Method transfer for fast liquid chromatography in pharmaceutical analysis: application to short columns packed with small particle. Part II: gradient experiments.

Liquid chromatography (LC) is currently considered as the gold standard in pharmaceutical analysis. Today, there is an increasing need for fast and ultra-fast methods with good efficiency and resolution for achieving separations in a few minutes or even seconds. A previous article (i.e. method transfer for fast LC in pharmaceutical analysis. Part I: isocratic separation) described a simple methodology for performing a successful method transfer from conventional LC to fast and ultra-fast LC in isocratic mode. However, for performing complex separations, the gradient mode is often preferred. Thus, this article reports transfer rules for chromatographic separations in gradient mode. The methodology was applied for the impurity profiling of pharmaceutical compounds, following two strategies. A first approach, using short columns (20-50mm) packed with 3.5microm particles and optimized HPLC instrumentation (with reduced extra-column and dwell volumes), was applied for the separation of a pharmaceutical drug and eight related impurities. Special attention was paid to the dwell (gradient delay) volume, which causes the most detrimental effect for transferring a gradient method. Therefore, the dwell volume was simultaneously decreased with the column dead volume. Under optimal conditions, it was possible to reduce the analysis time by a factor of 10, with an acceptable loss in resolution since the column length reduction is less critical in gradient than isocratic mode. The second tested approach was Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC), where sub-2microm particles were used simultaneously with very high pressures (up to 1000bar). A complex pharmaceutical mixture containing 12 compounds was separated in only 1.5min allowing a reduction of the analysis time by a factor of 15 in comparison to a conventional method, with similar peak capacity.     

Development and validation of UPLC method for determination of primaquine phosphate and its impurities

With the objective of reducing analysis time and maintaining good efficiency, there has been substantial focus on high-speed chromatographic separations. Recently, commercially available ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) has proven to be one of the most promising developments in the area of fast chromatographic separations. In this work, a new isocratic reverse phase chromatographic method was developed using UPLC for primaquine phosphate bulk drug. The newly developed method is applicable for assay and related substance determination of the active pharmaceutical ingredient. The chromatographic separation of primaquine and impurities was achieved on a Waters Acquity BEH C18, 50 x 2.1mm, 1.7 microm column within a short runtime of 5 min. The method was validated according to the regulatory guidelines with respect to specificity, precision, accuracy, linearity and robustness. Forced degradation studies were also performed for primaquine phosphate bulk drug samples to demonstrate the stability indicating power of the UPLC method. Comparison of system performance with conventional HPLC was made with respect to analysis time, efficiency and sensitivity.     

Optimization and validation of conventional and micellar LC methods for the analysis of methyltestosterone in sugar-coated pills

Two isocratic liquid chromatographic methods (conventional and micellar) for the determination of methyltestosterone in sugar-coated pills using fluoxymesterone as internal standard have been developed and validated. In conventional liquid chromatography a mobile phase 45% water:acetonitrile 55% (v:v), a flow-rate 1 mlmin(-1) and a C(18) Hypersil ODS (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column (25 degrees C) were used. In micellar liquid chromatography the conditions were: mobile phase 40 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate: 10% propanol, flow-rate 0.5 mlmin(-1) and C(18) Hypersil ODS (150 x 3.0 mm, 5 microm) column (60 degrees C). For both methods, UV absorbance detection at 245 nm was used and a separation up to base line was achieved. Prior to HPLC analysis a simple sample preparation was required.     

Determination of nelfinavir mesylate as bulk drug and in pharmaceutical dosage form by stability indicating HPLC

A isocratic, selective, accurate and stability indicating HPLC method of analysis of nelfinavir mesylate both as a bulk drug and in formulations was developed and validated. A CN chromatographic column (250 mmx4.6 mm, 5 microm) was used for the separation at 40 degrees C. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of acetonitrile (MeCN) and 25 mM monobasic ammonium phosphate (containing 25 mM triethylamine, pH 3.4 with phosphate acid) (40:60, v/v) was delivered at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with detection at 210 nm. The developed method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, limit of quantitation, precision, accuracy and solution stability. As the proposed LC method achieved satisfactory resolution between nelfinavir mesylate, its degradation products, intermediate product possibly present in nelfinavir drug substance and other impurities in the end product before refining in the final step of synthetic process, it can be employed as a stability indicating one, used for the synthetic process control and determination of nelfinavir mesylate in pharmaceutical preparations.     

