Bioanalytical hydrophilic interaction chromatography: recent challenges, solutions and applications

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chromatography
• Mass Spectrometry

Background:

• Hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) is a valuable complement to reversed-phase liquid chromatography for analyzing polar compounds.
• HILIC coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) is increasingly adopted for analyzing polar analytes in intricate biological matrices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent challenges and advancements in HILIC-MS/MS for polar analyte analysis.
• To discuss solutions for ion suppression and interference issues in HILIC-MS/MS assays.
• To summarize applications of HILIC-MS/MS in various biological studies.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing high organic content in the mobile phase for improved sensitivity.
• Direct injection of organic-solvent extracts from biological samples for reduced sample preparation time.
• Leveraging low-column backpressure for potential ultra-fast analysis.

Main Results:

• Enhanced understanding of analyte retention based on mobile and stationary phase compositions.
• Development of strategies to mitigate ion suppression and interference in HILIC-MS/MS.
• Demonstrated utility of HILIC-MS/MS across diverse applications.

Conclusions:

• HILIC-MS/MS offers significant advantages for the sensitive and efficient analysis of polar compounds in biological samples.
• Ongoing research addresses challenges, improving the reliability and scope of HILIC-MS/MS applications.
• This technique is crucial for pharmacokinetic, metabolic, drug monitoring, and diagnostic studies.