Different Perspectives and Strategies for Liquid Chromatography Peak Capacity Optimization and Method Development

HPLC and LC-MS method development can be challenging, especially for complex samples. Whether the complexity comes from the sample itself, or the sample matrix, there are different approaches that can be taken to help resolve more peaks in these types of sample.

1. A practical guide to maximize the sample peak capacity for complex small molecule separations

• Dr. Arianne Soliven – Product Specialist, Avantor, UK

Method development for complex small molecule samples using reversed-phase (RP) separation conditions is a challenging problem, especially when the sample matrix itself may contain many unknown analytes in a dynamic range of different concentrations. This talk is based on guiding analysts on an established approach published in 2013 aimed at optimizing the practical method decisions: (column length (L), temperature (T), flow rate (F), and final organic strength mobile phase composition (∅final) to maximize the separation’s peak capacity.

2. Software-assisted method development enables the optimization of chromatographic separation and enhancement of peak capacity

• Dr. Imad Haidar Ahmad - Research Director, Amgen, USA

Software-assisted method development is a powerful tool to achieve optimal performance in chromatographic separations. In the pharmaceutical industry, chromatographic modelling is a fundamental part of the analytical workflow, which focuses on chromatography column selection along with optimizing mobile phase composition and gradient conditions. This integration of chromatography modelling into analytical workflow enables accelerating method development and ensures compliance to regulatory requirements. In this presentation, we show how chromatography modelling can be used to pick the optimum selectivity, shorten cycle time, decrease peak width, and enhance resolution, which is translated into higher peak capacity. We will highlight the use of modelling to increase peak capacity and address challenging separations by showcasing several real-life methods employed in the pharmaceutical industry.

3. Strategies for trace contaminant analysis in complex sample matrices

• Dr. Andrés Pérez-Parada - Professor at the University of the Republic, Uruguay

Various types of organic pollutants can be present in both food and environmental samples. This presentation aims to showcase the practical applications of LC-FLD in the routine analysis of glyphosate in freshwater and agricultural soils. Additionally, rapid determination of Ochratoxin A in wines will be demonstrated, employing advanced core-shell Avantor LC columns. Furthermore, the presentation will delve into the environmental dissipation of rice pesticides, presenting large-scale multi-residue methods using LC-MS/MS. This overview will give insights into the analytical versatility and efficacy of LC in addressing diverse challenges related to organic pollutant analysis.