High-throughput liquid chromatography for drug analysis in biological fluids: investigation of extraction column life

A novel method was developed and assessed to extend the lifetime of extraction columns of high-throughput liquid chromatography (HTLC) for bioanalysis of human plasma samples. In this method, a 15% acetic acid solution and 90% THF were respectively used as mobile phases to clean up the proteins in human plasma samples and residual lipids from the extraction and analytical columns. The 15% acetic acid solution weakens the interactions between proteins and the stationary phase of the extraction column and increases the protein solubility in the mobile phase. The 90% THF mobile phase prevents the accumulation of lipids and thus reduces the potential damage on the columns. Using this novel method, the extraction column lifetime has been extended to about 2000 direct plasma injections, and this is the first time that high concentration acetic acid and THF are used in HTLC for on-line cleanup and extraction column lifetime extension.