Optimization of Microbore HPLC Separations for Minimum Detectable Quantity and Separation Time

Abstract

This paper demonstrates that chromatographic systems theory allows for the optimization of the column dimensions and mobile phase flow rate for minimum detectable quantity (MDQ) under constant pressure conditions with a variable separation time. The compromise between MDQ and separation time is illustrated for isocratic and gradient elution separations. Data on extra-column variance of systems using microbore-column-compatible absorbance, fluorescence, and electrochemical detectors are presented. At present, improvement by a factor of 50 to 100 in MDQ can be obtained using microbore equipment.