Polydopamine‐coated open tubular column for the separation of proteins by capillary electrochromatography

The separation and determination of proteins in food is an important aspect in food industry. Inspired by the self‐polymerization of dopamine under alkaline conditions and the natural adhesive properties of polydopamine, in this paper, a simple and economical method was developed for the preparation of polydopamine‐coated open tubular column, in which ammonium persulfate was used as the source of oxygen to induce and facilitate the polymerization of dopamine to form polydopamine. In comparison with a naked fused‐silica capillary, the direction and magnitude of the electro‐osmotic flow of the as‐prepared polydopamine‐coated open tubular column could be manipulated by varying the pH values of background solutions due to the existence of amine and phenolic hydroxyl groups on polydopamine coating. The surface morphology of the polydopamine‐coated open tubular column was studied by scanning electron microscopy, and the thickness of polydopamine coating was 106 nm. The performance of the polydopamine‐coated open tubular column was validated by analysis of proteins. The relative standard deviations of migration times of proteins representing run‐to‐run, day‐to‐day, and column‐to‐column were less than 3.5%. In addition, the feasibility of the polydopamine‐coated open tubular column for real samples was verified by the separation of proteins in chicken egg white and pure milk.     

Preparation of a long‐alkyl‐chain‐based hybrid monolithic column with mixed‐mode interactions using a “one‐pot” process for pressurized capillary electrochromatography

A simple “one‐pot” approach for the preparation of a new vinyl‐functionalized organic–inorganic hybrid monolithic column is described. In this improved method, the hydrolyzed alkoxysilanes of tetramethoxysilane and triethoxyvinylsilane were used as precursors for the synthesis of a silica‐based monolith, while 1‐hexadecene and sodium ethylenesulfonate were used as vinyl functional monomers along with azobisisobutyronitrile as an initiator. The effects of reaction temperature, urea content, and composition of organic monomers on the column properties (e.g. morphology, mechanical stability, and chromatographic performance) were investigated. The monolithic column was used for the separation of neutral solutes by reversed‐phase pressurized capillary. Furthermore, the monolith can separate various aromatic amines, which indicated its excellent cation‐exchange capability and hydrophobic interactions. The baseline separation of the aromatic amines was obtained with a column efficiency of up to 78 000 plates/m.     

Preparation,characterization and application of a new 25,27‐bis‐[2‐(5‐methylthiadiazole)thioethoxyl]‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐para‐tert‐butyl calix[4]arene stationary phase for HPLC

A new para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene column containing thiadiazole functional groups was prepared and used for the separation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds, aromatic amines, benzoic acid and its derivatives by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The effect of organic modifier content in the mobile phase on retention and selectivity of these compounds were investigated. The results indicate that the stationary phase behaves like reversed‐phase packing. However, hydrogen bonding, π–π and inclusion interactions seem to be involved in the separation process. The column has been successfully employed for the analysis of clenbuterol in pork and pig casing; the limit of detection and the limit of quantitation for this method by HPLC‐UV detection was 0.03 and 0.097 μg/mL, respectively; the method is demonstrated to be suitable and a competitive alternative analytical method for the determination of clenbuterol.     

A novel in situ strategy for the preparation of a β‐cyclodextrin/polydopamine‐coated capillary column for capillary electrochromatography enantioseparations

Inspired by the chiral recognition ability of β‐cyclodextrin and the natural adhesive properties of polydopamine under alkaline conditions, in this study, a rapid and in situ modification strategy was developed to fabricate β‐cyclodextrin/polydopamine composite material coated‐capillary columns for open tubular capillary electrochromatography. The results of scanning electron microscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, streaming potential, and electro‐osmotic flow studies indicated that β‐cyclodextrin/polydopamine was successfully fixed on the inner wall of the capillary column. This coating can be achieved within 1 h affording a greatly reduced capillary preparation time. The performance of the β‐cyclodextrin/polydopamine‐coated capillary was validated by the analysis of seven pairs of chiral analytes, namely epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoprenaline, terbutaline, verapamil, tryptophane, carvedilol. Good enantioseparation efficiencies were achieved for all. For three consecutive runs, the relative standard deviations for the migration times of the analytes for intraday, interday, and column‐to‐column repeatability were in the range of 0.41–1.74, 1.03–4.18, and 1.66–8.24%, respectively. Moreover, the separation efficiency of the β‐cyclodextrin/polydopamine‐coated capillary column did not decrease obviously over 90 runs. The strategy should also be feasible to introduce and immobilize other chiral selectors on the inner walls surface of capillary columns.     

