analsys sciences - introduction to hplc
TRANSCRIPT
Table of contents
AnalySys Sciences
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AnalySys Scienceswww.analysciences.com
Training
Method development
Chromatography
Mass Spectrometry
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High Performance Liquid Chromatography
Table of contents.
History
Chromatography – an introduction
Essential Theory
HPLC Hardware
Pumps
Detectors
UV-vis detectors
Fluorescence
Refractive Index
Diode array detection
Evaporative Light Scattering
Charged Aerosol detection
Electrochemical detection
Conductometric detectors
Amperometric detectors
Columns
Injectors
Mass spectrometry in HPLC
Troubleshooting HPLC systems
Validating HPLC systems
Sample Preparation in HPLC
Method development basics
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HPLC – The Basics
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100 years of chromatography
March 21, 1903
At the Warsaw Society of
Natural Scientists, Russian
botanist, Mikhail
Semenovich Tswett
presented the first lecture
on chromatographic
separation.
Kroma = color
graphein = writing
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Tswett’s separation
Tswett, MS (1906) Physico-chemical studies on
chlorophyll adsorptions.
Berichte der Deutschen botanischen Gesellschaft,
24, 316-23
Tswett, MS (1906) Adsorption analysis and
chromatographic method. Application to the
chemistry of chlorophyll.
Berichte der Deutschen botanischen Gesellschaft,
24, 385
http://www.life.uiuc.edu/govindjee/Part2/34_Krasnovsky.pdf
http://web.lemoyne.edu/~giunta/tswett.html
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When a chlorophyll solution in petrol ether is filtered through the column of an adsorbent …then the pigments will be separated from the top down in individual colored zones…the pigments which are adsorbed stronger will displace those which are retained more weakly.
Amongst the adsorption means I can provisionally recommend precipitated CaCO3 which gives the most beautiful chromatograms.
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"Like light rays in the spectrum, the different components of a pigment mixture, obeying a law, are separated on the calcium carbonate column and can thus be qualitatively and quantitatively determined.
I call such a preparation a chromatogram and the corresponding method the chromatographic method."
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Chromatography is …
“…a method in which the components of a mixture are separated on an adsorbent column in a flowing system". M.Tswett
A separation involving two phases and the sample. The sample mixture undergoes a series of interactions between these two phases, resulting in separation of its components.
Sample components elute in increasing order of interaction
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What interaction?Some mechanisms…
Adsorption
…analyte in mobile liquid phase
adsorbed onto stationary solid
phase. Equilibration between the
mobile and stationary phase results
in separation
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Partition
…thin film of a liquid stationary
phase formed on a solid
support.
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Ion-exchange
IE resin is used to covalently
attach anions or cations
onto it. Solute ions of the
opposite charge are
attracted to the resin
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Affinity
specific interaction between a solute molecule and a molecule that is immobilized on a stationary phase
eg. Protein / antibody
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Size Exclusion
a porous gel separates
molecules by size.
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Chromatography is …
…a “tug-of-war” between the mobile phase and the
stationary phase – each tries to hold on to the
sample as long as possible.
At the end of this war we get …
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One Chromatogram
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Some Equations
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Retention Volume
Volume of mobile phase required to elute a
particular analyte.
VR = tR x Fc
tR = Retention time
Fc = Flow rate
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Retention Time
Dead Time/volume
Retention time / retention volume
taken by an unretained solute to
elute from the system. Represents
the combined volume of tubings,
detector flow cell, injector loop,
column volume.
Relative (corrected) retention
time
0R Rt t t
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Partition Co-efficient(Distribution / Adsorption co-efficient)
M
sCK
C
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Partition Ratio (Capacity Factor)
Measure of the time spent by a solute in the mobile phase, with respect to the stationary phase.
For baseline separation,
K’ > 2
0
0
Rt tK
t
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Relative retention (Selectivity / separation factor)
For baseline separation, a > 1.5
2
1
k
ka
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Selectivity
Depends on
• Nature of the two phases
• Column temperature
higher temperature
will increase a
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Resolution
For baseline separation, Rs >2
2 1
1 2
2
R Rs
t tR
w w
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Peak Width (4s)
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Tailing factor (Asymmetry/ Skew factor)
BCAs
CA
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Tailing factor - 2
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System Suitability Parameters USP
Plate count > 2000 plates/meter
Tailing factor < 2
Resolution > 2
Partition ratio > 2
Relative retention > 1.5
Precision / repeatability RSD </= 1% for n >/= 5
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Chromatography Theories
or… why a column will not do what it’s told..
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Plate theory Martin and Synge (1941)
Nobel in Chemistry, 1952 for “their invention of partition chromatography”
Column assumed to be similar to a distillation column.
Separation occurs across a series of theoretical plates. Height Equivalent to a theoretical
plate. (HETP)
Higher number of theoretical plates (smaller HETP) improves column performance.
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Rate theory Dr JJ Van Deemter (1956)
Plate theory does not explain
band spreading and peak
broadening.
Does not take into account
packing material, flow rate and
column geometry.
Rate theory takes into account
various factors that cause peak
broadening.
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Van Deemter Equation
linear velocity ( flow rate)
CH A B
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A term – Multipath effect
Eddy diffusion
Analyte molecules take
different paths thro‟ the
packing, leading to band
broadening
Reduce particle size
Backpressure will increase
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B term
Longitudinal diffusion / wall effect
Distortion of the mobile phase front, due to varying velocity across the column, especially at the column wall
Increase flow rate
Backpressure will increase.
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C term – mass transfer resistance
Analytes remain trapped in
stagnant pockets in the
packing.
Decrease flow rate
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Columns – Van Deemter plot
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HETP Height Equivalent to a theoretical plate
2
2
4
16
2
5.54
R
R
LH
t
LH
t
s
s
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Plate Count
2
2
164
255
R
R
t
t
s
s
2
5.542
R
LN
H
t
s
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Plate count – what it means to the user.
The plate count gives an idea of the efficiency and separating power of a column.
Higher plate count for a given column impliesbetter performance (but does not guarantee it !!)
Plate count is affected by: Nature of sample
Flow rate
Detector flow cell volume
Dead volume in the HPLC system
Temperature
Detector settings
Data system settings.
Injector reproducibility, etc…
Be wary when comparing plate counts!!
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Quantitation in HPLC
Area (height) under the peak is proportional to the injected amount.
Proportionality constant is the response factor.
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Peak Area
Integration
Data system sub-divides
peak into small rectangles,
calculates area of each, and
adds them up.
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Quantitation – External standards
Known concentrations of the analyte using reference standards.
Analyse unknown under the sameconditions, in the same run sequence.
Start with lowest concentration.
Use bracketing technique
At least 5 injections per level
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Internal Standards
Chemically similar to the analyte
Added to the sample and external standards
Same amount added to both
Accounts for variations in injection volume and other system variables
Provides better precision
Not always possible to obtain chemically similar internal standard.
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HPLC - The System
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Pumps
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LC – Pump Considerations
Pulse-free flow
Flow rate precision / accuracy
Backpressure capacity
Piston volume
Flow path contact materials
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Reciprocating Pump
Single-piston reciprocating pump
Cam-drive
Single-pistons have a significant pulse.