Practical comparison of 2.7 μm fused-core silica particles and porous sub-2 μm particles for fast separations in pharmaceutical process development

Fused-core silica stationary phases represent a key technological advancement in the arena of fast HPLC separations. These phases are made by fusing a 0.5 μm porous silica layer onto 1.7 μm nonporous silica cores. The reduced intra-particle flow path of the fused particles provides superior mass transfer kinetics and better performance at high mobile phase velocities, while the fused-core particles provide lower pressure than sub-2 μm particles. In this work, chromatographic performance of the fused-core particles (Ascentis Express) was investigated and compared to that of sub-2 μm porous particles (1.8 μm Zorbax Eclipse Plus C18 and 1.7 μm Acquity BEH C18). Specifically, retention, selectivity, and loading capacity were systematically compared for these two types of columns. Other chromatographic parameters such as efficiency and pressure drop were also studied. Although the fused-core column was found to provide better analyte shape selectivity, both columns had similar hydrophobic, hydrogen bonding, total ion-exchange, and acidic ion-exchange selectivities. As expected, the retention factors and sample loading capacity on the fused-core particle column were slightly lower than those for the sub-2 μm particle column. However, the most dramatic observation was that similar efficiency separations to the sub-2 μm particles could be achieved using the fused-core particles, without the expense of high column back pressure. The low pressure of the fused-core column allows fast separations to be performed routinely on a conventional LC system without significant loss in efficiency or resolution. Applications to the HPLC impurity profiling of drug substance candidates were performed using both types of columns to validate this last point.     

Validation of a HPLC method for the quantification and purity determination of SK3530 in drug substance and tablet

SK3530.2HCl, (2-(5-(4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazin-1-ylsulfonyl)-2-n-propoxyphenyl)-5-ethyl-7-n-propyl-3,5-dihydro-4H-pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4-one dihydrochloride), is a novel a new phosphodiesterase type V (PDE V) inhibiting agents. The pharmaceutical development of SK3530 necessitated the availability of an assay for the quantification and purity determination of SK3530 active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and its pharmaceutical dosage form. A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method with ultraviolet (UV) detection was developed, consisting of separation on a C18 column with a CapcellPack MG (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) column with ammonium acetate buffer (pH 4.0, 20 mM)-acetonitrile (60:40, v/v) as the isocratic mobile phase and UV detection at 250 nm. The method has been shown good chromatographic separation for SK3530 and the other related substances. The method was found to be linear 200-300 microg/ml, precise and accurate. Stress testing showed degradation products, which were well separated from the parent compound, confirming its stability-indication capacity. Moreover, the use of LC-MS and on-line diode array detection enabled us to propose structures for degradation products.     

Peak capacity in gradient ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC)

A prototype commercial instrument and 2.1 mm i.d. columns packed with 1.7 microm porous particles have been used to measure peak capacity in ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC). Peak capacity was measured for a small molecule pharmaceutical as a function of gradient time, mobile phase flow rate, and column length. For very fast analysis, the highest peak capacity is obtained from a short column operating at high linear velocities. If an even higher peak capacity is required, a longer analysis time must be employed, and a point is reached where switching to a longer column becomes the best approach.     

Liquid chromatographic resolution of the isomers of tipredane and phenylthioproline using urea-solubilized beta-cyclodextrin in the mobile phase.