Polydopamine‐assisted immobilization of zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography

In this work, we developed a capillary column modified with zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 as a novel stationary phase for open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. To immobilize zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 onto the inner surface of silica capillary, a bio‐inspired polydopamine functionalization was used to functionalize the capillary surface with polydopamine. First, a polydopamine layer was assembled inside the capillary. Second, due to noncovalent adsorption and covalent reaction ability, polydopamine could attract and anchor zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 onto the inner surface of capillary. It has been demonstrated that zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 was successfully grafted on the inner wall of the capillary by scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The electro‐osmotic flow characteristics of capillaries were also investigated by varying the pH value and acetonitrile content of mobile phase. The zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 coating not only increased the phase ratio of open‐tubular column, but also improved the interactions between tested analytes and the stationary phase. Three groups of isomers including acidic, basic, and neutral compounds were well separated on the zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 bonded column, with theoretic plate numbers up to 1.9 × 10⁵ N for catechol. The repeatability of the prepared columns was also studied, and the relative standard deviations for intra‐ and interday runs were less than 5%.     

Quinine‐modified polymer monolithic column with reversed‐phase /strong anion‐exchange mixed‐mode for pressurized capillary electrochromatography

Via the facile ring‐opening reaction of epoxy groups with quinine, a novel polymer monolith with quaternary ammonium for reversed‐phase/strong anion‐exchange mixed‐mode has been fabricated for pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC). Optimization on the preparation of quinine‐modified monoliths has been investigated, and characteristics including morphology, permeability, mechanical stability, reproducibility, and column performance have been also studied. Active quaternary ammonium groups were conveniently produced to generate cationic action sites and stable anodic electroosmotic flow. Multiple interactions including reversed‐phase, strong anion‐exchange, electrostatic repulsion and π–π stacking interactions were obtained. Satisfactory separation capability of various analytes such as alkylbenzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzoic acid and its homologs, and β₂‐receptor excitants has been achieved. Applied to the real sample, the good resolution of three alkaloids in Corydalis yanhusuo were achieved by pCEC with the quinine‐modified monolith. The results light a potential access to facilely fabricating quaternary ammonium‐functionalized polymer monolith with multiple interactions for efficient electrochromatography profiling of various compounds.     

Ionic liquid‐bonded polysiloxane as stationary phase for capillary gas chromatography

Ionic liquid (IL) stationary phase is especially suitable for separation of complex samples, owing to the “dual nature” of IL. In this study, a synthetic method of ionic liquid‐bonded polysiloxane (PSOIL) as stationary phase of GC was proposed. Then, the PSOIL was used to prepare an 8 m capillary column by static method. The column efficiency was measured to be about 4000 plates/m (k=3.55, naphthalene) after the column had been conditioned at 210°C. The durability of PSOIL column was better than that of the mixed stationary phase of IL and OV‐1. Moreover, the Abraham solvation parameter model was employed to characterize the PSOIL. The result revealed that the PSOIL had stronger dispersion force (l) than neat IL and stronger hydrogen bond basicity (a) than DB‐1. That meant the PSOIL might offer good selectivity for both polar and non‐polar analytes. The column exhibited unique selectivity for various organic substances, such as the homologous compounds of alkanes, esters, alcohols and aromatic compounds. It was also found that some aromatic positional isomers could be separated better on the PSOIL column than on the DB‐1 column. Furthermore, the stationary phase was suitable for separation of high‐boiling point compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalic esters, etc. All of these demonstrated that the PSOIL offered good selectivity and high separation efficiency for a wide range of analytes.     

Comprehensive analysis of pharmaceutical products using simultaneous mixed‐mode (ion‐exchange/reversed‐phase) and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography

Liquid chromatographic assays were developed using a mixed‐mode column coupled in sequence with a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column to allow the simultaneous comprehensive analysis of inorganic/organic anions and cations, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and excipients (carbohydrates). The approach utilized dual sample injection and valve‐mediated column switching and was based upon a single high‐performance liquid chromatography gradient pump. The separation consisted of three distinct sequential separation mechanisms, namely, (i) ion‐exchange, (ii) mixed‐mode interactions under an applied dual gradient (reversed‐phase/ion‐exchange), and (iii) hydrophilic interaction chromatography. Upon first injection, the Scherzo SS C₁₈ column (Imtakt) provided resolution of inorganic anions and cations under isocratic conditions, followed by a dual organic/salt gradient to elute active pharmaceutical ingredients and their respective organic counterions and potential degradants. At the top of the mixed‐mode gradient (high acetonitrile content), the mobile phase flow was switched to a preconditioned hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography column, and the standard/sample was reinjected for the separation of hydrophilic carbohydrates, some of which are commonly known excipients in drug formulations. The approach afforded reproducible separation and resolution of up to 23 chemically diverse solutes in a single run. The method was applied to investigate the composition of commercial cough syrups (Robitussin®), allowing resolution and determination of inorganic ions, active pharmaceutical ingredients, excipients, and numerous well‐resolved unknown peaks.     

