Comparative Evaluation of Reversed Stationary Phase Geometries and Greener Systems on HPLC and UHPLC Using Five Recent Hepatitis-C Antivirals

Abstract

Abstract Background Being the most widely used LC mode, reversed-phase (RP)-HPLC accounts for the highest percentage of HPLC separations. The main aim of the green analytical chromatographer is to enhance the efficiency of separations in short analysis times, using the ecologically safest materials and lowest energy consumption. Objective Being the heart of any chromatography where the actual separations take place, LC columns have diverse varieties which include different stationary phase geometries as well as different particles sizes. The rationale for column choice is quite complicated. Totally porous, core-shell particles, and monolithic rods are stationary phase types manufactured in RP-mode. The main objective of this research study is to aid in the selection of HPLC or ultra-high performance lquid chromatography (UHPLC) instrumentation. Methods In this research article, three different column packing phases were evaluated and compared by both HPLC and UHPLC techniques. The purpose was to explore the best rational choice of column packing as well as LC instrumentation, when using greener chromatographic conditions. Results The study showed core-shell particles were superior in both HPLC and UHPLC techniques. Conclusion Core-shell particles enabled the utilization of greener mobile phase compositions. Monolithic columns showed better tolerance of greener mobile phase flow rates, without considerable loss of performance. Highlights The use of greener organic solvents was assessed on different stationary phase geometries. The separation efficiency for five recent antiviral drugs was evaluated, in order to give better understanding of the way for column choice according to the underlying experimental conditions. UHPLC and HPLC were compared comprehensively for applicability and cost-effectiveness.