Analysis of Diclofenac Sodium

Significance of the Topic

Accurate analysis of Diclofenac Sodium, a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is essential for ensuring pharmaceutical quality and monitoring environmental residues.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work compares conventional HPLC and high-speed UHPLC workflows on Shim-pack GIST C18 columns to optimize assay speed and maintain analytical performance for Diclofenac Sodium quantification.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Chromatographic system: Shimadzu Nexera-i MT
• Columns:
  • Shim-pack GIST C18 (250×4.6 mm, 5 µm) for standard HPLC
  • Shim-pack GIST C18 (150×4.6 mm, 3 µm) for UHPLC
• Mobile phase: Sodium phosphate buffer pH 2.5 / Methanol (34/66 v/v)
• Flow rates: 0.8 mL/min (HPLC), 1.4 mL/min (UHPLC)
• Column temperature: 25 °C
• Injection volume: 20 µL
• Detection: UV at 254 nm

Main Results and Discussion

The standard HPLC method provided reliable separation but required longer run times. Transitioning to UHPLC with a shorter column and smaller particle size nearly halved analysis time while preserving peak resolution and sensitivity. Comparative chromatograms confirm enhanced throughput without performance loss.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Increased laboratory efficiency through reduced analysis time
• Lower solvent consumption and operational costs
• Applicable to pharmaceutical QC and environmental monitoring

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further developments in column chemistry and high-pressure systems will drive faster assays. Coupling UHPLC with automated sample handling and data processing will streamline workflows. The approach can be extended to multi-residue pharmaceutical screening in environmental samples.

Conclusion

Adopting UHPLC on Shim-pack GIST C18 columns offers a rapid and robust solution for Diclofenac Sodium analysis, boosting throughput and sustainability without compromising data quality.

References

• Shimadzu Corporation (2021) Application News L518: Analysis of Diclofenac Sodium using Shim-pack GIST C18.