Pieter Dehouck

Characterisation of reversed-phase liquid chromatographic columns by chromatographic tests. Rational column classification by a minimal number of column test parameters.

The European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and other official compendia give only a general description of the stationary phase in the description of a liquid chromatographic method. Therefore the selection of a column giving suitable selectivity presents difficulties. Earlier, a test procedure was proposed that allows to measure 36 chromatographic parameters which have been described for characterising stationary phases. This procedure was carried out on 69 reversed-phase liquid chromatography (RP-LC) columns. This paper focuses on the classification of RP-LC stationary phases based on chromatographic parameters. A chemometric study was conducted using 24 parameters that could be measured in a repeatable and reproducible way. Principal component analysis was used to classify the columns and to estimate the minimal number of parameters necessary for a rational classification. It is shown that after reducing the number of parameters from 24 to four or three, similar classifications were obtained. The column classifications were compared to the European Pharmacopoeia stationary phase description and to the column properties obtained from the manufacturers.

Review of analytical methods for the determination of pesticide residues in grapes

This review presents an overview of analytical methods for the analysis of pesticide residues in grapes and by-products in the last decade. The most widely used detection technique for the determination of pesticides in grapes is mass spectrometry combined with gas and/or liquid chromatography. In general, multi-residue methods with selective sample treatment methodologies have been developed for this purpose. However, this review focuses not only on these common multi-residue methods but also on specific methodologies as single-residue methods for the analysis of pesticides in grapes and by-products. Finally, the limitations of multi-residue methods, the future perspectives and the trends for pesticide residue analysis in grapes are reviewed.

Determination of uncertainty in analytical measurements from collaborative study results on the analysis of a phenoxymethylpenicillin sample

Abstract The correct interpretation of a measurement result requires knowledge about its uncertainty. Depending on the conditions under which the analyst is operating, different operational definitions of uncertainty have been proposed. They include: within-laboratory uncertainty, reproducibility uncertainty, bias-included uncertainty and absolute uncertainty. Here we consider the evaluation of the reproducibility uncertainty derived from the results obtained in an inter-laboratory experiment. Nine laboratories participated in an inter-laboratory study for the analysis of phenoxymethylpenicillin. The analyses consisted of a Karl–Fischer water determination, an acid–base titration to assay phenoxymethylpenicillin and a liquid chromatography (LC) method to determine 4-hydroxyphenoxymethylpenicillin and other impurities. The experimental set-up allowed to obtain for each determination sr2 and sL2 as estimates of the repeatability variance (σr2) and the between-laboratory variance (σL2), respectively. The reproducibility uncertainties for the different assays were then derived from these estimates.

Interlaboratory study of a liquid chromatography method for erythromycin: determination of uncertainty

Erythromycin is a mixture of macrolide antibiotics produced by Saccharopolyspora erythreas during fermentation. A new method for the analysis of erythromycin by liquid chromatography has previously been developed. It makes use of an Astec C18 polymeric column. After validation in one laboratory, the method was now validated in an interlaboratory study. Validation studies are commonly used to test the fitness of the analytical method prior to its use for routine quality testing. The data derived in the interlaboratory study can be used to make an uncertainty statement as well. The relationship between validation and uncertainty statement is not clear for many analysts and there is a need to show how the existing data, derived during validation, can be used in practice. Eight laboratories participated in this interlaboratory study. The set-up allowed the determination of the repeatability variance, s(2)r and the between-laboratory variance, s(2)L. Combination of s(2)r and s(2)L results in the reproducibility variance s(2)R. It has been shown how these data can be used in future by a single laboratory that wants to make an uncertainty statement concerning the same analysis.

Isocratic separation of erythromycin, related substances and degradation products by liquid chromatography on XTerra RP18

SummaryA simple, sensitive, selective and robust isocratic LC method is described for the analysis of erythromycin on XTerra RP18. The main component, erythromycin A, is separated from all known related substances and degradation products. Several unknown impurities are also separated. Acetonitrile-0.2 MK2HPO4pH7.0-water, (35∶5∶60, v/v) was used as a mobile phase at 1.0 mL min−1. UV detection was at 215 nm. The robustness of the method was evaluated by a full-factorial experimental design.