Source: www.lcresources.com
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Pumps - Components
Piston: Sapphire
Check valves: Ruby
Piston seals: HDPE
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Pump dampening methods
Mechanical pulse dampeners
Asymmetric gears / elliptical
cams
Electronic pulse dampening
Free-floating piston
High refill speed (<100
milliseconds)
Add one more piston
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Reciprocating pumps
Dual piston reciprocating pump
Cam-drive
Two pistons in tandem
There is still a small pulse
Due to the crossover point
Source: www.lcresources.com
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Pumps - Elution
Isocratic elution
Mobile phase composition remains constant
during the run
Gradient elution
Mobile phase composition changes during the
run.
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Why gradients?
To separate analytes of differing polarities multivitamin mixture
amino acids
impurity profiles
To shorten run time
To improve separation efficiency
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Gradients – high pressure mixing
One pump for each solvent
Solvents mixed under
pressure.
Mixed in a mixing chamber
Static mixer
Dynamic mixer
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Gradients - low pressure mixing
Single pump
Proportioning valve before
the pump mixes different
solvents
Solvents mixed in a mixing
chamber
Solvents must be degassed
before use.
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Gradient Mixers
Static mixers
Mixing tee joint
Low dead volume
Inexpensive
Non-reproducible mixing
Dynamic mixers
Small stirrer bar inside a mixing
chamber
High dead volume
Expensive
Homogenous reproducible mixing
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Pumps - degassing
Mobile phase must be degassed to remove dissolved air.
Especially in gradient elution and where water is used in the mobile phase.
Else, noisy baselines and pressure fluctuations will result.
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Degassing methods
Helium sparging Best method, but expensive.
Prolonged sparging will alter composition.
Degas solvents separately.
Ultrasonication Good degassing method.
May heat the mobile phase and alter composition.
Degas solvents separately.
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Degassing -2
Membrane filtration
Not too bad, not too good.
Use compatible membrane
0.45 m pore size
On-line membrane degassers
Mobile phase moves across a
semi-permeable membrane.
Dissolved gases permeate out of
the mobile phase.
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Typical pumps
Typical single-piston pump
Piston-seal rinse
“Free-floating” piston
0.01 to 10 ml/min
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Agilent 1100
Typical dual-piston pump
Piston seal rinse
Built-in prime/purge valve
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HPLC – Sample introduction
The injector must introduce small volume of sample against high backpressure.
Typical injection volumes are 10 to 20 l.
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HPLC – Sample Introduction
Stop-flow injection
Stop the pump briefly, inject sample thro‟ septum, resume flow
Flow-rate inaccuracies, distorted peak shapes
Obsolete
On-line sample injection
Rotary valve injectors
Valco, Rheodyne
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Rheodyne 7725i
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Columns in HPLC
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HPLC - Columns
The column is the heart of the system
Usually made of SS 316L
Packed with microparticulate packings, of various chemistries
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Microparticulate packings
Usually silica (silicic acid)
Silica can be chemically modified with different functional groups
3 to 5 m particle size
Irregular or spherical particles
Porous, ~ 100 A pore size
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Silica phases – normal phase.
Silicic acid is made of silanol groups. (SiOH)x
Silanols are polar in nature, and cannot retain non-polar analytes.
Silica is water-soluble, and does not permit water in the mobile phase.
For non-polar separations, silica must be chemically modified.
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Bonded phases
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Reverse Phases
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Bonded phases
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End-capping
Steric hindrance prevents
complete reaction with bonded
phases.
This leaves unreacted silanol
groups and polar sites.
Causes peak tailing and poor
separations.
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End-capping
A smaller hydrocarbon group (usually C3) is used to „cap‟ the unreacted silanols, after the initial reaction with a C18 or C8 hydrocarbon.
This technique is called end-capping.
Improves peak shape
Reduces tailing
Increases resolution and selectivity
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Reverse phase retention
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RP Column evaluation parameters
Carbon load ~15%
End-capped? Yes.
Particle size and shape ~ 5 m
Pore size ~ 80 to100 Ǻ
Dead volume < 0.5 ml
Plate count > 10,000
Silica purity Ultrapure, base deactivated silica
Silanol activity
Hydrophobicity Toluene test
Always check and replicate the test chromatogram.
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Column fittings
Low dead volume fittings
Compression fitting
SS frit.
5 pore size for regular
analytical columns.
2 for microbore columns.
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Detectors
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Detector types
Solute property detectors
Detect a property specific to the analyte
UV, fluorescence, IR, mass spectrum
Bulk property
Detect overall changes
Refractive index, conductance.
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Important Parameters
Limit of detection Lowest amount that can be
detected.
S/N 2:1 or 3:1
Limit of quantitation. Lowest amount that can be
quantitated with acceptable precision. Usually S/N 10:1
Linear Dynamic Range That range of concentrations
over which detector gives a linear, proportional response.
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UV-Visible Detectors.
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UV Detection - basics
Transmittance
Absorbance
Expressed as absorbance units. (AU)
0
% 100P
TP
10
1logA
T
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Beer’s Law(Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law)
A = ebc
A = absorbance
e = molar absorptivity (L mol-1 cm-1)
(extinction co-efficient)
b = path length of the sample (cm).
c = concentration of the analyte
(mol/L)
Pierre Bouguer (1698 –1758),
French mathematician and
astronomer.
The original discoverer of
Beer’s Law, circa 1729.
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UV detectors
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UV – visible sources
Low pressure Hg lamp
Emits lines at 253.7 nm (very strong), 313 nm,
365 nm, 407 nm, 435.8 nm, 546.1 nm, 577
nm, 579.1 nm
Deuterium lamp
Emits a continuum from 180 to 700 nm
Xenon arc lamp
Intense continuum from 180 to 1100 nm
Tungsten-halide lamp
Continuum from 280 nm to 1100 nm
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Dispersion devices
Diffraction Gratings
Reflecting or transparent substrate surface with fine parallel grooves or rulings.
Diffractive and mutual interference effects occur, and light is reflected or transmitted in discrete directions, called orders.
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Monochromator configurations
Czerny-TurnerLittrow Mount
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Quartz Flow cells
RI effects will distort baseline.
Flow cell geometry must be
optimised
Flow cell volume affects peak
shape and LOD
10 l for analytical HPLC
Backpressure limit 500 psi
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Photomultiplier tubes
Glass vacuum tube with a photocathode, several dynodes, and an anode. Incident photons strike the photocathode and produce electrons. (Photoelectric effect)
On striking the first dynode, more low energy electrons are emitted and these, in turn, are accelerated toward the second dynode.
A cascade occurs with an ever-increasing number of electrons. Finally at the anode, there is a sharp current pulse.
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PMT’s
Very sensitive
Take time to stabilise
Finite response time
Tracking error at high scan
speeds
Tunable sensitivity and gain
Dark current and baseline
noise at high gain.
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Photodiodes
p-n junction
When a photon strikes a semiconductor, it can promote an electron from the valence band (filled orbitals) to the conduction band (unfilled orbitals) creating an electron(-) -hole(+) pair.
The concentration of these electron-hole pairs is dependent on the amount of light striking the semiconductor.
Photovoltaic detectors contain a p-n junction, that causes the electron-hole pairs to produce a voltage that can be measured.
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Photodiodes - 2
Short warm-up time
Rapid response
Inexpensive
Not as sensitive as PMT‟s
Best used as diode arrays.
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Photoelectric effect
Upon exposing a metallic surface to electromagnetic radiation, the photons are absorbed and current is produced.
The energy of the photon is absorbed by the electron and, if sufficient, the electron can escape from the material with a finite kinetic energy.
A single photon can only eject a single electron, as the energy of one photon may only be absorbed by one electron. The electrons that are emitted are termed photoelectrons.
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Diode Array Detectors.