Two LC assays were developed using urea-solubilized beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) as a mobile phase additive in combination with reversed-phase columns. A methylsilane column gave optimal resolution of the steroid tipredane from its epimer. An investigation of the effects of beta-CD concentration, column temperature, column type, and addition of ethanol on the chromatographic separation is detailed. The enantiomer and diastereoisomers of L-cis-phenylthioproline were best resolved by urea-solubilized beta-cyclodextrin and a trimethylsilane column. The elution order of L-cis-phenylthioproline relative to its stereoisomers was reversed after adding ethanol to the beta-CD containing mobile phase or by changing from a beta-CD to an acetylated beta-CD column. The resolution factors for these separations obtained using the beta-CD mobile phase were larger than those obtained using beta-CD columns. Mobile phases containing up to 0.15 M beta-CD and 8 M urea were investigated. The separation of these isomers are dramatically affected by column polarity.     

Conventional and micellar liquid chromatography method development for danazol and validation in capsules

Two isocratic liquid chromatographic methods (conventional and micellar) for the determination of danazol (DZ) in capsules using canrenone (CAN) as internal standard have been developed and validated. In conventional liquid chromatography a mobile phase 35% water:acetonitrile 65%, v:v, a flow-rate 1 ml min(-1) and a C18 Hypersil ODS (250 x 4.6 mm, 5 microm) column (25 degrees C) were used. In micellar liquid chromatography (MLC) the conditions were: mobile phase 40 mM sodium dodecyl sulfate:2% pentanol, flow-rate 0.5 ml min(-1) and C18 Hypersil ODS (150 x 3.0 mm, 5 microm) column (60 degrees C). For both methods. UV absorbance detection at 280 nm was used and a separation up to base line was achieved. Prior to HPLC analysis a simple sample preparation was required. The recoveries found in the accuracy test were 99 +/- 10 and 101 +/- 8%, in conventional liquid chromatography (CLC) and MLC, respectively. Repeatability and intermediate precision expressed as R.S.D. were lower than 5% for both methods. Detection limits obtained were 2.4 and 3.0 ng g(-1) in CLC and CLM, respectively.     

Comparison of liquid and supercritical fluid chromatography for the separation of enantiomers on chiral stationary phases

Comparisons of liquid (LC) and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) were conducted using commercially available chiral stationary phases (CSPs) bearing three different types of chiral selectors. Chiral compounds of pharmaceutical and agricultural interest were used to probe advantages or limitations of SFC relative to LC for enantiomeric separations. Column equilibration and parameter optimization were generally accomplished more rapidly in SFC than in LC. Although improved resolution was often observed in SFC, analysis times were not always lower in SFC than in LC. In some instances, SFC provided separation capabilities not readily accessible in LC.     

Shell and small particles; Evaluation of new column technology

The performance of 5 cm long columns packed with shell particles was compared to totally porous sub-2 μm particles in gradient and isocratic elution separations of hormones (dienogest, finasteride, gestodene, levonorgestrel, estradiol, ethinylestradiol, noretistherone acetate, bicalutamide and tibolone). Peak capacities around 140–150 could be achieved in 25 min with the 5 cm long columns. The Ascentis Express column (packed with 2.7 μm shell particles) showed similar efficiency to sub-2 μm particles under gradient conditions. Applying isocratic separation, the column of 2.7 μm shell particles had a reduced plate height minimum of approximately h = 1.6. It was much smaller than obtained with totally porous particles (h ≈ 2.8). The impedance time also proved more favorable with 2.7 μm shell particles than with totally porous particles. The influence of extra-column volume on column efficiency was investigated. The extra-column dispersion of the chromatographic system may cause a shift of the HETP curves.     

Separation and estimation of seven vasodilators using packed column supercritical fluid chromatography

This paper reports a method for an isocratic separation and simultaneous estimation of seven vasodilators: isosorbide mononitrate (ISMN), isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN), cyclandelate, nimodipine, amlodipine, pentifylline and pentoxifylline using packed column supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). An arbitrary choice of vasodilatory compounds with respect to their chemical structures was made to examine the viability of this technique for analysis of drugs and pharmaceuticals. Elution was performed on a RP-C₁₈ column. SFC offers several degrees of freedom: temperature, pressure and modifier concentration to attain optimum resolution and sensitivity. The effects of these parameters on retention time have been studied using methanol modified carbon dioxide. The analytes were identified and measured by UV-detection. The chromatographic points of merit have been listed. Detection limits appear to be similar to those found in liquid chromatography. Modifier concentration does generally make major changes in retention and selectivity. A full scale validation for the seven vasodilators has been attempted and the statistical quality evaluated.     

