to modifying the morphology and resultant elution behaviours of nanostructured stationary phases expands the capabilities of the GLAD UTLC technique.     

Inkjet application, chromatography, and mass spectrometry of sugars on nanostructured thin films

Ultrathin-layer chromatography (UTLC) potentially offers faster analysis, reduced solvent and sample volumes, and lower costs. One novel technique for producing UTLC plates has been glancing angle deposition (GLAD), a physical vapor deposition technique capable of aligning macropores to produce interesting separation properties. To date, however, GLAD-UTLC plates have been restricted to model dye systems, rather than realistic analytes. This study demonstrates the transfer of high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) sugar analysis methods to GLAD-UTLC plates using the office chromatography framework. A consumer inkjet printer was used to apply very sharp low volume (3–30 nL) bands of water-soluble analytes (lactose, sucrose, and fructose). Analytic performance measurements extrapolated the limits of detection to be 3–5 ng/zone, which was experimentally proven down to 60–70 ng/band, depending on the sugar. This qualitative analysis of sugars in a commercially available chocolate sample is the first reported application of GLAD-UTLC to food samples. The potential utility of GLAD-UTLC is further exemplified by successful coupling with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for the first time to characterize underivatized sugars.

Modeling the effects of column packing quality and residence time changes on protein monomer/aggregate separation

The packing quality of chromatography columns used for the purification of protein therapeutics is routinely monitored to ensure consistent and reproducible performance. In this work, we used established chromatography models to determine the effect of column packing quality and fluid residence time on the separation of protein therapeutic monomer and aggregate species using a hydrophobic interaction chromatography adsorbent (Phenyl Sepharose Fast Flow). The relationship between the number of theoretical plates, fluid residence time, and column separation performance was quantified using modeling simulations. The simulations showed the separation depended on both the fluid residence time and the number of theoretical plates. However, when the number of theoretical plates was increased to ≥150, the simulations predicted that the separation performance of the column was not significantly improved. The approach described here could be used as a method to quantify acceptable height equivalent of a theoretical plate values for columns, and serve as a tool to understand how column packing quality impacts a given chromatographic separation prior to column scale-up, as well as during the monitoring of column lifetime in the manufacturing of large scale protein therapeutics.     

New peak broadening parameter for the characterization of separation capability in capillary electrophoresis

The influence of separation conditions on peak broadening is usually estimated by the number of theoretical plates. Using the data available in literature and experimental data, it is shown that in pressure‐assisted capillary electrophoresis the plate number is not directly related to the separation capability of conditions used. The experiments at different electrolyte flow velocities demonstrate that a higher plate number (the best separation efficiency) can be obtained with a lower peak resolution. Since ions are separated by electrophoresis due to the difference in electrophoretic mobilities, the peak width in terms of electrophoretic mobility is suggested as a new peak broadening parameter describing the separation capability of the conditions used. The parameter can be calculated using the tailing factor and the temporal peak width at 5% of the peak height. A simple equation for the resolution calculation is derived using the parameter. The advantage of the peak width in terms of mobility over other parameters is shown. The new parameter is recommended to be used not only in pressure‐assisted capillary electrophoresis but also in general capillary electrophoresis when in a number of runs the virtual separative migration distance and separation capability of the conditions used change widely.     

Preliminary results for 2‐D separation with high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography and pressurized planar electrochromatography

Preliminary results of 2‐D separation of test dye mixture using high‐performance thin‐layer chromatography (HPTLC) and pressurized planar electrochromatography (PPEC) are demonstrated. The advantage of 2‐D HPTLC/PPEC separation is based on different separation selectivities obtained in both HPTLC and PPEC systems. HPTLC RP18 W plates of 5×20 cm from Merck were used in the investigations. In the first dimension, a HPTLC process was performed using 5 cm length of the plate and in the second dimension PPEC separation was obtained applying plate of 20 cm length. PPEC process followed prewetting the chromatographic plate with sample zones on it, which were partly separated after first dimensional (HPTLC) separation. In the experiments, the modified version of PPEC device for 20 cm long chromatographic plate and the reservoir for prewetting the adsorbent layer were applied.     