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Is this is a PURE peak?
Diode Array Detection
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The Co-elution problem
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Peak Purity – Absorbance Ratios
Absorbance is measured at two or more wavelengths.
Ratios are calculated for two selected wavelengths.
If the compound under the peak is pure, the ratio will be a square wave function (rectangle).
If not, the peak is not pure.
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Spectral Index
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Spectral Index
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Peak Purity – Spectral Overlay
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How does one scan a peak?
Stop-flow scanning Stop the pump at the peak of interest and scan rapidly using a
scanning detector.
Peak and/or peak merging broadening occurs
Disturbance in flow and loss of resolution
Not reproducible
Obsolete
On-the-fly scanning Use a high-speed detector to rapidly scan peak as it passes
through the flow cell.
Unreliable spectra obtained
Tracking error
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Enter … Diode array
An array of photodiodes, instead of a single PMT or dual-photodiode
Usually around 512 to 1024 diodes
Resolution depends on number of photodiodes and polychromator resolution.
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PDA Schematic
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Spectral angle
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Diode Array – ‘Benefits’
Simultaneous plots of absorbance, time, and wavelength
Easier to detect hidden peaks and co-eluants. For eg. Secondary metabolites.
Easier to estimate lmax
No scanning, no tracking error.
Expensive.
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PDA detectors - parameters
Resolution
„Electronic‟ resolution
Wavelength range / no. of diodes
Usually around 1.2 nm
„Optical‟ resolution
Function of grating efficiency
Usually around 2 nm
Moral: More diodes doesn‟t mean higher resolution.
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PDA - Not a substitute for good chemistry!
You still got to separate them!
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Refractive Index Detectors
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Refractive Index
Fermat's principle or
the principle of least
time
the path taken between
two points by a ray of
light is the path that
can be traversed in the
least time.
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Snell’s Law
sin
sin
i
r
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Refractive Index
Refractive Index
Dependent on: Wavelength of incident light
Temperature
Viscosity
Expressed as RIU. (refractive index units)
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RI Detectors
„Universal‟ detectors.
Reasonably sensitive.
Generally used for analytes
that do not have
chromophores.
Carbohydrates / sugars.
Polymers.
Proteins.
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RI detectors - optics
Deflection type
Differential refractometer
monitors the deflection of a
light beam caused by the
difference in refractive index
between the sample cell
and the reference cell.
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RI detectors – optics 2
Reflection type
Fresnel refractometer
monitors the loss of
intensity of an incident light
beam, caused by the
difference in refractive index
between the sample cell
and the reference cell.
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RI Detectors - Limitations
Very sensitive to changes in temperature. Column thermostat is a must.
Sensitive to changes in flow rate.
Very sensitive to changes in mobile phase composition. CANNOT use gradients.
Sensitive to small air bubbles and particulates.
Take a long time to stabilise, especially if baseline is disturbed by any of the reasons above.
Use is limited to fairly simple molecules like carbohydrates, that can be separated using isocratic conditions.
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Fluorescence Detectors
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Fluorescence
Re-emission of previously absorbed light
Fluorescence detectors are probably the most sensitive HPLC detectors. It is possible to detect even a single analyte molecule in the flow cell.
Fluorescence sensitivity is 10 -1000 times higher than that of the UV detector for strong UV absorbing materials.
Very specific detectors
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Luminescence
Fluorescence
Shorter life-times, typically micro to nanoseconds
Phosphorescence
Longer lifetimes, upto 10 secs.
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Fluorescence detectors - optics
900 optics
Filter-based
Low-sensitivity
No scanning
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Fluorescence – Scanning detectors
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Fluorescence detectors - optics
900 optics
Dual monochromator
Xenon source
PMT detector
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Fluorescence - applications
Compounds with conjugated p electrons.
Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH‟s).
Functional groups like carbonyls.
Aliphatics that can be derivatised with fluorophores.
OPA derivatives of amino acids
FAME‟s (fatty acid methyl esters)
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Aflatoxins
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A typical application
Amino acids in serum
Amino acids are UV-transparent
Derivatisation necessary
Orthophthaladehyde (fluorescent derivatives)
Ninhydrin (detection at 650 nm)
Phenythiohydantoin (UV detection)
Post-column derivatisation
Ion-ex columns
Pre-column derivatisation
Reverse phase columns
Automated derivatisation with o-phthalalydehyde for estimation of amino acids in plasma using reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography.
Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics, 41, 322-325, Dec 2004
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Light Scattering Detectors
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Light Scattering
Why is the sky blue?
Due to selective scattering
or Rayleigh scattering.
Small particles are more
effective at scattering a
particular wavelength of
light. Air molecules, are
small in size and thus
more effective at
scattering shorter
wavelengths of light
(blue and violet).
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Why are clouds white?
Mie Scattering is
responsible for the white
appearance of clouds.
Cloud droplets with a
diameter of 20 μ or so are
large enough to scatter all
visible wavelengths equally.
Because all wavelengths
are scattered, clouds
appear white.
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Light scattering in HPLC
Any analyte can, under the right
conditions, scatter an incident beam of
light.
Amount of light scattered is directly
proportional to the molecular weight, size
and concentration of the analyte.
Thus, light scattering detection can be
used for many analytes.
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ELSD – principles
Nebulisation Eluent from the column is nebulised
into a fine mist using a heated inert gas (usually nitrogen).
Evaporation The mist (aerosol cloud) is propelled
through a heated drift tube in which the solvent evaporates and only sample particles remain.
Detection Analyte particles emerging from the
evaporation tube enter the optical cell, where they pass through a beam of light. The particles scatter incident light. The amount of light detected is proportional to the solute concentration and solute particle size distribution.
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ELSD – pros and cons
Pros
Universal detection.
Rapid equilibration.
No restriction on use of gradients.
Easy to use.
Sensitive.
Cons
Reproducibility not good.
Difficult to validate.
Nebuliser gets clogged and requires regular cleaning.
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Charged Aerosol Detection
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Corona CAD
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CAD – Principle.
HPLC column eluent is first nebulized with nitrogen and the droplets are dried to remove mobile phase, producing analyte particles.
A secondary stream of nitrogen becomes positively charged as it passes a high-voltage, platinum corona wire. This charge transfers to the opposing stream of analyte particles.
The charge is transferred to a collector where it is measured by a highly sensitive electrometer, generating a signal in direct proportion to the quantity of analyte present.
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CAD – advantages.
More sensitive than ELSD.
Higher reproducibility, <2%.
Can be validated.
Large dynamic range.
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CAD – applications.
Virtually any non-volatile compound, including:
Drugs.
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Steroids
Peptides/ Proteins
Polymers
In industries such as:
Pharmaceutical
Foods
Consumer products
Industrial chemicals
Life science research
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Electrochemical Detection
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Electrochemical Detection
What is electrochemistry?
Branch of chemistry that studies reactions that occur at the interface of an electron conductor (the electrode) and an ionic conductor (the electrolyte)
These reactions involve electron transfer between the electrode and the electrolyte.
Electron transfer can be caused by an external voltage, or by an internal chemical reaction.
Reactions in which electrons are transferred between atoms are called oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions.
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Ohm’s Law
V = iR
V = potential difference, volts
i = current, amperes
R = resistance, ohms.
Any of these three parameters can be used for quantitative estimations of electroactive compounds.
Resistivity or Conductance
Conductometric detectors.
Current
Amperometric detectors
Coulometric detectors.