Monolithic metal–organic framework MIL‐53(Al)‐polymethacrylate composite column for the reversed‐phase capillary liquid chromatography separation of small aromatics

A monolithic capillary column containing a composite of metal–organic framework MIL‐53(Al) incorporated into hexyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate was prepared to enhance the separation of mixtures of small aromatic compounds by using capillary liquid chromatography. The addition of 10 mg/mL MIL‐53(Al) microparticles increased the micropore content in the monolithic matrix and increased the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area from 26.92 to 85.12 m²/g. The presence of 1,4‐benzenedicarboxylate moieties within the structure of MIL‐53(Al) as an organic linker greatly influenced the separation of aromatic mixtures through π–π interactions. High‐resolution separation was obtained for a series of alkylbenzenes (with resolution factors in the range 0.96–1.75) in less than 8 min, with 14 710 plates/m efficiency for propylbenzene, using a binary polar mobile phase of water/acetonitrile in isocratic mode. A reversed‐phase separation mechanism was indicated by the increased retention factor and resolution as the water percentage in the mobile phase increased. A stability study on the composite column showed excellent mechanical stability under various conditions. The higher resolution and faster separation observed at increased temperature indicated an exothermic separation, whereas the negative values for the free energy change of transfer indicated a spontaneous process.     

Investigating retention characteristics of a mixed‐mode stationary phase and the enhancement of monolith selectivity for high‐performance liquid chromatography

The synthesis and chromatographic behavior of an analytical size mixed‐mode bonded silica monolith was investigated. The monolith was functionalized by an in situ modification process of a bare silica rod with chloro(3‐cyanopropyl)dimethyl silane and chlorodimethyl propyl phenyl silane solutions. These ligands were selected in order to combine both resonance and nonresonance π‐type bonding within a single separation environment. Selectivity studies were undertaken using n‐alkyl benzenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aqueous methanol and acetonitrile mobile phases to assess the methylene and aromatic selectivities of the column. The results fit with the linear solvent strength theory suggesting excellent selectivity of the column was achieved. Comparison studies were performed on monolithic columns that were functionalized separately with cyano and phenyl ligands, suggesting highly conjugated molecules were able to successfully exploit both of the π‐type selectivities afforded by the two different ligands on the mixed‐mode column.     

Facile Fabrication of Polymeric Ionic Liquid Grafted Porous Polymer Monolith for Mixed‐Mode High Performance Liquid Chromatography

A novel polymeric ionic liquid grafted porous polymer monolith has been facilely fabricated for mixed‐mode chromatography. The column is prepared from poly (glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate) monolith through hydrolyzation of the epoxy moieties into hydroxyl groups, followed by "grafting from" polymerization of ionic liquid of 1‐vinyl‐3‐butylimidazolium chloride. Successful modification is characterized by scanning electron microscope, infrared spectroscopy, elemental analysis and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The HPLC performance of developed column is evaluated by separating acidic vitamin B analytes, neutral steroids and basic aromatic amines in mixed‐mode chromatography on a single column, respectively. The ionic liquid affords the monolith with both enhanced separation ability and improved column efficiency.     

Naphthyl methacrylate‐based monolithic column for RP‐CEC via hydrophobic and π interactions

A neutral naphthyl methacrylate‐based monolith (NMM) was introduced for RP‐CEC of various aromatic compounds via hydrophobic and π interactions. It was characterized over a wide range of elution conditions to gain insight into its RP retention mechanism toward the various solute probes under investigation. First, the NMM column exhibited cathodal EOF at various mobile phase compositions and pH suggesting that although the NMM column is void of fixed charges, it acquires a negative zeta potential. It is believed that the negative zeta potential is imparted by the adsorption of mobile phase ions to the NMM surface. The NMM column exhibited π–π interactions in addition to hydrophobic interactions due to the aromatic and nonpolar nature of its naphthyl ligands. In all cases, the retention of the various aromatic test solutes including PAHs, benzene derivatives, toluene derivatives, anilines and toluidine, tolunitrile and nitrotoluene positional isomers on the NMM column were compared to their retention on an octadecyl acrylate‐based monolithic column. Not only were the values of the retention factors of the various solutes on the NMM column higher than those obtained on the octadecyl acrylate‐based monolithic column under otherwise the same CEC conditions, but the elution orders were also different on both columns with a superior and unique selectivity exhibited by the NMM column.     

