Coupled-column chromatography on immobilized protein phases for direct separation and determination of drug qenantiomers in plasma

Abstract

Columns packed with immobilized α1-acid glycoprotein and albumin were used in coupled-column chromatography to increase their utility for determining low concentrations of enantiomers in biological samples. The two enantiomers eluted from the protein columns were trapped and compressed on two separate columns, packed with hydrophobic stationary phase, and subsequently transferred to a fourth column for final separation. The overall effect was an increase in efficiency and selectivity. Examples are given of separations of the enantiomers of terbutaline, metoprolol, oxazepam and bupivacaine in plasma. For quantitative determination a single calibration can be used for both enantiomers. © 1989.