Rapid Screening Method for Beta Blockers Using an Advanced Solid Core UHPLC Column and System Combination

Significance of the Topic

Beta blockers are widely prescribed cardiovascular drugs used to manage hypertension, angina, heart failure and post‐myocardial infarction care. Rapid, high‐throughput screening methods for multiple beta antagonists are essential in pharmaceutical quality control, clinical laboratories and research settings to accelerate data turnaround, reduce per‐sample costs and increase overall sample throughput.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance benefits of combining the Thermo Scientific Accucore Vanquish C18+ 1.5 µm solid core UHPLC column with the Vanquish UHPLC system. The goal is to develop a rapid screening method for 14 structurally related beta blockers, achieving high resolution and reproducible peak shapes within a minimal total run time.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A simple binary gradient UHPLC method was developed using:

• Column: Accucore Vanquish C18+, 1.5 µm, 100 × 2.1 mm
• Mobile phase A: 20 mM ammonium formate, pH 3.0
• Mobile phase B: Acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid
• Gradient: 5% B to 30% B (3 min), ramp to 100% B (4.5 min), hold and re‐equilibrate
• Flow rate: 500 µL/min; Column temperature: 40 °C; Injection volume: 2 µL; Detection: UV at 270 nm

Instrumentation comprised the Vanquish UHPLC system (system base, binary pump, split sampler, column compartment and diode array detector) controlled by Chromeleon 7.2 SR2.

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved baseline separation of 14 beta blockers within a 4.5 minute detection window and a 6 minute cycle time. All critical pairs exhibited resolution > 2.00 except celiprolol/oxprenolol at 1.53. Retention time precision across six injections was excellent (RSD ≤ 0.23%), and system pressures ranged from 967 to 1024 bar. The solid core particles and low extra‐column dispersion of the Vanquish system enabled high flow rates without sacrificing peak capacity.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Significantly reduced analysis time (< 6 min per run)
• High resolution of structurally similar analytes
• Robust retention time reproducibility for routine screening
• Increased laboratory throughput and cost efficiency

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Emerging directions include coupling rapid UHPLC screening with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity, applying similar methods to other drug classes or metabolites, integrating automated sample handling and data analysis workflows, and exploring greener solvent systems. Advances in miniaturized UHPLC and AI‐guided method optimization may further accelerate analytical development.

Conclusion

The Accucore Vanquish C18+ column paired with the Vanquish UHPLC system enables a fast, reliable and high‐resolution screening method for multiple beta blockers. This combination offers laboratories a powerful tool for improving assay throughput and ensuring robust quality control in pharmaceutical and clinical environments.

Reference

Thermo Fisher Scientific. Rapid Screening Method for Beta Blockers Using an Advanced Solid Core UHPLC Column and System Combination. Application Note 21178, 2015.