Research project BL/C/36 (Research action BL)
1/7/2005-31/12/2007
Context and objectives
Capillary electrochromatography, a hybrid technique between high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis, is a relatively new separation technique that has been studies for several years in research environments. However, on the level of column technology, especially the development of stationary phases, specifically designed for CEC applications, much work is still needed. Due to a lack of commercially available columns and stationary phases, the analyst has to prepare columns in-house, which can be detrimental for the between-column reproducibility repeatability. Most CEC analyses up till now have been performed using particle-based stationary phases inside the capillary, with functionalized particles of phases designed for HPLC. However, column lifetime and column performance will be fairly reduced because these phases are not developed to apply an electrical field on. Another disadvantage associated with particle-based stationary phases is the need for frits to fix the stationary phase inside the capillary, which can be responsible for column fragility, bubble formation during analysis leading to current disruption, current breakdown and noisy baselines. They also can loosen under the influence of an electrical field, leading to column failure.
Therefore, the main aims of this project were:
- Design and application of new stationary phases for capillary electrochromatography
- Application of these synthesized stationary phases for the separation and assay of drugs
- Development of chiral separation methods on the above stationary phases.
- Development of bio-analytical assays for drugs on the above stationary phases
Methodology
- Design and application of new stationary phases for capillary electrochromatography
The submicron-sized particle based phases were expected to be designed by the Chinese partner
The monolithic columns were to be synthesized by the Flemish partner and occasionally by the Walloon
partner
- Application of earlier synthesized stationary phases for the separation and assay of drugs
The phases were provided by the Chinese partner
Separation methods were to be developed at the VUB and ULg
- Development of chiral separation methods on the above stationary phases.
Strategies for drug compounds related to drug development were to be defined at the department of the VUB
Chiral separation methods for bioanalysis were to be developed at the department of the ULg
- Development of bio-analytical assays for drugs on the above stationary phases (ULg)