Selectivity manipulation in micellar electrokinetic chromatography.

Micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) permits the separation of electrically neutral analytes by chromatographic principles in a capillary electrophoresis system. The most effective way to obtain high resolution in MEKC is to increase the separation factor, as in conventional chromatography. The separation factor in MEKC depends on the molecular structure of the micelle and hence on the surfactant used, the pH of solution, and the nature of any additives to the micellar solution. The hydrophilic moieties of surfactant molecules generally affect selectivity more than do the hydrophobic moieties. Chiral surfactants enable the enantiomeric separation of mixtures of chiral solutes to be achieved. Mixed micelles consisting of ionic and nonionic surfactants display different selectivity from that of single ionic micelles. Additives such as cyclodextrins, ion-pair reagents, urea, organic solvents and metals can also serve as useful modifiers of the micellar solution for improving separation. In particular, cyclodextrins are useful for the separation of aromatic isomers and enantiomers. A general introductory guide to the design of successful separations by MEKC is proposed, based primarily on the author's work.     

A study of some practical aspects of high temperature liquid chromatography in pharmaceutical applications

In the pharmaceutical industry fast and efficient separation techniques play an increasing role among analytical methods because the samples to be investigated grow both in complexity and number, and there is an increasing time pressure to complete the analysis. Reducing the analysis time without decreasing the efficiency is possible using higher pressures, elevated temperatures, smaller particle sizes, or a combination of these approaches. Recently developed chromatographic techniques such as the UHPLC (ultra high performance liquid chromatography) and HTLC (high temperature liquid chromatography) are highly promising in meeting these demands. In this study, high temperature liquid chromatography (HTLC) with a zirconia-based column and temperatures elevated up to 150°C was used. We investigated the chromatographic behaviour of a steroid active pharmaceutical ingredient (levonorgestrel) and its structurally related impurities as model compounds. The effect of the temperature in the range of 50-150°C and the flow-rate in the range of 0.5-3.0 ml/min, and using methanol as an organic modifier, were studied for optimisation of the separation method.     

The use of partially porous particle columns for the routine,generic analysis of biological samples for pharmacokinetic studies in drug discovery by reversed-phase ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry

Recent years have seen the introduction of new high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) instruments and columns that are capable of achieving high resolution, high speed liquid chromatographic separations at back pressures up to 1000 bar, so-called ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS) is gaining widespread use for this purpose, and for this approach to be successful a generically applicable, robust column is required. Here, data are presented showing the robustness of a partially porous 2.7 μm diameter particle material in this application and the accuracy and precision of an assay for a typical pharmaceutical in plasma. This stationary phase material is evaluated for performance and compared with other materials frequently used for similar analyses using a test mix currently used routinely in our laboratories to assess the performance of UHPLC–MS/MS systems. The partially porous material demonstrates similar resolving power to sub-2 μm materials under the ballistic gradient chromatography conditions employed and exhibits excellent resilience over the analysis of thousands of protein precipitated plasma extracts. It is suggested that this stationary phase material can be an invaluable tool in generic, high throughput assays for pharmaceutical bioanalysts.     