George Simon Ohm, 1789-1854
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Conductometric detectors
Conductance
The ease with which electric
current flows through a
substance.
Inverse of resistivity.
G = 1/R
Expressed as siemens or
ohms-1 or mhos.
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Conductometric detectors.
Bulk property detectors.
The flow cell is placed in one arm of a Wheatstone bridge.
Any ions in the eluent will alter the conductance and create an out-of-balance signal.
This signal is rectified and presented as a chromatogram (null-balance principle).
If buffers are used in the mobile phase, there will be a large background signal, that must be suppressed.
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Conductometric Detectors
Can be used only for analytes
that are already ionised, like
inorganic acids, bases, salts.
Some examples:
Pollutants in drinking water.
Electroplating solutions.
Carbonates in beverages.
Nitrates/nitrites in processed
foods.
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Electrochemical Detectors
An electrochemical (redox) reaction in the detector flow cell is generated by an externally applied voltage.
Analyte undergoes reduction or oxidation.
Current is generated as a result.
That current is directly proportional to the analyte concentration, and can be measured and quantified.
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Redox Reactions
LEO the Lion says GER
Loss of Electron = Oxidation
Gain of Electron = Reduction
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A typical redox reaction
This reaction requires a certain amount of energy.
This energy is supplied by an externally applied voltage.
Electron transfer occurs during the redox reaction.
This results in a current, that can be measured.
The optimum voltage required is specific to this reaction.
O
O
OH
OH
+ 2H+ + 2 e-
Hydroquinone Quinone
oxidation
reduction
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Electrochemical cells
An electrochemical cell is a device that produces electric current from energy released by a redox reaction, i.e. it converts chemical energy to electrical energy.
Electrochemical cells have two electrodes – the anode and thecathode.
The anode is where oxidation occurs and the cathode is the electrode where the reduction takes place.
Electrodes come in various forms including metal, gas and carbon.
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Electrodes
an electrode is a conductor
through which electric
current is passed. It is used
to make contact with a
nonmetallic part of a circuit,
eg with an electrolyte, or
with a vacuum.
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Electrochemical cells.
Electrochemical work within an electrochemical cell is done by a potentiostat.
A potentiostat is an electronic device that controls the voltage difference between a working electrode and a reference electrode.
The potentiostat implements this control by injecting current into the cell through an auxiliary electrode.
The potentiostat measures the current flow between the working and auxiliary electrodes.
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Electrochemical cells
Working Electrode:
Electrochemical reactions occur here. It can be metal or coated.
Reference Electrode:
Used in measuring the working electrode potential.
Has a constant potential, provided no current flows through it.
Auxiliary Electrode:
Is a conductor that completes the cell circuit.
Prevents current from flowing into the reference electrode.
Usually an inert conductor like platinum or graphite.
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Reference Electrodes
Potential difference is always measured with respect to an electrode of known potential.
The reference electrode has a known, invariant potential, against which the potential of the working electrode can be measured.
Typical reference electrodes:
Standard Hydrogen electrode
Potential = 0 by definition.
Ag/AgCl electrode
Potential = 0.224V with respect to SHE.
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The Ag/AgCl electrode
A silver wire that is coated with a thin layer of silver chloride, either by electroplating or by dipping the wire in molten silver chloride.
When the electrode is placed in a saturated potassium chloride solution it develops a potential proportional to the chloride concentration, and remains constant as long as the chloride concentration remains constant.
Most reference electrodes use a saturated KCl solution with an excess of KCl crystals.
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Amperometric Flow Cells
Analyte moves across the surface of the working electrode.
Redox reaction occurs on the working electrode surface.
Glassy carbon is the most commonly used working electrode.
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Thin layer flow cell.
R O R O R O
Reference Electrode
Counter Electrode
Outlet
Working
Electrode
Inlet
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Amperometric flow cells
Limitations.
Redox reaction does not proceed to completion. Usually not more
than 5% of the analyte is reduced/oxidised.
Sensitivity is not very high.
Electrodes foul up regularly, maintenance and polishing needed at
regular intervals.
Tend to drift, require long warm-up time.
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Coulometric flow cells.
Working electrode is porous, usually porous graphite.
Analyte moves through the electrode, not across it.
Therefore, much higher area is available for the redox reaction.
Complete reaction of the analyte is possible, thus achieving higher sensitivity.
Counter and
Reference electrodes
High pressure
cell body
Electrode
5020 cell (55-0417)
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Dual flow cells
Two working electrodes or flow
cells in series.
Enables detection of analytes
at different redox potentials or
enhanced detection of the
same analyte.
Or can be used to reduce
interfering substances in the
mobile phase.
Counter and
Reference electrodes
Working
electrode #2
Working
electrode #1
5010 cell (55-0411)
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Electrode Arrays
An array of working electrodes is used. Upto 80 electrodes in series have been connected.
A progressively greater potential is applied sequentially to the electrodes of each consecutive unit. This results in all the analytes migrating through the array until each analyte reaches the unit that has the required potential to permit its oxidation or reduction.
Sample analytes are totally reacted and each analyte it will be detected by that unit that has the required potential and not be sensed by other units.
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Electrode Array - Advantages.
The electrode array detector gives improved apparent chromatographic resolution similar to a diode array detector.
Two peaks that have not been chromatographically resolved and are eluted together can still be shown as two peaks that are resolved electrochemically and can be quantitatively estimated.
Produces a characteristic pattern of peaks for a particular analyte, that can be used to confirm the purity and identity of the analyte.
Array detectors produce less background noise and enhanced signal-to-noise ratios.
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ELCD - Modes
DC Mode
A constant potential is applied to the working electrode and the current produced is plotted against time.
Most common mode.
Scan Mode
Used to generate a voltammogram of the analyte of interest.
By passing a solution of the analyte through the detector cell, a current-potential curve is generated that can be used to optimise the detection voltage for that analyte.
Scan mode does not involve a chromatographic separation.
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ELCD - Modes
Pulse mode
Reaction products can clog the surface of the electrode, badly affecting its performance.
In pulsed mode, a cyclic series of potentials is applied to the working electrode to clean the electrode surface.
A measuring potential is applied and after a suitable equilibration time, a measurement of the current is made.
A large positive potential is applied to the electrode, that oxidises any reaction products on the electrode.
A negative potential is applied to reduce the electrode and bring it back to its base metallic state.
Usually this cycle lasts less than 1 second, and is done continuously during the analysis.
E1
Acquisition delay Measurement
T1
E2
Cleaning
E3
Regeneration
T2
T3
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Coulometric detectors – pros and cons.
High conversion efficiency.
Maintenance free – no polishing needed.
Fast equilibration time.
Less sensitive to flow fluctuations.
Multiple cell arrays possible.
Can clog up over time.
Once clogged, must be replaced.
Noise can be higher than in amperometric cells.
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General precautions
Mobile phase must be able to conduct current, hence water is essential. Therefore, non-aqueous separations not possible.
Mobile phase must be free from dissolved gases, especially O2, hence thorough degassing is a must.
Mobile phase must be free from metal ions and microparticulates.
ELCD‟s are sensitive to flow rate variations, and a very good HPLC pump is needed.
Temperature control is critical, and a good column thermostat is needed.
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Conductometry v/s ELCD.
Conductometric
Analyte is already ionised.
Bulk property detector.
Detects overall change in
conductance.
Not specific to the analyte.
Electrochemical
Analyte is ionisable. It is
ionised inside the detector
flow cell by applying a
suitable voltage.
Solute property detector.
Specific to the analyte.
