Separation of Acidic and Neutral Drugs Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column

Significance of the Topic

Therapeutic drug monitoring is critical in pharmaceutical quality control and regulatory compliance. Accurately separating acidic and neutral drug compounds addresses challenges such as peak tailing and ensures high analytical performance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note aims to evaluate the performance of a core enhanced Accucore C18 column in separating a mixture of acidic and neutral drugs. It highlights retention characteristics, peak shapes and reproducibility under optimized conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

A standard mixture of seven drugs (hydrochlorothiazide, prednisolone, pravastatin, carbamazepine, diclofenac, ibuprofen and progesterone) was prepared in 50:50 acetonitrile-water and diluted to target concentrations.

• Column: Accucore C18, 2.6 µm, 100 x 2.1 mm
• System: Thermo Scientific Accela HPLC/UHPLC
• Detection: PDA/UV at 215 nm
• Temperature: 25 °C
• Flow rate: 0.40 mL/min; Injection volume: 1.5 µL
• Mobile phases: A – 0.1% phosphoric acid in water; B – 0.1% phosphoric acid in acetonitrile
• Gradient: 0–2 min, A:B 70:30→60:40; 2–4 min, to 5:95; 4–8 min, hold at 5:95

Key Results and Discussion

The Accucore C18 column provided baseline resolution of all seven analytes within 8 minutes. Retention time reproducibility was excellent, with relative standard deviations below 0.6% for each compound. The core–shell particle design enabled high efficiency and reduced backpressure (~256 bar) compared to fully porous sub-2 µm media.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High separation efficiency for both acidic and neutral drugs
• Improved peak shapes and reduced tailing under acidic conditions
• Lower system backpressure, supporting higher throughput
• Robust retention time reproducibility for routine quality control

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements in core–shell particle technology may extend applications to more complex matrices and mass spectrometry coupling. The adoption of greener solvent systems and automated sample handling is expected to enhance sustainability and laboratory productivity.

Conclusion

The core enhanced Accucore C18 column delivers a robust, high-efficiency approach for separating acidic and neutral drugs. Its low backpressure and reproducible performance make it ideal for routine therapeutic drug monitoring and regulatory compliance.

Reference

1. Khan A. Separation of Acidic and Neutral Drugs Using a Core Enhanced Technology Accucore HPLC Column. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note ANCCSCETACNEUT0611; 2011.