A new procedure for separation of complex mixtures of pesticides by multidimensional planar chromatography

The objective of this communication is to report a new procedure for the separation of complex mixtures of pesticides by a combination of different modes of multidimensional planar chromatography. Complete separation of a mixture of pesticides was carried out by multidimensional planar chromatography on silica gel plates. The plates were videoscanned to show a real picture of the experimental results. Complete separation of all compounds was not possible by a single development on silica gel. The separation can be characterized as [PC x (nPC + PC + PC + PC)]. With the aid of this new procedure a complex mixture of fourteen compounds was separated on a 10 x 10 cm TLC plate.     

基于微机电系统的高深宽比气相微色谱柱

色谱柱的微型化是实现气相色谱仪微小型化必须要解决的关键问题之一。该文基于微机电系统技术设计制作了一种具有高深宽比微沟道的气相微色谱柱。通过COMSOL软件进行仿真分析,得出气相微色谱柱具有均匀的流速场分布。测试结果表明,该气相微色谱柱成功分离了烷烃类气体混合物及苯系物,其理论塔板数可达14028 plates/m,C7~C8的分离度最高,为10.82。这种气相微色谱柱由于具有体积小、能耗低、分离性能好等优点,可望在微小型气相色谱仪上获得应用。     

Use of electrokinetic measurements for characterization of columns used in capillary electrochromatography

The separation mechanism in capillary electrochromatography (CEC) is a hybrid differential migration process, which entails the features of both high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), i.e., chromatographic retention and electrophoretic migration. The focus of this paper is on the use of electrokinetic data, such as current, electroosmotic flow (EOF) and column efficiency measurements, that are readily available, for an improved understanding of CEC separations. A framework is presented here for the use of this data for evaluation of a variety of performance parameters including, conductivity ratio, interstitial EOF mobility, porosity, and zeta potential. This framework is applied for characterization of two monolithic columns with different chemistry that were manufactured in-house. The above-mentioned performance parameters were calculated for the two columns and it is found that the poly(VBC-EGDMA-SWNT) monolithic column with the GPTMS-PEI coating offers a significantly improved flow distribution in comparison to the poly(VBC-EGDMA) monolithic column. This observation is confirmed by performing separation of peptides on the two columns and height equivalent of a theoretical plate (HETP) measurements on the resulting peaks. It is shown that following our approach leads to an improved understanding of the separations achieved with the columns and to better column design.     

The chromatographic processes in the S-chamber with the counter plate

For the first time the chromatographic processes in the new variant of a S(min)-chamber with a counter plate (a S(min)(CP)-chamber) positioned at a small distance above a separating plate have been studied, given the adsorption layers of the both plates (the separating plate and the counter plate) are turned to each other. It should be noted that the features of this method have not been completely studied, only two publications were devoted to the practical using of the S(CP)-chamber. Using of a dry counter plate in the S(min)-chamber having been proposed by us recently leads to the marked increase in the volume of the mobile phase that continuously migrates through the separating plate. Using of the S(min)-chamber with the dry counter plate for separation allows, first, substantially (up to 50%) increasing the value of R(f) (especially, in the range of the small meanings of R(f) (0-0.3)), second, increasing the efficiency of separation by 2.0-2.5 times, and, third, increasing the peak resolution of the method by ～25%. It should be noted that although when separating a mixture in the S(min)(CP)-chamber a slight increase in the experiment duration also occurs (by 20-50% depending on the sizes of the used plate), in all the cases chromatographic characteristics markedly improve (in comparison with separation in the same conditions, but without using of the counter plate).     

A computational study of the porosity effects in silica monolithic columns

We report on a theoretical study of the influence of the through-pore porosity on the main chromatographic performance parameters (reduced theoretical plate height, flow resistance, and separation impedance) of silica monoliths. To investigate this problem devoid of any structural uncertainties, computer-generated structural mimics of the pore geometry of silica monolithic columns have been studied. The band broadening in these synthetic monoliths was determined using a commercial Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software package. Three widely differing external porosities (epsilon = 0.38, epsilon = 0.60, and epsilon = 0.86) are considered and are compared on the basis of an identical intra-skeleton diffusivity (Ds = 5 x 10(-10)m2/s), internal porosity (epsilon(int) = 0.5), and for the same phase retention factor (k' = 1.25). Since the data are obtained for perfectly ordered structures, the calculated plate heights and separation impedances constitute the ultimate performance ever to be expected from a monolithic column. It is found that, if silica monoliths could be made perfectly homogeneous, domain size-based reduced plate heights as small as h(min) approximately 0.8 (roughly independent of the porosity) and separation impedances as small as Emin approximately 130 (epsilon = 0.60) and Emin approximately 40 (epsilon = 0.86) should be achievable with pure water as the working fluid. The data also show that, although the domain size is a much better reduction basis than the skeleton size, the former is still not capable of bringing the van Deemter curves of different porosity columns into perfect agreement in the C term dominated velocity range. It is found that, in this range, large porosity monoliths can be expected to yield smaller domain size-based reduced plate heights than small porosity monoliths.     