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Glossary of electrochemical terms
Potential Difference
The electrical potential difference between two points in a circuit results in a flow of current. In electrochemistry we typically cannot measure "absolute" potentials, only the "difference" of potential between two points. The measurement unit of the potential is the volt.
Resistivity (Resistance)
The measure of a material's inability to carry electrical current. The measurement unit of the resistivity (resistance) is the ohm.
Current
The movement of electrical charges in a conductor; carried by electrons in a conductor. Electrical current always flows from the positive potential end of the conductor toward the negative potential end.
Direct current is the unidirectional continuous flow of current, while alternating current is the oscillating (back and forth) flow of current.
The measurement unit of current is the ampere.
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Mass Spectrometry in HPLC
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Introduction
Designed to separate gas phase ions according to their m/z (mass to charge ratio).
A mass analyser separates the gas phase ions, via electrical or magnetic fields, or combination of both, to move the ions to a detector, where they produce a signal which is amplified.
The analyser is under high vacuum, so that the ions can travel to the detector with a sufficient yield.
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Mass spectrum
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MS Schematic
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Electron Impact ionisation
The most widely used of all
ionization methods
Sample is vaporized into the
mass spectrometer ion source,
where it is impacted by a beam of
electrons with sufficient energy to
ionize the molecule.
For most organic molecules, the
ion yield is a maximum at 70 eV
energy.
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Chemical Ionisation
“Soft” ionisation technique.
Used when no molecular ion is observed in EI mass spectrum, or when you want to confirm the m/z of the molecular ion.
Same ion source device as in EI. Reagent gas (e.g. ammonia) is first subjected to electron impact. Sample ions are formed by the interaction of reagent gas ions and sample molecules.
Reagent gas molecules are present in the ratio of about 100:1 with respect to sample molecules.
Positive ions and negative ions are formed in the CI process. Depending on the setup of the instrument (source voltages, detector, etc...) only positive ions or only negative ions are recorded.
Eg. Mass spec of trisilyl derivatives of amino acids.
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Electrospray Ionisation
Analyte is introduced to the source at low flow rates. Passes through the electrospray needle at high potential difference.
This forces the spraying of charged droplets from the needle.
Solvent evaporation occurs. The droplet shrinks until the surface tension can no longer sustain the charge (the Rayleigh limit) at which point a "Coulombic explosion" occurs.
This produces smaller droplets that repeat the process, until complete ionisation occurs. A very soft method of ionisation.
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Atmospheric pressure (APCI)
Analogous ionisation method to chemical ionisation.
The significant difference is that APCI occurs at atmospheric pressure.
Cannot be used for thermo-labile compounds
Can be used at high flow rates (1 ml/min) unlike ESI.
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APCI - 2
Analyte solution is introduced into a pneumatic nebulizer and desolvated in a heated quartz tube before interacting with the corona discharge creating ions.
The corona discharge replaces the electron filament in CI and produces primary ions by electron ionisation.
These primary ions collide with the vaporized solvent molecules to form secondary reactant gas ions.
These reactant gas ions then undergo repeated collisions with the analyte resulting in the formation of analyte ions.
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MALDI
Soft ionization technique.
The ionization is triggered by a laser beam (normally a nitrogen-laser). A matrix is used to protect the analyte from the laser beam.
The matrix consists of crystallized molecules.
The laser is fired at the crystals in the MALDI spot. The spot absorbs the laser energy and the matrix is ionized. The matrix transfers part of the charge to the analyte, thus ionizing it.
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Magnetic Sector
It uses an electric and/or magnetic field to affect the path and/or velocity charged particles.
The ions enter a magnetic or electric field which bends the ion paths depending on their mass-to-charge ratios (m/z), deflecting the more charged and faster-moving, lighter ions more.
The ions eventually reach the detector and their relative abundances are measured.
The analyzer can be used to select a narrow range of m/z's or to scan through a range of m/z's.
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A typical Mag sector MS
AMD Intectra M40 SF
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Quadrupole
Two pairs of metallic rods. One set at a positive electrical potential, and the other one at a negative potential.
A combination of dc and rf voltages is applied on each set. Vrf/Vdc ratio determines the mass resolution.
For a given amplitude of the dc and rf voltages, only the ions of a given m/z will resonate, have a stable trajectory to pass the quadrupole and be detected.
Other ions will be de-stabilized and hit the rods.
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Q’pole - Modes
SIM mode (single ion monitoring)
The (amplitude of the dc and rf voltages ) are set to observe only
a specific mass, or a selection of specific masses. Provides the
highest sensitivity for specific ions or fragments.
More time can be spent on each mass (dwell time).
Scan mode
Amplitude of the dc and rf voltages are ramped (while keeping a
constant rf/dc ratio), to obtain a mass spectrum over the required
mass range.
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Ion Traps
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Ion Traps
Ring electrode and two end cap electrodes. The ions are stabilized in the trap by applying a RF voltage on the ring electrode.
He or N2 used as a damping gas to restrict ions to the center of the trap.
By ramping the RF voltage, or by applying supplementary voltages on the end cap electrodes, or by combination of both, one can:
destabilise the ions, and eject them progressively from the trap (Scan mode)
keep only one ion of a given m/z value in the trap, and then eject it to observe it specifically (SIM mode)
keep only one ion in the trap, fragment it by inducing vibrations, and observe the fragments. (MS/MS).
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Ion traps v/s Quads
Quads
Good resolution
Stable, reproducible.
Better suited for LC-MS
Need additional mass analyser(s) for MS-MS
Cost more than Traps
Traps
Compact, bench-top.
Do not need additional mass analysers for MS-MS.
Better suited for GC-MS.
Reproducibility issues.
Very sensitive to moisture.
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Time-of-Flight
Ions formed in an ion source are extracted and accelerated to a high velocity by an electric field into a drift tube. The ions pass along the tube until they reach a detector.
The velocity reached by an ion is inversely proportional to the square root of its m/z value.
Since the distance from the ion origin to the detector is fixed, the time taken for an ion to traverse the analyser in a straight line is inversely proportional to the square root of its m/z value.
Thus, each m/z value has its characteristic time–of–flight from the source to the detector.
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Detection systems
An electron multiplier (continuous dynode electron multiplier) multiplies charge.
Ions induce emission of electrons on PbO coated metal.
If an electric potential is applied from one metal plate to the other, the emitted electrons will accelerate to the next metal plate and induce emission of more electrons.
12 stages of acceleration will usually give a gain in current of 10 million.
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Tandem Mass Spec
Tandem mass spectrometry employs two or more stages of mass spectrometric analysis.
Each mass spectrometer might scan, select one ion or transmit all ions.
Dramatic increase in S/N and selectivity.
Structure confirmation and identification.
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Product ion MS (daughter ion)
MS1 is used to select a parent
ion, that is fragmented again.
Usually by CAD (collision-
activated dissociation) with
argon.
MS2 scans the daughter ion to
provide a mass spectrum.
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MSMS – pesticide residues
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SRM(Single reaction monitoring)
By fixing MS1 on the mass-to-charge ratio of interest, the signal at the detector is improved.
To eliminate interference from isobaric ions and the isotopic contribution of lighter analytes, one can select, after fragmentation, a product ion characteristic for the analyte of interest using MS2.
A single reaction is monitored, yielding a highly selective detection with high sensitivity because of the removal of chemical noise.