Development and application of a new 25,27‐bis(l‐phenylalaninemethylester‐N‐carbonylmethoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene stationary phase

A 25,27‐bis(l ‐phenylalaninemethylester‐N‐carbonylmethoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐ para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase was synthesized, structurally characterized and used for LC. Its separation mechanism was studied and compared with octadecyl‐bonded stationary phase, as well as our previously prepared para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐1,2‐crown‐4 stationary phase. Meanwhile, the chromatographic behaviors were investigated by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, monosubstituted benzenes, anilines, phenols, Tanaka tests solutes, fluoroquinolones, and flavonoids as probes. Mechanisms involved in the chromatographic separation included hydrophobic, π‐π and π‐electron transfer, hydrogen bonding, and inclusion interactions. Moreover, the column was successfully employed for the analysis of the illegal additive of melamine in milk product.     

Sulfoalkylbetaine‐based monolithic column with mixed‐mode of hydrophilic interaction and strong anion‐exchange stationary phase for capillary electrochromatography

A novel monolithic stationary phase with mixed mode of hydrophilic and strong anion exchange (SAX) interactions based on in situ copolymerization of pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA), N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐methacryloxyethyl N‐(3‐sulfopropyl) ammonium betaine (DMMSA) and a selected quaternary amine acrylic monomer was designed as a multifunctional separation column for CEC. Although the zwitterionic functionalities of DMMSA and hydroxy groups of PETA on the surface of the monolithic stationary phase functioned as the hydrophilic interaction (HI) sites, the quaternary amine acrylic monomer was introduced to control the magnitude of the EOF and provide the SAX sites at the same time. Three different quaternary amine acrylic monomers were tested to achieve maximum EOF velocity and highest plate count. The fabrication of the zwitterionic monolith (designated as HI and SAX stationary phase) was carried out when [2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methylsulfate was used as the quaternary amine acrylic monomer. The separation mechanism of the monolithic column was discussed in detail. For charged analytes, a mixed mode of HI and SAX was observed by studying the influence of mobile phase pH and salt concentration on their retentions on the poly(PETA‐co‐DMMSA‐co‐[2‐(acryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium methylsulfate) monolithic column. The optimized monolith showed good separation performance for a range of polar analytes including nucleotides, nucleic acid bases and nucleosides, phenols, estrogens and small peptides. The column efficiencies greater than 192 000 theoretical plates/m for estriol and 135 000 theoretical plates/m for charged cytidine were obtained.     

Improvement of the chromatographic separation performance of an imidazolium ionic liquid functionalized silica column by in situ anion‐exchange with dodecyl sulfonate and dodecylbenzene sulfonate anions

The anionic part of ionic liquids can provide additional interactions during chromatographic separations. In this work, the chromatographic separation performance of a silica column functionalized with 1‐propyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ionic liquid was improved by in situ anion‐exchange from chloride anions to dodecyl sulfonate anions and dodecylbenzene sulfonate anions. The separation performances of these ionic liquid functionalized phases were investigated and compared with each other using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, parabens, and phenols as model compounds. Results indicated that the new columns presented a better chromatographic separation than the original one. This was ascribed retention mechanism from organic anions. The introduction of dodecyl sulfonate anions increased the hydrophobicity of stationary phase. Furthermore, the phenyl groups of dodecylbenzene sulfonate anions could provide an enhanced selectivity to aromatic compounds such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by π–π interactions. Analysis repeatability of the new columns was satisfactory (RSD of retention time, 0.10–0.40%; RSD of peak area, 0.66–0.84%).     

