Separation of natural pyrethrum extracts using micellar electrokinetic chromatography

The separation of the six pyrethrin esters in a technical pyrethrum extract (Riedel-de-Haën, Cresent Chemical Co. Inc. Hauppauge, NY, USA) by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC) using both sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and a polymerized surfactant as pseudo-stationary phases has been investigated and optimized. Parameters such as pH, SDS and polymerized sodium N-undecyl sulfate (poly-SUS) concentration, type and concentration of background electrolyte and organic modifier, as well as the acetonitrile/water ratio in the sample were studied to optimize the resolution, efficiency, and analysis time. An optimized separation of the six pyrethrin esters was achieved in 25 min with 25 mM Tris, buffered at pH 9, containing 30 mM SDS, 25% (v/v) acetonitrile, and an equal volume ratio of acetonitrile/water sample matrix at a voltage of 25 kV. The use of 0.5% (w/v) poly-SUS enhanced resolution of the pyrethrin esters and shortened the total analysis time from 25 to 20 min, compared to the SDS mediated separation. The optimized MEKC results are compared to the HPLC separation of these esters and show an improvement in efficiency and total analysis time.