186
Troubleshooting HPLC systems
Backpressure
Peak shape
Baseline
Retention
Maintaining columns
Restoring clogged columns
Avoid the void
HPLC Syringes
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High backpressure
Column frit or solvent filter clogged
Check-valves clogged or stuck
Sonicate or replace
Injector in wrong position
Leave injector in inject position during run
Tubing diameter too small
Mobile phase viscosity too high
Minimise water
High backpressure increases wear and maintenance costs
Do not neglect high backpressure
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Low backpressure
• Loose fittings
• Solvent in-line filter
• Prime valve
• Dynamic mixer/tee joint
• Column / guard column end fittings
• Worn out seals / check valves
• Pump seals / Check-valves
• Injector seals
• Chronic high backpressure
•
Do not over-tighten any fitting
Avoid the use of teflon tape on
fitting threads !
Troubleshooting Menu
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Drifting baseline
Steep gradients ( Refractive index effect)
Change composition gradually
Temperature fluctuations Use column oven
Mobile phase changeover
Late peak from previous injection Wait
Aging UV lamp
Reverse phase bleed (rare) Change column
Troubleshooting Menu
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Baseline noise
Random noise
Bubble in flow cell.
Degas solvents before use.
Dirty solvents.
Aging UV lamp.
Pulsating baseline
Pulse dampener failure.
Voltage fluctuation.
Troubleshooting Menu
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Baseline noise
Synchronous noise
Pump failure
Spikes in baseline
Air bubble in flow cell
Particulate contaminants
Voltage fluctuation
Troubleshooting Menu
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Baseline noise
Contaminated buffer
If you use a pH meter, never, put the pH electrode in the bulk mobile phase.
Transfer an aliquot of the solution to a test tube or small beaker, measure the pH, and then discard the aliquot.
Contamination from the pH electrode can contribute to baseline noise and/or garbage peaks.
Source: http://www.lcresources.com/wiki/index.php?title=ChromFAQ:PHAdjust
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Split peaks
Void at column head
If all peaks split
Memory effect
From previous injection
Flush injector before use
Sample deterioration
If one or two peaks split
Injector seal leak
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Broad peaks
Injection volume too large
System leak
Excessive dead volume
Wrong flow rate
Mobile phase pH or composition
Source : www.lcgcmag.com
Troubleshooting Menu
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Ghost peaks
Late peak from previous run
Flush column and injector
Increase run time
Contaminated sample
solvent or mobile phase
Confirm with blank run
Troubleshooting Menu
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Missing peaks
Sample degradation
Overnight use of
autoinjectors, unstable
samples, derivatised
samples
Use cryogenic sample tray
Store samples below
ambient
Use amber vials
Prepare derivatives fresh Troubleshooting Menu
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Negative Peaks
Absorbance or refractive index of sample lower than mobile phase Change wavelength
Detector polarity reversed If all peaks negative
Ion-pair reagent / solvent interaction Change solvent
Contamination of mobile phase
Troubleshooting Menu
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Rounded peaks
Sample overload
Reduce sample
concentration and/or
volume
Detector out of range
Adjust detector sensitivity
Troubleshooting Menu
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Loss of peak height
Sample deterioration
Injector seal/System leak
Aging UV lamp
Wrong injection technique
Use total-loop technique
Troubleshooting Menu
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Tailing peaks
Active sites on column
Use 0.1 % TEA in mobile phase
Sample ionisation
Adjust pH to suppress ionisation
K‟ too large
Increase mobile phase strength
Insufficient end-capping
Change column
Hidden peak on tail
Change detection wavelength
Change mobile phase strengthTroubleshooting Menu
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Fronting peaks
Sample overload
Reduce sample concentration
Reduce sample volume
Unresolved peak on the front
Change wavelength
Change mobile phase
Sample solvent incompatible
with mobile phase
Dissolve sample in mobile
phase
Troubleshooting Menu
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Retention Time Changes
Flow rate variation
Check pump
Change in mobile phase
Altered composition
pH change
Temperature change
Use column oven
System leak
Troubleshooting Menu
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Analytical HPLC Tubings
0.009” ID
From injector to column
From column to detector
0.020” ID
From pump to injector
0.040” ID
Detector outlet
Troubleshooting Menu
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Restoring clogged frits - 1
Disconnect column from detector
Reverse the column and reconnect to
pump
If using buffers, first flush with water @
0.5 ml/min, one hour.
Flush with MeOH or CH3CN @ 0.5
ml/min for one hour
Check backpressure. If normal,
reconnect column in normal direction
Check backpressure again, at usual
flow rate, with mobile phase.
Revalidate column with SOP
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Clogged frits - 2
Badly clogged frits
Remove column
Unscrew column end-fitting
Carefully slide the frit out.
Sonicate frit in 50% aq nitric acid for 30 mins, followed by HPLC water for one hour.
Do not sonicate in chromic acid
Sonicate in mobile phase for 10 mins
Restore frit
OR
Buy a new frit
Troubleshooting Menu
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Dead volume
Excessive dead volume can
adversely affect results
Optimize tubing length and
diameter
Use correct detector flow cell
(10 to 20l for analytical HPLC)
Use Zero-Dead-Volume fittings
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Dead volume -2
Troubleshooting Menu
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Avoid the void
Change flow rate gradually
Use ramping feature in the
software
Use guard column
Same packing as main column
Use column in flow direction
only.
It is a sin to reverse the column
Mechanical shocks disturb
packing
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Column maintenance
If using buffers:
Flush system with water @ 0.5 ml/min for 30 mins, followed by CH3CN or MeOH for 30 mins
Leave injector in inject position while flushing.
Rinse piston seals with 100 ml water, via piston rinse port, if available
… DAILY
Do not store columns in water
Store RP columns IPA or acetonitrile
Store NP columns in hexane
USE GUARD COLUMNS
Guard column packing must be identical to main column packing.
Source: www.upchurch.com
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Syringe Maintenance
Inject smoothly – do not pause
Use total-loop fill technique
Do not separate plunger and
syringe – they are a matched pair
Do not sonicate or soak cemented
needle syringes in solvents
Use needle cleaner wire regularly
Use Chaney adaptor or needle
guides, to prevent plunger bends
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Injection techniques
With the handle on LOAD, insert the syringe into the needle port until it stops.
Dispense the sample; turn the handle rapidly to INJECT.
Remove the syringe.
Do not load a sample volume equal to the loop volume.
You will lose up to 20% of sample via the vent tube.
Load <50% of the loop volume (partial-filling) or >200% (total loop fill)
A 20 µL sample loop does not contain 20 µL.
The size designations of loops are nominal.
Complete-filling provides the best precision (reproducibility),.
Keep vent tubes and needle port at the same level.
Adjust the end of the vent tubes to the same height as the needle port so liquid
does not siphon out. Siphoning sucks air into the loop.
Use the proper syringe needle.
The needle should be #22 gauge 0.7 mm (5 cm, 2 in) OD, 5.1 cm (2 in) long,
with a 90° (square end) and no electrotaper
Source : http://www.rheodyne.com/support/product/troubleshooting/ts_injectors.htm
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Flushing the injector
It is good practice to flush the needle port after every ten or twenty
injections.
To flush, use from 0.1 to 1 mL of mobile phase. Do it while still in the
INJECT position so flow goes directly out vent tube #5 and
bypasses the loop that has already been flushed by the pump.
Flush using the Needle Port Cleaner, not a needle.
Use the Needle Port Cleaner (a small Teflon part without a needle,
attached to a luer tip syringe). This flushes the entire length of the
port. A fully inserted needle flushes none of it.
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Degassing - Sonication
The most common method of degassing solvents.