Force-driven migration of particles in ordered porous media

Brownian dynamics simulation has been employed to study the behavior of force-driven particle migration in different ordered porous media comprised of periodically interconnected spherical cavities, representing inverted colloidal crystals. The effects of the imposed field strength and direction on the particle mobility and direction are investigated. The simulation results find that in a weak or intermediate field, the mobility normalized by the value in free solvent behaves in a similar way as the normalized diffusivity when the porosity is varied. Under a strong field, the normalized mobility can increase or decrease with the field strength, depending on the field direction relative to the cavity arrangement. If the imposed field is not aligned with any unobstructed pathway, the mobility tensor may become anisotropic and prolonged particle entrapment may also take place.     

Use of Database of Plots of Pesticide Retention (R F ) Against Mobile-Phase Compositions for Fractionation of a Mixture of Pesticides by Micropreparative Thin-Layer Chromatography

Relationships between R _F values and mobile-phase composition have been determined for urea herbicides and fungicides in normal-phase systems (NP) of the type silica-nonpolar or weakly polar diluent (heptane, toluene, diisopropyl ether) – polar modifier (ethyl acetate, tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, ethyl-methyl ketone and 2-propanol). These relationships constitute a retention database which has enabled to choose optimum systems for preliminary fractionation of a multicomponent mixture of pesticides by zonal micropreparative TLC. The mixture was applied from the edge of the layer in the frontal + elution mode which increased the separation efficiency because or displacement effects. The separated simpler fractions were applied to a silica plate and rechromatographed. The plate was videoscanned, furnishing a real picture of the plate showing preliminary separation of the simpler pesticide fractions. Complete separation of the fractions was carried out by two-dimensional thin-layer chromatography on plates with chemically bonded-cyanopropyl silica stationary phase using non-aqueous eluent in the first direction and aqueous reversed-phase eluent in the second direction.     

Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry: a novel challenge in multiresidue pesticide analysis in food

Potential of ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) separation strategy coupled with tandem (in space) mass spectrometric detection (MS/MS) in multiresidue pesticide analysis was critically assessed. Performance parameters such as number of theoretical plates, height of theoretical plate, peak symmetry and peak capacity were measured/calculated on the basis of data generated by analysis of apple extracts containing 17 (semi)polar pesticides representing various classes of active ingredients of widely used crop protective preparations. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) procedure provided improved chromatographic parameters resulting in significantly increased sample throughput including lower solvent consumption and lower limits of quantitation (LOQs) for most of target analytes compared to common method employing conventional high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) separation.     

毛细管微乳液电动色谱和胶束电动色谱分离冰毒及其麻黄碱杂质的比较

通过毛细管微乳液电动色谱10 m in内同时分离了安非他明、甲基安非他明、4,5-亚甲基二氧基安非他明(MDA)和3-甲氧基-4,5-亚甲基二氧基安非他明(MDMA)4种苯丙胺类毒品及其麻黄碱、伪麻黄碱、甲基麻黄碱、甲基伪麻黄碱、去甲麻黄碱等麻黄生物碱杂质。比较了毛细管微乳液电动色谱和丁醇改进的胶束电动色谱模式对分离的影响,发现正丁醇是影响分离的最主要因素。本方法具有很好的重复性和稳定性,可实现对冰毒及其麻黄生物碱杂质的快速分析和鉴定,相对保留时间和相对峰面积的RSD分别小于1.3%和5.0%,可用于冰毒的实际来源推断。     

Modification of HPTLC-plates by in situ chemical bonding with non-polar and polar organosilanes

A method has been developed for the preparation of modified silica plates for high performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). Some typical organosilanes were thus allowed to react in situ with the silica of Merck HPTLC-plates. This method was found to be highly reproducible, simple and cheap. Non-polar plates were prepared and compared with commercial plates from Merck, Whatman and Macherey-Nagel. Modification with cyanodecyltrichlorosilane resulted in plates that showed good coverage, efficiency and low residual silica activity. Silica modified with a multifunctional silane has different properties in different organic solvents. It will appear to be non-polar in a polar solvent and vice versa. New advantageous separation systems are thus made feasible by the presence of cyano groups on the plate. The utility of modified thin-layer plates is demonstrated by the separation of some homologues of p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters and of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.     

