Stability of inorganic mercury and methylmercury on yeast-silica gel microcolumns: field sampling capabilities

The stability of methylmercury and inorganic mercury retained on yeast-silica gel microcolumns was established and compared with the stability of these species in solution. Yeast-silica gel columns with the retained analytes were stored for two months at three different temperatures: -20 degrees C, 4 degrees C and room temperature. At regular time intervals, both mercury species were eluted and quantified by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Methylmercury was found stable in the columns over the two-month period at the three different temperatures tested while the concentration of inorganic mercury decreased after one week's storage even at -20 degrees C. These results are of great interest since the use of these microcolumns allows the preconcentration and storage of mercury species until analysis, thus saving laboratory space and avoiding the problems associated with maintaining species integrity in aqueous solution.     

Cholesteric bonded stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography: a comparative study of the chromatographic behavior

The properties of four cholesteric bonded stationary phases differing in the nature of the spacer and the end-capping were assessed using simple chromatographic tests based on the retention of nonpolar compounds and of planar or nonplanar probe solutes. All cholesteric columns showed a hydrophobicity close to that of conventional octadecyldimethylsilyl (ODS) materials. Non-end-capped cholesteric bonded phases showed greater selectivity than ODS ones and both end-capped cholesteric bonded phases exhibit behavior intermediate between that of the non-end-capped original material and that of the ODS bonded phase.     

Influence of the diameter of monolithic capillary columns on their gas chromatography characteristics

Divinylbenzene polymer monolithic capillary columns were prepared on the basis of capillaries 0.01 to 0.53 mm in diameter. Separation properties of the columns were investigated with the use of a test mixture of light hydrocarbons. The permeability and C parameter in the Van Deemter equation were determined for all the columns. For the most part, the columns had similar characteristics: permeability was in the range (2.2 ± 0.2) × 10^?9 cm², with parameter C in the range (0.7 ± 0.2) × 10^?3 s (with n-butane as a sorbate). It was thus established that capillary diameter has only a slight effect on the efficiency of monolithic capillary columns (unlike packed capillary columns and microcolumns, whose properties, according to the literature data, depend strongly on the column diameter). The difference in properties between the narrowest monolithic column (capillary diameter 0.01 mm) and the others is explained by column overloading.     

Monolithic rod columns for HPLC based on divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer with 1-vinylimidazole and 4-vinylpyridine

Monolithic chromatographic columns for HPLC based on divinylbenzene-styrene both with 1-vinylimidazole and with 4-vinylpyridine are prepared. The monoliths were synthesized in glass tubes with the inner diameter of 2?mm. Texture, hydrodynamic and chromatographic properties of the prepared columns were studied. Linear solvation energy relationships model was applied for the characterization of columns selectivity It is shown that changing the on 1-vinylimidazole or 4-vinylpyridine content in the initial solution allows to change the selectivity of the columns. An examples of small molecules and some proteins separations are presented.     

Stability of inorganic mercury and methylmercury on yeast-silica gel microcolumns: field sampling capabilities

The stability of methylmercury and inorganic mercury retained on yeast-silica gel microcolumns was established and compared with the stability of these species in solution. Yeast-silica gel columns with the retained analytes were stored for two months at three different temperatures: –20?°C, 4?°C and room temperature. At regular time intervals, both mercury species were eluted and quantified by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). Methylmercury was found stable in the columns over the two-month period at the three different temperatures tested while the concentration of inorganic mercury decreased after one week’s storage even at –20?°C. These results are of great interest since the use of these microcolumns allows the preconcentration and storage of mercury species until analysis, thus saving laboratory space and avoiding the problems associated with maintaining species integrity in aqueous solution.     

Comparison of C18 silica bonded phases selectivity in micellar liquid chromatography

The paper describes a new test designed in micellar LC (MLC) to compare the commercial C18 stationary phase properties. This test provides the total hydrophobicity, hydrophilicity, steric selectivity, hydrogen bonding, and ion‐exchange capacity properties calculation of the ODS stationary phases. Both the test compounds and chromatographic separation conditions choice for column characterization in MLC are detailed. The chromatographic performance of several stationary phases that are used in MLC was evaluated with specific chromatographic test comprising nine test compounds, possessing different physico‐chemical properties, which were injected on different supports with two micellar mobile phases: one at pH 7.0 (0.075 mol/L SDS and 1.5% v/v 1‐pentanol), and other at pH 2.7 (0.075 mol/L SDS and 1.5% v/v 1‐pentanol adjusted to pH by TFA). Fundamental column chromatographic properties were obtained under these conditions and were treated by hierarchical cluster analysis. From the results of cluster analysis, two closely related groups of columns are distinguished, and it was shown that the chosen column characteristic parameters allow characterizing both sorbent and micellar chromatographic system properties. Eleven columns were analyzed by this test, which allows a comparison of columns with the aim of the selection of suitable and analogous column for the analysis with MLC.     