Analysis of erythromycin and benzoylperoxide in topical gels by liquid chromatography

Gels containing a combination of erythromycin and benzoylperoxide are frequently used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. A method was developed to determine the content of both erythromycin and benzoylperoxide in these gels. Erythromycin was extracted from the gel in conditions where the oxidative power of benzoylperoxide was neutralised by addition of ascorbic acid and this extract was analysed on an Xterra RP(18) column, with a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-0.2 M K2HPO4-water (35:5:60, v/v/v). The detection wavelength was 215 nm. A second extraction procedure was developed for the analysis of benzoylperoxide. The extraction solution was analysed on a Hypersil C(18) BDS column and a mobile phase containing acetonitrile-water (58:42, v/v). Detection was performed at 254 nm. The flow rate was 1.0 ml/min in both methods. The selectivity, repeatability, linearity and recovery of both methods were examined. Special attention was given to determination of the recovery and the uncertainty on the recovery. This allowed evaluation of the bias of the extraction method. The method developed was used to examine the stability of a gel for topical use.

Analysis of metacycline by capillary electrophoresis

The development and validation of an optimized capillary electrophoresis method for the determination of metacycline in the presence of its related substances by capillary electrophoresis is shown. The influence of methanol as organic modifier, buffer pH, buffer concentration, capillary length, column temperature, Triton X‐100 and methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin was investigated. A central composite design was performed in order to optimize the method. The optimal separation conditions were: uncoated fused‐silica capillary (39 cm total length, 31 cm effective length, 50 μm ID); as background electrolyte a solution of 160 mM sodium carbonate and 1 mM EDTA (pH 10.35)/methanol (89:13 v/v); temperature, 15°C; voltage, 12 kV. The method showed good selectivity, repeatability, linearity, and sensitivity. The limits of detection and quantitation are 0.024% and 0.06%, respectively, relative to a 2.5 mg/mL solution. Six commercial samples were analyzed quantitatively.

Analysis of clindamycin by micellar electrokinetic chromatography with a mixed micellar system

This study details the development and validation of an optimized method with micellar electrokinetic chromatography for the analysis of clindamycin. The method uses a mixed micellar phase containing anionic sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) and non ionic Brij 35 on an untreated fused-silica capillary. The influences of buffer concentration, pH, SDS, Brij 35 and organic modifier were investigated. Special attention was given to the role of the non ionic Brij 35 in the mixed micellar system. Optimization with a central composite design resulted in optimal separation conditions: background electrolyte containing 25 mM sodium tetraborate pH 7.75, 90 mM SDS, 14 mM Brij 35 and 21% acetonitrile. The applied voltage was 15 kV and the capillary temperature 15 degrees C. The method was robust and gave good linearity and repeatability. The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.05 and 0.15%, respectively, relative to a 2.5 mg/ml clindamycin solution. Two commercial bulk products were analysed with this system.

Comparison of Two LC Methods for the Analysis of Erythromycin

SummaryA comparison of two LC methods for the separation of erythromycin is described. The first method was previously developed in this laboratory and uses an Xterra RP18 column. Acetonitrile-0.2 M K2HPO4 pH 7.0—water (35∶5∶60) is used as a mobile phase. The second method was developed by Abbott and uses an Astec C18 polymeric column. The mobile phase consists of acetonitrile −0.2 M K2HPO4 pH 9.0—water (40∶6∶54). This method was slightly adapted before a robustness study was performed and quantitative results were examined. Both methods allow isocratic separation (1.0 mL min−1) of erythromycin from all its known related substances and degradation products. The Xterra method shows better selectivity and efficiency but the Astec method shows better long term stability. Both methods show dear improvements as compared to the actual method of the European Pharmacopoela and the United States Pharmacopeia, which is less selective and less sensitive.

Liquid chromatographic determination of erythromycins in fermentation broth

SummaryA simple and sensitive isocratic LC method is described for the determination of erythromycins in fermentation broths. A simple technique utilizing acetone-methyl ethyl ketone, 1∶1, as extraction solvent was coupled with suitable chromatographic conditions—compounds were separated on a 250 mm×4.6 mm i.d., 5 μm, reversed-phase column at 65°C with acetonitrile-0.2m K2HPO4 pH7.0-water, 35:5:60 (v/v), as mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL min−1. UV detection was performed at 215 nm. Separation of erythromycin F from polar components of the fermentation liquid was sufficient. Erythromycins A, B, C, D, and E, andN-desmethylerythromycin A were also separated, as were known decomposition products of erythromycin A and several unknown components. The method is suitable for monitoring the progress of erythromycin fermentation.