Recent advances in the preparation of adsorbent layers for thin‐layer chromatography combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass‐spectrometric detection

This review is focused on planar chromatography hyphenated with mass‐spectrometric detection for analysis of low‐molecular‐mass solutes. Various kinds of hyphenations are discussed with attention paid to the preparation of thin layer plates suited both for the mass‐spectrometric detection of the resolved solutes direct from thin‐layer plates and for indirect mass‐spectrometric detection of the resolved solutes, performed by scraping, extracting, purifying, and concentrating the analyte from the thin‐layer chromatography plate. Plates with monolithic layers are relatively new for thin‐layer chromatography but they can successfully be combined with mass‐spectrometric technique in a pursuit of comprehensive local sample composition information. Preparation of monolithic layers of different porosity and structure based on organic, inorganic, and composite materials is illustrated together with examples of successful separation and detection of low‐molecular‐mass solutes by means of matrix‐assisted and surface‐assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry.     

High performance stationary phases for planar chromatography

The kinetic performance of stabilized particle layers, particle membranes, and thin films for thin-layer chromatography is reviewed with a focus on how layer characteristics and experimental conditions affect the observed plate height. Forced flow and pressurized planar electrochromatography are identified as the best candidates to overcome the limited performance achieved by capillary flow for stabilized particle layers. For conventional and high performance plates band broadening is dominated by molecular diffusion at low mobile phase velocities typical of capillary flow systems and by mass transfer with a significant contribution from flow anisotropy at higher flow rates typical of forced flow systems. There are few possible changes to the structure of stabilized particle layers that would significantly improve their performance for capillary flow systems while for forced flow a number of avenues for further study are identified. New media for ultra thin-layer chromatography shows encouraging possibilities for miniaturized high performance systems but the realization of their true performance requires improvements in instrumentation for sample application and detection.     

纤维素-三（3,5-二甲苯基氨基甲酸酯）手性固定相拆分氨鲁米特对映体

以纤维素-三（3,5-二甲苯基氨基甲酸酯）为手性固定相（Chiralcel OD-H）在高效液相色谱上拆分了氨鲁米特对映体。通过测定氨鲁米特在正己烷/乙醇和正己烷/异丙醇中的溶解度,优选了对样品溶解度大的流动相体系,并考察了流动相添加剂乙醇胺对拆分效果的影响。在此基础上进一步研究了流动相中乙醇含量、柱温和进样量对分离因子、分离度、不对称因子和理论板数的影响,从而确定了最佳的拆分条件：固定相为Chiralcel OD-H,流动相为正己烷/乙醇/乙醇胺（体积比为30：70：0.1）,柱温25℃。本文所得结果可为工业放大提供基础数据。     

Continuous development HPTLC and sequential wavelength scanning for the simultaneous determination of nine clinically important β-blocking drugs

High performance thin-layer chromatography was used for the separation of nine therapeutically important and structurally similar β-adrenoceptor blocking drugs on silica gel plates. In situ scanning of the plate in the reflectance mode gave detection limits in the low nanogram range depending on the individual drug and the wavelength selected for its determination. Scanning the HPTLC plate at several wavelengths can be used to aid the identification of partially resolved components. Continuous development and continuous multiple development techniques are compared for the simultaneous separation of the drug mixture.     

Synthesis and performance of HPTLC plates modified with cyanopropyl- and octadecyl-trichlorosilane

Chemical modification of commercial high performance thin-layer chromatography plates with various mixtures of cyano-propyltrichlorosilane and octadecyltrichlorosilane is described. Surface coverage by different treatments is demonstrated as well as the variations in chromatographic performance. With regard to the development in aqueous media the utility of CN/ ODS plates compared to ODS plates is also shown.