Recent developments in the HPLC enantiomeric separation using chiral selectors identified by a combinatorial strategy

Two kinds of chiral stationary phases (CSPs) can be distinguished: (i) the "conventional" CSPs for which the selectivity is not pre-determined and (ii) the CSPs which are characterized by a predictable elution order, depending on the target enantiomer used for the selection of the chiral selector. At the present time, three general methodologies have been described to create chiral selectors specifically designed against the racemate to resolve: the molecular imprinting technology, the production of antibodies and the combinatorial approach. The latter methodology involves two categories of procedures to develop CSPs: an approach from a small library of low-molecular weight selectors and an approach from a very large library of single-stranded oligonucleotides (DNA and RNA aptamers). In this review, the recent advances in the HPLC applications of the chiral selectors identified through these two combinatorial procedures are addressed.