Comparison of the retention behavior of β-blockers using immobilized artificial membrane chromatography and lysophospholipid micellar electrokinetic chromatography

We have demonstrated that significant differences exist between the retention of eight β-blockers analyzed with immobilized artificial membrane (IAM) and lysophospholipid micellar electrokinetic capillary (LMEKC) chromatographic methods. The general retention trends are maintained with highly hydrophilic compounds such as atenolol eluting first and more hydrophobic compounds such as propranolol eluting last. The retention order, however, is different and would result in major ranking differences. LMEKC demonstrates a better correlation with liposomal partitioning (R²=0.95) than does IAM chromatography (R²=0.60). LMEKC, with its higher efficiency, can allow a more specific evaluation of lipophilicity than IAM chromatography and is useful in the analysis of pharmaceutical candidates, particularly for ranking purposes.