Sonicate solvents separately, since sonication causes mild heating.
Reasonably effective.
Inexpensive.
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Helium sparging
Bubble helium @ 0.5 ml/min using a sparger.
Sparge each solvent separately
Sparging is the best technique
BUT – expensive
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Vacuum filtration
Reasonable alternative to sonication.
Best used in conjunction with helium sparging.
Also good for solvent clarification before HPLC.
Use a compatible membrane, 0.45 m pore size, 47 to 50 mm dia.
Use an oil-free vacuum pump, preferably. Troubleshooting Menu
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216
Validation Basics
Guidelines from:Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), USFDAhttp://www.fda.gov/cder/
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Validation Basics
Method Validation
System Validation
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Method Validation
Validation of a method is the process by which a method is tested for reliability, accuracy and preciseness of its intended purpose.
Methods should be validated and designed to ensure ruggedness or robustness. Methods should be reproducible when used by other analysts, on other equivalent equipment, on other days or locations, and throughout the life of the drug product.
Data that are generated for acceptance will only be trustworthy if the methods used to generate the data are reliable.
Validation is an on-going process. Table of contents.
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Reference Standards
A reference standard is a highly purified compound that is well characterized.
Chromatographic methods rely heavily on a reference standard to provide accurate data. Therefore the quality and purity of the reference standard is very important.
Guideline: USP/NF reference standards do not need characterization Non-compendial standard (working standard) should be of the
highest purity that can be obtained by reasonable effort and should be thoroughly characterized to assure its identity, strength, quality and purity.
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Accuracy
Accuracy is the measure of how close the experimental value is to the true value.
Accuracy studies for drug substance and drug product are recommended to be performed at the 80, 100 and 120% levels of label claim.
Recommendations: Recovery data, at least in triplicate, at each level (80, 100 and
120% of label claim). The mean is an estimate of accuracy and the RSD is an estimate of
sample analysis precision.
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LOD
Limit of Detection
The lowest concentration of analyte in a sample that can be detected, but not necessarily quantitated, under the stated conditions.
Usually s/n 2:1 or 3:1
Limit of Quantitation
The lowest concentration of analyte in a sample that can be determined with acceptable precision and accuracy under the stated
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Linearity
That range of analyte concentrations over which the detector yields a linear response.
The working sample concentration and samples tested for accuracy should be in the linear range.
Recommendations The linearity range for examination depends on the purpose of the test method. For
example, the recommended range for an assay method for content would be NLT ±20% and the range for an assay/impurities combination method based on area % (for impurities) would be +20% of target concentration down to the limit of quantitation of the drug substance or impurity.
Under most circumstances, regression coefficient (r) is 0.999. Intercept and slope should be indicated.
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Precision
Measure of how close the data values are to each other for a number of measurements under the same analytical conditions.
Precision is defined by three components: Repeatability
Intermediate precision
Reproducibility
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Repeatability
Injection repeatability
Multiple injections of the same sample in the same conditions.
Analysis repeatability
Multiple measurements of a sample by the same analyst under the same analytical conditions.
Recommendation
A minimum of 10 injections with an RSD of 1% is recommended.
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Intermediate Precision
Evaluates the reliability of the method in a different environment other than that used during development of the method.
The objective is to ensure that the method will provide the same results when similar samples are analyzed once the method development phase is over.
Depending on time and resources, the method can be tested on multiple days, analysts, instruments, etc.
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Reproducibility
The precision between laboratories as in collaborative studies.
Recommendations:
It is not normally expected if intermediate precision is accomplished.
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Range and Recovery
Range
The interval between the high and low levels of analyte studied. Recommendation is usually +/- 20%.
Recovery
The amount/weight of the compound of interest analyzed as a percentage to the theoretical amount present in the medium.
Full recovery should be obtained for the compound(s) of interest.
Simpler sample preparation procedure will result in a lower variation of recovery.
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Robustness
Measure of the method's capability to remain unaffected by small, but deliberate variations in method parameters.
Vary some or all conditions, e.g., age of columns, column type, column temperature, pH of buffer in mobile
phase, reagents, is normally performed.
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Sample Solution Stability
Sample Solution Stability Solution stability of the drug substance or drug product after preparation
according to the test method should be evaluated.
Most laboratories use autosamplers with overnight runs and the sample will be in solution for hours in the laboratory environment before the test procedure is completed. This is of concern especially for drugs that can undergo degradation by hydrolysis, photolysis or adhesion to glassware.
Recommendations Data to support the sample solution stability under normal laboratory
conditions for the duration of the test procedure, e.g., twenty-four hours, should be generated.
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Specificity and Selectivity
The analyte should have no interference from other extraneous components and be well resolved from them.
A representative chromatogram should be generated and submitted to show that extraneous peaks either by addition of known compounds or samples from stress testing are baseline resolved from the parent analyte.
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System Suitability Tests.
The accuracy and precision of HPLC data begin with a well-behaved chromatographic system.
The system suitability specifications and tests are parameters that help achieve this purpose.
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System Suitability Parameters
Plate count > 2000 plates/meter
Tailing factor < 2
Resolution > 2
Partition ratio > 2
Relative retention > 1.5
Precision / repeatability RSD </= 1% for n >/= 5
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General Points
The sample and standard should be dissolved in the mobile phase. If that is not possible, then avoid using too much organic solvent as compared to the mobile phase.
The sample and standard concentrations should be close if not the same.
The samples should be bracketed by standards during the analytical procedure.
If the sample is filtered, adhesion of the analyte to the filter can happen. This will be of importance especially for low level impurities. Data to validate this aspect should be submitted.
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Hardware validation – IQ/OQ/PQ
Installation Qualification Was the instrument installed as per vendor’s guidelines?
Operational Qualification Is the system performing as per claimed specifications?
Performance Qualification Is the analysis compliant for each sample?
System Suitability Tests.
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OQ
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Flow rate check
The flow-rate accuracy of the pump can be evaluated by calculating the time required to collect a predetermined volume of mobile phase at different flow-rate settings.
For example, the flow-rate accuracy at 1mL/min. can be verified by using a calibrated stopwatch to measure the time it takes to collect 25 mL of eluent from the pump into a 25 mL volumetric flask or specific gravity bottle.
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Gradient performance
The accuracy and linearity of the gradient solvent delivery can be verified indirectly by monitoring the absorbance change as the binary composition of the two solvents changes from two different channels.
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Pressure Hold Test
Plug the outlet of the pump using a dead-nut.
Set the pump shutdown pressure to 6,000 psi. Pressurize the pump by pumping methanol at 1 mL/min.
The pressure inside the pump head increases quickly as the outlet of the pump is blocked. As the pressure increases to about 3,000 psi, the flow rate is reduced to 0.1 mL/min.
The pressure will gradually rise to the shutdown pressure if the check valves are able to hold the mobile phase in the pump. If the check valve is not functioning properly, the pressure will fluctuate at about 3,000 psi instead of reaching the shutdown pressure.
The pressure in the pump head decreases slowly over time after the automatic shutdown.
A steep decrease in pressure over time implies poor check-valve performance or leaks within the pumping system. Table of contents.
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Detector Tests
Wavelength test Done by filling a flow cell with a solution of a compound with
a well-known UV absorption profile, and scanning the solution for absorption maxima and minima.
The lmax or lmin from the scan profile is then compared to the known lmax or lmin of the compound to determine the wavelength accuracy.
Solutions of potassium dichromate in perchloric acid and holmium oxide in perchloric acid, or aqueous caffeine solution.
