A High-Throughput Method for the Analysis of 19 Beta Blockers Using a UHPLC Column and System Combination

Significance of the Topic

A rapid and reliable screening method for multiple beta-blocking agents is critical in pharmaceutical analysis, clinical testing, and environmental monitoring. High-throughput approaches reduce per-sample cost and turnaround time while maintaining excellent resolution among structurally similar analytes. Employing advanced UHPLC technology can significantly enhance laboratory efficiency and data quality.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note demonstrates a fast screening assay for 19 common beta blockers using the Thermo Scientific Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH 1.9 µm column paired with the Vanquish UHPLC system. The goal was to achieve baseline separation of all compounds within a minimal detection window and illustrate method acceleration by exploiting the system’s high-pressure capabilities.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study used a Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH 1.9 µm, 100 × 2.1 mm column with a binary gradient of 20 mM ammonium formate (pH 3.0) and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid. Key UHPLC conditions included:

• Column temperature: 40 °C with pre-heater
• Injection volume: 2 µL
• Flow rates compared: 0.8 mL/min and 1.7 mL/min
• Detection: Diode array at 270 nm, acquisition rate 100 Hz

Instrumentation comprised the Vanquish UHPLC system (binary pump, split sampler, column compartment, active pre-heater) and a LightPipe 10 mm flow cell. Data were processed in Chromeleon 7.2 SR2.

Key Results and Discussion

At 0.8 mL/min (710 bar), full baseline resolution of all 19 beta blockers was attained within a 4 minute window. Using the built-in UHPLC method transfer calculator, flow was increased to 1.7 mL/min (up to 1365 bar), halving the detection window to 2 minutes while preserving adequate resolution for screening. Critical peak pairs maintained sufficient separation for reliable identification prior to confirmatory analysis.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The optimized method offers:

• Complete separation of 19 analytes in under 4 minutes
• Accelerated screening with cycle times below 2.8 minutes
• Reduced solvent consumption and higher sample throughput
• Robust performance under high-pressure conditions

Such rapid screening is valuable for high-volume QC labs, pharmaceutical research, and environmental surveillance where timely results are essential.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further developments may include coupling this UHPLC approach with high-resolution mass spectrometry for simultaneous quantitation and structural confirmation. Emerging stationary phases with tailored selectivity could enable even faster separations or multiplexed assays of drug classes. Integration with automated sample preparation and data analytics will continue to streamline workflows in regulated and research environments.

Conclusion

By leveraging the high-pressure capacity of the Vanquish UHPLC system and the Hypersil GOLD VANQUISH column, a high-throughput screening method for 19 beta blockers was established, achieving full resolution in under 4 minutes and rapid screening in under 2.8 minutes. This approach demonstrates the potential for significant time savings and increased productivity in analytical laboratories.

References

• Jones J. A High-Throughput Method for the Analysis of 19 Beta Blockers Using a UHPLC Column and System Combination. Thermo Fisher Scientific Application Note AN21498-EN; 2016.