Dicationic imidazolium ionic liquid modified silica as a novel reversed‐phase/anion‐exchange mixed‐mode stationary phase for high‐performance liquid chromatography

A dicationic imidazolium ionic liquid modified silica stationary phase was prepared and evaluated by reversed‐phase/anion‐exchange mixed‐mode chromatography. Model compounds (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and anilines) were separated well on the column by reversed‐phase chromatography; inorganic anions (bromate, bromide, nitrate, iodide, and thiocyanate), and organic anions (p‐aminobenzoic acid, p‐anilinesulfonic acid, sodium benzoate, pathalic acid, and salicylic acid) were also separated individually by anion‐exchange chromatography. Based on the multiple sites of the stationary phase, the column could separate 14 solutes containing the above series of analytes in one run. The dicationic imidazolium ionic liquid modified silica can interact with hydrophobic analytes by the hydrophobic C₆ chain; it can enhance selectivity to aromatic compounds by imidazolium groups; and it also provided anion‐exchange and electrostatic interactions with ionic solutes. Compared with a monocationic ionic liquid functionalized stationary phase, the new stationary phase represented enhanced selectivity owing to more interaction sites.     

N-methylimidazolium-functionalized monolithic silica column for mixed-mode chromatography

The development of mixed-mode stationary phase to achieve multiple separation capabilities in one column is very important for high performance liquid chromatography. In this paper, a new specific stationary phase based on grafting N-methylimidazolium to a monolithic silica column was successfully prepared for performing capillary liquid chromatography. The characteristics of the column were evaluated by the separation of different types of compounds including inorganic anions, aromatic acids, nucleotides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylbenzenes, and phenols. The mechanisms for the separation of these compounds were investigated and appeared to involve the mixed interactions including anion-exchange, hydrophilic, π-π, dipole-dipole, and hydrophobic interactions.     

Poly(l‐lactic acid)‐modified silica stationary phase for reversed‐phase and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography

Poly(l ‐lactic acid) is a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester that can be produced from renewable resources. A poly(l ‐lactic acid)‐modified silica stationary phase was newly prepared by amide bond reaction between amino groups on aminopropyl silica and carboxylic acid groups at the end of the poly(l ‐lactic acid) chain. The poly(l ‐lactic acid)‐silica column was characterized in reversed‐phase liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography with the use of different mobile phase compositions. The poly(l ‐lactic acid)‐silica column was found to work in both modes, and the retention of test compounds depending on acetonitrile content exhibited “U‐shaped” curves, which was an indicator of reversed‐phase liquid chromatography/hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography mixed‐mode retention behavior. In addition, carbonyl groups included into the poly(l ‐lactic acid) backbone work as an electron‐accepting group toward a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and provide π–π interactions.     

Synthesis of boronate‐functionalized organic‐inorganic hybrid monolithic column for the separation of cis‐diol containing compounds at low pH

In this work, an organic‐inorganic hybrid boronate affinity monolithic column was prepared via “one‐pot” process using 4‐vinylphenylboronic acid as organic monomer and divinylbenzene as cross‐linker. The effects of reaction temperature, solvents and composition of organic monomers on the column properties (e.g. morphology, permeability, and mechanical stability) were investigated. A series of test compounds including small neutral molecules, aromatic amines, and cis‐diol compounds were used to evaluate the retention behaviors of the prepared hybrid monolithic column. The results demonstrated that the prepared hybrid monolith exhibited mixed‐interactions including hydrophilicity, cation exchange, and boronate affinity interaction. The run‐to‐run, day‐to‐day and batch‐to‐batch reproducibilities of the prepared hybrid monolith for thiourea's retention time were satisfactory with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 0.09, 1.45 and 4.05% (n = 3), respectively, indicating the effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method.     

Analysis of chlorophenols in environmental water using polydopamine‐coated magnetic graphene as an extraction material coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography

In this work, polydopamine‐coated magnetic graphene nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple solvothermal reaction and self‐polymerization of dopamine, and the as‐made nanocomposites were successfully applied as an effective adsorbent for the preconcentration of the four chlorophenols in environmental water samples before high‐performance liquid chromatography. The polydopamine‐coated magnetic graphene nanocomposites have several advantages such as a high surface area, fast separation ability, super‐hydrophilicity, and high peak intensities for aromatic analytes. Various parameters, including eluting solvent and volume, the amounts of absorbents, extraction time and elution time were optimized. Validation experiments showed that the optimized method had good linearity (r² > 0.9990), satisfactory precision (RSD < 6.7%) and high recovery (90–105%). The limits of detection were 0.013–0.020 μg/L and the limits of quantification ranged from 0.043 to 0.070 μg/L. The results indicated that the proposed method had advantages of convenience, good sensitivity, and high efficiency. The method has been applied successfully to analyze chlorophenols in real water samples.