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Detector tests
Linearity of response
Can be checked by injecting or by filling the flow cell with a series of standard solutions of various concentrations. The concentration range typically should generate responses from zero to at least 1.0 AU.
From the plot of response versus the concentration of the solutions, the correlation coefficient between sample concentration and response can be calculated to determine the linearity.
Noise and DriftSoftware is capable of calculating the detector noise and drift. Typically, methanol is passed through the flow cell at 1 mL/min.
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Injector Tests
Repeatability Repeated injections of the same sample volume.
Linearity Variable volume of sample will be drawn into a sample
injection loop by a syringe or other metering device. The uniformity of the sample loop and the ability of the metering device to draw different amounts of sample in proper proportion will affect the linearity of the injection volume.
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Injector tests.
Carryover Small amounts of analyte may get carried over from the
previous injection and contaminate the next sample to be injected.
Carryover be evaluated by injecting a blank after a sample that contains a high concentration of analyte. The response of the analyte found in the blank sample expressed as a percentage of the response of the concentrated sample can be used to determine the level of carryover.
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The basic steps
Select separation mode
Select column
Select detection mode
Sample prep
Validation
245
Method development – Key Tips
Keep the sample in the stationary phase… as long as is reasonably possible.
Longer time in column = better chances of separation.
The sample decides which column chemistry to use.
Polar sample = polar column Non-polar sample = non polar column Chiral sample = chiral column, etc.
There’s no in-silico substitute for … old-fashioned chemistry. … common sense. … trial and error.
246
The basic questions
Molecular weight?
Size exclusion… or not.
What is it soluble in?
Mobile phase to be used
Ionic, ionisable or neutral?
Column chemistry to be used.
How will I detect it? At what sensitivity?
Detection system. Limit of detection.
What is the sample matrix? Sample prep method to be used.
247
Isocratic or gradient?
Number of analytes Less than 4 or 5, then isocratic.
More than 5 analytes or multiple functionalities or solubilities, then gradient.
Key analytes improperly resolved
Isocratic run resolves analytes, but takes too long.
248
If using a gradient…
Is the sample completely soluble in the mobile phase … … at the selected temperature?
… across the gradient being used?
Can my analyte (s) be detected across the gradient?
249
250
Common HPLC methods – ion
suppression
Ionisation of the analyte is suppressed using the appropriate pH
Analyte remains neutral and can be separated on a C18 column.
Used for weak acids and weak bases
Mobile phase
Buffer phase, usually phosphate buffer
Organic phase, CH3CN or MeOH
251
HPLC methods – ion pair LC
An ion pairing agent is used to create a neutral complex with the analyte Quaternary amines for
anionic analytes
Sulfonates for cationic analytes
252
Analgesics – ion suppression
ConditionsColumn: C18, 5cm x 4.6mm ID, 5µm particlesMobile Phase: acetonitrile:25mM KH2PO4, pH 2.3 with phosphoric acid (20:80)Flow Rate: 2 mL/minDet.: UV, 230nmInj.: 5µL mobile phase, analyte quantities shown
Analyte Data1. Dextromethorphan2. Acetylsalicylic acid
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Examples – sucrose in cola
Mol wt of sucrose: 342.3. Solubility: Highly polar. Freely soluble in water
Which column?Polar sample = polar column. C18 wrong choice. Polar column needed. Bare silica column cannot be used, since silica is soluble in water. Si-NH2 column preferable. Or HILIC column would be ideal.
Which detection method?Chromophores: Nil. Does not absorb UVRefractive index preferable. Or ELSD, if you can afford it. However, RI and ELSD are both non-specific detectors.Specific detection method: Sucrose is ionisable. So, amperometric or coulometric detection can be used.
Key considerations: Cost per sample. Detection limit required. Presence of interfering analytes (like fructose).
For a cola drink, sucrose is present in high amounts. Interfering substances unlikely. Low cost per sample is important. Therefore, Si-NH2 or HILIC column with RI detection preferred.
254
Sucrose in cola drinks - 2
Column Si-NH2. Detection: RI Mobile phase?
Water. 100% water will elute sucrose too fast. So, add MeCN to increase sucrose retention on column.
Start with 10% MeCN, increase to 30% until acceptable resolution is attained.
Flow rate? Usually 1 ml/min will suffice for a 4.6
mm, 5 um column. Temperature?
30 – 40 deg C preferred, for better resolution. RI detection is sensitive to temperature, so a column oven is mandatory.
Sample prep? Membrane filtration, hydrophilic
membrane, 0.45 um.
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Example – caffeine in cola
Mol wt: 194 Solubility: Moderately water-soluble.
Freely soluble in MeOH. Which column? C18 preferred. Detection?
Strongly absorbs UV. lmax 273 nm Mobile phase?
Water:MeOH. Start with 20% MeOH, and increase.
Sample prep? SPE using C18 sorbent. LLE using CHCl3 Membrane filtration Dilution, if necessary.
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Example – Insulin injection
Mol wt: ~ 5800 Da. Unstable in solution. Which column?
SEC C18 currently used.
300A pore size.
Detection? UV. Mobile phase?
Buffer used to stabilise analyte and suppress its ionisation. pH < 3.
0.1% TEA added to improve peak shape
MeCN used as organic modifier. Start with 20% MeCN and increase.
Sample prep? Critical. Membrane filtration, using
hydrophilic membrane.
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No work is complete…
… without paperwork!
Method validation Documentation Regulatory
compliance …till then, method
development is not complete!
258
Sample Preparation
259
Sample prep basics
Why sample prep?
Sample clarification
Removal of interfering substances and
particulates
Analyte extraction / enrichment
Solid phase extraction
Protect the column and HPLC components
260
Sample Clarification
Filtration
Depth filters for particulate removal
Membrane filters for sample clarification and
removal of sub-micron particles
261
Depth filters
Depth filters use a porous
filtration medium to retain
particles throughout the
medium, rather that just on
the surface.
used when the fluid to be
filtered contains a high load
of particles.
Used as discs
Glass fiber
Polypropylene
262
Membrane filters
Polymer films with
specific pore ratings.
Retain particles and
microorganisms on the
surface of the
membrane.
263
Membrane filters
Materials
Hydrophilic
Cellulose acetate or
nitrate
Regenerated cellulose
Hydrophobic
PTFE
PVDF
Nylon
Disc diameters
4 mm
13 mm
25 mm
47 / 50 mm (for solvent
clarification)
Pore sizes
0.45 / 0.5
0.2
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Membrane filters - tips
Always check compatibility with sample and
sample solvent
Use appropriate disc diameters < 2 ml, use 4 mm
2-5 ml, use 13 mm
5-25 ml, use 25 mm
> 25 ml – 500 ml, use 47 mm
Sample loss can occur due to non-specific
adsorption onto membrane or depth filter
265
Sample clarification - Centrifugation
In general, Microcentrifugation
is a better method of
sample clarification.
Used for analytes that adsorb
onto filter membranes.
Samples should be spun at not
less than 15,000 rpm.
266
Analyte extraction
Solid phase extraction
Used to isolate
analytes of interest
from a wide variety of
matrices.
Especially useful for
difficult matrices
Uses much less solvent
than LLE
Can be automated
267
SPE cartridges
SPE cartridge
is a mini HPLC
column
Same packing
material as
used in HPLC
Eg. C18, C8,
Ion-ex.
Source: www.supelco.com
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SPE Hardware
Vacuum flask
Vacuum manifold
Automated SPE