Miniaturized HPLC and ionspray mass spectrometry applied to the analysis of Paclitaxel and taxanes

Analysis of the antitumor agent Paclitaxel, related taxane analogues and yew tree bark extracts has been carried out using an HPLC system capable of performing chromatographic separations with conventional, small-bore, and micro-bore columns. Both diode array detector and mass spectrometry were incorporated into this system, providing additional spectral and structural information for identification of unknown samples. In conjunction with some basic theoretical studies dealing with miniaturized HPLC systems, experiments were designed to minimize the contribution of extra-column variances. Three chromatographic columns, 4.6, 2, and 1 mm i.d., were evaluated using a standard mixture consisting of Paclitaxel and three analogues. The experimental results obtained in these columns demonstrated good correlation with theoretical calculations with respect to the sensitivity enhancement. Studies on the combination of miniaturized HPLC with ionspray mass spectrometry for Paclitaxel samples showed dramatic improvement of MS performance as compared to conventional LC/MS. The advantages of this miniaturized LC/MS system are evidenced by enhanced mass sensitivity, which was more than two order of magnitude higher when changed from a 4.6 mm i.d. column to a 2.0 mm i.d. column, greatly improved peak shape, and the potential gain of efficiency. These studies demonstrate great potential of miniaturized HPLC/MS systems for structural characterization and confirmation of various pharmaceutical compounds.     

Investigating the human metabolism of acetaminophen using UPLC and exact mass oa-TOF MS

The ability to rapidly detect and characterize drug metabolites in biological fluids often relies on a combination of a high quality chromatographic separation and sensitive high resolution mass spectrometry. Here, the performance of two high throughput LC/MS approaches, namely monolith columns and sub-2 microm particle Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography (UPLC) columns is compared for the detection and identification of the human metabolites of acetaminophen in urine. The UPLC system produced approximately three times the sensitivity and detected more metabolites than the monolithic column approach. The sharp peaks produced by UPLC seem to be particularly advantageous when coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry, apparently reducing ion suppression leading to superior sensitivity and hence lower limits of detection.     

An isocratic ion exchange HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of flucloxacillin and amoxicillin in a pharmaceutical formulation for injection

An isocratic ion exchange high performance liquid chromatography method was developed for the simultaneous determination of flucloxacillin and amoxicillin in pharmaceutical formulations for injections. The separation was made by a ZORBAX 300-SCX column using 0.025 M ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (adjusted to pH 2.6 with phosphoric acid)-acetonitrile (95:5) as mobile phase. The validation of the method was performed, and specificity, reproducibility, precision and accuracy were confirmed. The limits of quantification were approximately 0.2 microg/ml for each drug. Due to its simplicity and accuracy the method is particularly suitable for routine pharmaceutical quality control.     

Evaluation of LC methods for the separation of phenoxymethylpenicillin and its related substances.

Five isocratic reversed-phase liquid chromatography (LC) methods have been examined for the separation of phenoxymethylpenicillin and its related substances. A method previously selected for the analysis of benzylpenicillin gave the best selectivity. The mobile phase of this method is composed of 0.5 M phosphate buffer (pH 3.5)-water-methanol (10:50:40), the amount of organic modifier was slightly adapted when it was used with different columns. Similar selectivity is obtained not only on different C18 materials but also on C8 packings. The selectivity on poly(styrenedivinylbenzene) is less good. As method performance test a resolution test with benzylpenicillin was used. The robustness of this method was examined by applying a full factorial design to test the influence of the content of organic modifier in the mobile phase, the pH of the mobile phase, the concentration of buffer in the mobile phase and the temperature of the column. The results show that the method is robust.     

A liquid chromatographic method for simultaneous determination of amoxicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium in a combination formulation

An isocratic liquid chromatographic method with UV detection at 210nm is described for simultaneous determination of amoxicillin sodium and sulbactam sodium in a new combination formulation. Chromatographic separation of the two drugs was achieved on a Hypersil C(18) column using a mobile phase consisting of a binary mixture of methanol and 0.01mol/l sodium acetate (5:95, v/v). The commonly used paired-ion aqueous mobile phase for the determination of penicillins was avoided in this study. The developed LC method offers symmetric peak shape, good resolution and reasonable retention time for both drugs. Linearity, accuracy and precision were found to be acceptable over the concentration ranges of 155.3-1553.0microg/ml for amoxicillin sodium and 45.0-450.0microg/ml for sulbactam sodium. The proposed LC method can be used for the quality control of formulated products containing these two drugs.