Chromatographic characterisation of monolithic capillary columns for liquid chromatography based on methyltrimethoxysilane as sole precursor

A set of monolithic capillary columns for liquid chromatography, synthesized according to a recently developed protocol which uses methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) as a sole precursor, is characterised by various chromatographic tests to assess its physico-chemical properties. The new stationary phase material shows a hydrophobicity (assessed on the basis of methylene selectivity) comparable to commercial C(8) columns. The MTMS-based columns exhibit a reduced affinity towards planar molecules such as PAHs, compared to C(18) modified columns, which can be explained by a retention mechanism that is more governed by adsorption rather than partitioning. In comparison to commercial products an only moderate silanol activity was observed, even without any endcapping procedure applied. Selectivity between hydrophobic test compounds showed to be uniform between the columns investigated in this study, whereas retention factors differed up to 20% (batch-to-batch reproducibility) between columns produced under the same conditions. For most of the materials investigated in this study, size exclusion towards even only slightly larger molecules such as triphenylene was observed. It was demonstrated that inclusion of a micelle-forming detergent such as Brij in the synthetic protocol could partially overcome this problem.     

Disposable microcolumns with welded metal frits

This study reports the preparation of disposable microcolumns with welded metal frits for the first time. First, the bottom of glass‐lined stainless‐steel tubing of 30 cm length, 1.6 mm od, and 0.5 mm id was welded with a stainless‐steel screen frit of 1.6 mm diameter. A micro‐welding machine was used for this. Next, the column was connected to a slurry packer and packed with porous silica particles. Then, the inlet of the column was carefully welded with another frit. The column was tested for separation of a test mix composed of phenol, 2‐nitrophenol, acetophenone, aceanilide, and benzamide. Another column of the same physical dimension was also prepared with frits that were not welded to the column. The chromatographic performances of the two groups of columns (welded frits versus non‐welded frits) were examined. The columns of welded frits showed ca. 18% better separation efficiency (number of theoretical plates) than those of non‐welded frits.     

Chromatographic Purification of Tritiated Steroids Prior to Use in Radioimmunoassay

Abstract

The purity of tritiated steroids used as reagents in radio immunoassay plays an important role in the reliability of the assay. These radioactive reagents should be assessed for purity upon receipt and the purity should be checked periodically afterward. For such purposes, we have used chromatographic purification on Celite microcolumns. By charging the polarity of the stationary and mobile phases, 20 different tritiated steroids with a wide range of polarity could be purified on these microcolumns. This approach is easy, rapid, economical, and reliable.     

Characterization of monolithic columns for HPLC

Monolithic stationary phases and columns have rapidly become highly popular separation media for liquid chromatography, in spite of their recent discovery. However, their most important features have not yet been completely clarified. A complete understanding of their performance and of their intrinsic characteristics will require the systematic acquisition of many series of reliable experimental data and their consistent analysis from different points of view. Progress in their design and production requires now that the chromatographic behavior of monolithic columns be studied in close connection with their physico-chemical and structural properties. The main goal of this review is to summarize fundamental information on some physico-chemical and chromatographic characteristics of monolithic stationary phases and columns for RPLC. The material reviewed deals only with silica-based monolithic columns. First, structural information on the porosities and the size of the pores in monolithic columns is reported. Second, results of chromatographic studies that deal with the characterization of monolithic columns are summarized. Third, results of detailed studies made on the adsorption equilibrium and the surface heterogeneity of monolithic stationary phases are presented. Finally, results on the mass transfer kinetics in monolithic columns derived from the applications of the classical random-walk model and of the moment theory to a new model of the monolith are discussed.     

Determining the vinyl alcohol distribution in poly(vinyl butyral) using normal-phase gradient polymer elution chromatography

The application of film-forming organic polymers, which are in common use in membrane technology, as chromatographic adsorbents for packed and capillary columns has been suggested. The chromatographic characteristics of poly[1-(trimethylsilyl)-1-propine] (PTMSP) as an adsorbent were studied. The film-forming properties of PTMSP simplify manufacturing of capillary and packed gas–solid columns. It was shown that separation of C₁–C₄ hydrocarbon gases on the columns with PTMSP is of practical interest. In the authors’ opinion, PTMSP is also promising for the separation of inorganic gases.     

Fast headspace analysis with short microcapillary columns

Summary A new method of analysis using headspace gas chromatography with microcapillary columns is proposed. Small diameter (50 μm I.D.) fused-silica capillary columns with non-extractable SE-54 and PS-255 polysiloxane stationary phases were used for the analysis of low boiling organic compounds. The small diameter columns possess the usual very high efficiency so that the method can be employed for the headspace analysis of complex mixtures. The use of short microcolumns reduces the analysis times in comparison to conventional capillary columns. Good performances were obtained in the analysis of volatile compounds in some lemon essential oil, perfumes, and water samples.     

Investigation of monolithic capillary columns based on ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in gas chromatography

The influence of the conditions of the synthesis of polymer monoliths based on ethylene glycol dimethacrylate on the properties of monolithic capillary columns for gas chromatography was investigated. It was established that the time of polymerization, the temperature of synthesis, and the composition of the polymerization mixture have a strong effect on the dynamic and chromatographic properties of the columns. It was concluded that monolithic capillary columns synthesized under optimum conditions are characterized by a height equivalent to a theoretical plate of 30–40 μm, which is considerably less than that for traditional hollow capillary columns of the same diameter.     

