Comparison of different stationary phases for bioanalytical studies of biologically active compounds

In this study, the chromatographic behaviour of four mixtures of compounds was tested on columns possessing various surface properties. Cocaine, dimefluron, nabumetone, and tramadol were chosen as the test compounds. Cocaine is a tropane alkaloid, which is relatively often abused as a drug. This is why many papers have already been written about its determination in human biological samples. Dimefluron, a derivative of benzo[c]fluorene, is a new perspective drug being investigated for its potential antineoplastic effects. Nabumetone is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory prodrug used for treatment of inflammatory and degenerative rheumatic diseases. Tramadol, derived from an opioid structure is used as an anodyne for treatment of severe pain. As a medicament it is usually determined either in biological samples or in pharmaceuticals. The above-mentioned model drugs were separated using chromatographic columns with C18, C8, palmitamidopropyl, and pentafluorophenylpropyl chains. The best conditions for separation of the individual compounds and their metabolites were chosen on the basis of resolution, retention times, and peak symmetry.