Determination of 4-Hydroxyphenyllactic Acid in Human Urine by Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction and High-Performance Anion-Exchange Chromatography with Fluorescence Detection

A novel, simple, rapid, and accurate method is reported for the determination of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid in human urine by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography with fluorescence detection and magnetic solid-phase extraction. The separation and pretreatment conditions for urine were optimized. The isolation of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid was performed with isocratic elution with 4?mmol?L^?1 sodium hydroxide at 0.45?mL min^?1. Fluorescence detection was performed at an excitation wavelength of 277?nm and an emission wavelength of 340?nm. Under the optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range and the limit of detection for 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid were 0.05–10 and 0.020?mg?L^?1, respectively. The recovery for the analyte was from 86.5 to 105.5%, with relative standard derivations less than 4.12%. The method was used for the determination of 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid in human urine. Statistically significant differences in the 4-hydroxyphenyllactic acid concentration in urine were obtained between healthy control and individuals with breast cancer.