Analysis of Beta Blockers Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Significance of the Topic

Beta-blockers are critical pharmaceutical agents used in cardiovascular therapies such as hypertension management, angina relief and heart failure treatment.
Rapid and reliable quantification of these compounds is essential for quality control in pharmaceutical manufacturing and clinical research.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note evaluates the performance of a 2.6 μm Accucore RP-MS HPLC column for the fast separation of six beta-blockers.
Key goals include achieving sub-2.5-minute analysis, maintaining low back pressure and ensuring sharp peak shapes.

Methodology and Sample Preparation

Standards for metoprolol, propranolol and alprenolol were prepared at 1 mg/mL in water and for atenolol, nadolol and pindolol at 1 mg/mL in methanol.
A mixed working standard was diluted in mobile phase to final concentrations: 200 μg/mL pindolol, 100 μg/mL atenolol, metoprolol, alprenolol and 30 μg/mL nadolol, propranolol.
The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% TFA in water (A) and 0.1% TFA in methanol (B) using a linear gradient from 15% B to 65% B over 2.5 minutes.

Instrumentation

• Column: Accucore RP-MS 2.6 μm, 50 × 2.1 mm
• HPLC System: Thermo Scientific Accela
• Flow Rate: 0.7 mL/min
• Column Temperature: 45 °C
• Detection: UV at 220 nm
• Injection Volume: 1 μL

Main Results and Discussion

All six beta-blockers were resolved in under 2.5 minutes, with retention times ranging from 0.38 min (atenolol) to 2.28 min (alprenolol).
The system backpressure remained approximately 250 bar, compatible with standard HPLC equipment.
A minor peak splitting for nadolol was observed, attributed to its diastereoisomeric forms.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This method delivers high throughput analysis with minimal backpressure, enabling routine quality control without specialized UHPLC systems.
The optimized superficially porous particles reduce secondary interactions, yielding sharp peaks and low tailing.

Future Trends and Applications

Advances may include coupling superficially porous columns with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity in complex matrices.
Application of similar core–shell technologies to other therapeutic classes can further streamline pharmaceutical analyses.

Conclusion

The Accucore RP-MS column demonstrated rapid, efficient separation of six beta-blockers under conventional HPLC conditions.
Its low backpressure and high resolution make it an attractive tool for pharmaceutical laboratories seeking faster turnaround times.