Restek at HPLC 2024
20-25 July, Denver, CO, U.S.
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ORAL PRESENTATION:
Comprehensive PFAS Analysis Using Diverse LC Column Types
Wednesday, July 24, 4:30–6:00 p.m.
Derick Lucas (presenter), Restek Corporation
Abstract
Growing interest in a wider range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in various matrix types requires substantial optimization in liquid chromatography (LC) for comprehensive analysis. Leveraging the LC platform, our study and review aim to elucidate the advantages and limitations of different column chemistries in the separation and quantification of PFAS compounds, including ultrashort chain, long-chain variants, and sample matrix challenges. The investigation involves systematically comparing reversed-phase, ion-exchange, and mixed-mode chemical interactions to enhance chromatographic resolution and sensitivity. Our findings contribute to advancing the understanding of PFAS analysis, offering insights into the optimal LC column selection for robust and thorough detection of these persistent environmental contaminants.
POSTER PRESENTATIONS:
Highly Efficient LC-MS/MS Analysis of Multiple Mycotoxins Utilizing Biphenyl Column Selectivity with Inert Column Technology
Wednesday, July 24, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Jared Burkhart (presenter), Shun-Hsin Liang, Justin Steimling, Diego Lopez, Restek Corporation
Abstract
As more mycotoxins come under regulatory purview, new methods are needed to help food safety labs continue to operate efficiently. Comprehensive, multi-mycotoxin methods are an attractive alternative to separate methods for different analyte lists, but they can be difficult to develop due to the wide range of chemical characteristics among mycotoxin classes. In particular, the Alternaria toxins and ergot alkaloids create additional challenges for method developers. These emerging mycotoxin food contaminants are unique in that, when analyzed on a C18 column, high pH conditions must be used to obtain acceptable peak shape for the Alternaria toxins and adequate separation of the ergot alkaloid epimers. Use of high pH conditions is stressful for LC columns and not suitable for analyzing other classes of mycotoxins, so another approach is required for a truly comprehensive method. Analyzing compounds that have nonspecific adsorption (NSA) or nonspecific binding (NSB) to metal surfaces in LC columns has historically been a challenge. Poor peak shape and sensitivity are key indicators that polar, usually acidic compounds are interacting with the metal surfaces in the column, causing poor data quality.
Mycotoxins analysis can be challenging and often requires a great deal of column conditioning and equilibration to achieve acceptable peaks. This is due to the reactive nature of the compounds, which contain acidic, polar, or otherwise metal chelating groups. Inert column hardware, coupled with biphenyl stationary phase, helps simplify methods and improve the response and peak shape of these compounds. In this talk, I will describe how a simple sample preparation procedure, the unique selectivity of the biphenyl stationary phase run under acidic conditions, and inert column hardware technology combine to provide sensitive and efficient simultaneous analysis of Alternaria toxins, ergot alkaloid epimers, and other major mycotoxins.
The Development of a Virtual Liquid Chromatography Method Development Tool
Wednesday, July 24, 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Derick Lucas (presenter)1, Jamie York1, John Garret2, Chris Nelson1, Tim Yosca1, Justin Steimling1, Melinda Urich1
1. Restek Corporation, 2. Analytical Innovations, Inc.
Abstract
The development and optimization of Liquid Chromatography (LC) separations can be time-consuming and costly, often requiring several steps, including literature research, column selection, method scouting, method development, and method optimization. In an effort to eliminate these steps, an instrument-free, software modeling tool that gives users the ability to select compounds from a database and instantly model a separation on different column phases was developed. Optimization of the model can be performed while maintaining critical pair separations by adjusting for instrument/system effects (e.g., dwell volume and extra column volume), mobile phase preferences, number of gradient steps, and more. The modeler delivers a fast, no-cost starting point. The initial database consists of a Drugs of Abuse (DoA) library containing approximately 250 compounds with plans to continually expand the utility. For LC method developers, novice, and expert, who either lack the expertise, or the time, to develop separations quickly and accurately, this tool can be used to deliver a fast, no-cost starting point for method development and optimization. This novel, virtual method development software can improve turnaround time, increase throughput to existing methods, and offer an on-demand consultative user experience.