Analysis of drug–protein binding by ultrafast affinity chromatography using immobilized human serum albumin

Human serum albumin (HSA) was explored for use as a stationary phase and ligand in affinity microcolumns for the ultrafast extraction of free drug fractions and the use of this information for the analysis of drug–protein binding. Warfarin, imipramine, and ibuprofen were used as model analytes in this study. It was found that greater than 95% extraction of all these drugs could be achieved in as little as 250 ms on HSA microcolumns. The retained drug fraction was then eluted from the same column under isocratic conditions, giving elution in less than 40 s when working at 4.5 mL/min. The chromatographic behavior of this system gave a good fit with that predicted by computer simulations based on a reversible, saturable model for the binding of an injected drug with immobilized HSA. The free fractions measured by this method were found to be comparable to those determined by ultrafiltration, and equilibrium constants estimated by this approach gave good agreement with literature values. Advantages of this method include its speed and the relatively low cost of microcolumns that contain HSA. The ability of HSA to bind many types of drugs also creates the possibility of using the same affinity microcolumn to study and measure the free fractions for a variety of pharmaceutical agents. These properties make this technique appealing for use in drug-binding studies and in the high-throughput screening of new drug candidates.     

Simulataneous Measurement of Plasma Dehydroepiandrosterone and 16a-Hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone by Radioimmunoassay

Abstract

Combining a simple chromatographic system on celite microcolumns with partially specific antisera as binding reagents, simultaneous radioimmunoassay of dehydroepiandrosterone and 16a-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone could be performed on the same aliquot of plasma. These steroids have been measured in plasma samples obtained from subjects of both sexes under various conditions.     

Microcolumn liquid chromatography of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and some isomeric compounds on cyclodextrin stationary phases

Preparative-grade bonded β- and γ-cyclodextrin stationary phases were used as the packing material of liquid chromato-graphic analytical microcolumns. Although the resulting columns are characterized by relatively low efficiency, the high selectivity of the cyclodextrin phases nevertheless allows their successful use for the separation of different classes of isomeric compounds that are difficult to resolve on conventional LC stationary phases. Examples of baseline (or almost baseline) separations of a number of isomeric compounds, including isomeric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, are presented to demonstrate the analytical potential of such columns. Retention behavior of the separated isomers is discussed based on the structure of the solute molecule and the possibility of its inclusion into the molecular cavity of cyclodextrin stationary phases.     

Planar chromatographic method development using the PRISMA optimization system and flow charts

This study presents a modern planar chromatographic method-development procedure, based on the "PRISMA" optimization system, in which the optimum separation is achieved systematically and the structures and properties of the substances to be separated are not known. The procedure consists of three stages. In the first of these the basic conditions the stationary phase, vapor phase, and individual solvents are selected with a TLC procedure (generally in nonsaturated chromatographic chambers). In the second stage, the optimum combination of the selected solvents is determined with the PRISMA model. The third part of the procedure includes the selection of the development mode (circular, linear, or anticircular); the selection of an appropriate forced-flow chromatographic technique (over-pressured layer chromatography or rotation planar chromatography) with high-performance thin-layer chromatographic plates; the transfer of the optimized mobile phase to the various analytical, planar, or column preparative liquid chromatographic techniques; and the selection of the operating conditions. For practical reasons, the optimization process is presented with the help of flow charts.     

Macroporous polymeric monoliths as stationary phases in gas adsorption chromatography

The influence of the conditions of preparation of divinylbenzene-based polymer monoliths on the properties of monolithic capillary columns for use in gas adsorption chromatography was examined. It was found that the polymerization time and the temperature and composition of the polymerization mixture have an effect on the dynamic and chromatographic properties of the columns. The monolithic capillary columns prepared under the optimal synthesis conditions had the height equivalent of a theoretical plate at the level of 20–30 μm, which is an order of magnitude below that of conventional open tubular columns.     

Chromatographic properties and polarity evaluation of poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) and poly(1-phenyl-1-propyne)

The chromatographic properties of poly(1-trimethylsilyl-1-propyne) (PTMSP) and poly(1-phenyl-1-propyne) (PPP) were studied by gas chromatography using packed columns. The selectivity and efficiency of columns packed with PTMSP and PPP were compared to the data obtained for columns with other known adsorbents and stationary phases. The McReynolds and Rohrschneider constants, on the basis of which the polarity of the new phases was evaluated, were calculated. The results of the investigation of chromatographic properties allow PTMSP to be brought in line with the polymeric adsorbents Porapak Q, Porapak QS, and Chromosorb 106, while PPP, with the methyphenylsilicon phases SE-52 and OV-3.     

Liquid-crystalline stationary phases for gas chromatography

Physico-chemical properties of new liquid-crystalline stationary phases (LCSPs) for gas chromatography are reviewed. The mechanism of chromatographic separation on liquid-crystalline stationary phases is discussed and examples of analyses of complex mixtures of organic compounds using capillary and packed columns are given.