The role of column switching in analysing complex samples.

Our objective in using column switching is primarily to achieve the desired separation in the minimum analysis time. Complimentary to this aim is the need for sample and column cleanup followed by column re-equilibration. Finally, all operations should be capable of automation. Fundamental to column switching methodology is the concept of Zone cutting, where part of the chromatogram is transferred to another column. This forms the basis of sample cleanup and is a very versatile and powerful methods. Multiple zone cutting is also possible to further increase to scope of cleanup or to minimise analysis time. Zone cutting is also complimentary to the techniques of trace enrichment and recycling. Examples will be given involving the use of these techniques in the analysis of complex matrices such as urine, plant extracts, wine and serum. The latter will be used to propose a novel approach to the quantitative analysis of anti-convulsants in serum using hexobarbital as internal standard.

Automated determination of drugs in blood samples after enzymatic hydrolysis using precolumn switching and post-column reaction detection.

Enzymatic hydrolysis of blood samples with subtilisin-A releases protein-bound drugs and permits the repeated (10-50 times) injection of up to 1-ml volumes on short (2-30 mm) precolumns without appreciable build-up of pressure or loss of performance of the precolumn. The principle of fully automated serum and plasma analysis is demonstrated with the drug secoverine as a model compound. After enzymatic hydrolysis of the sample with an equal volume of a 1 mg/ml solution of subtilisin-A for 15 min at 55 degrees C, the model compound is preconcentrated using a microprocessor-controlled column switching unit. Separation occurs in a reversed-phase liquid chromatographic system using a CN-type stationary phase and a buffered aqueous dioxane solution as mobile phase. Detection is done by UV spectrophotometry or fluorometrically after post-column ion-pairing reaction with dimethoxyanthracenesulphonate. The relative standard deviation of the procedure is less than +/- 6% (n = 10).

[The Göttinger minipig as a laboratory animal. 3. Communication: iron-, copper- and zinc-values in blood-serum]. / Das Göttinger Miniaturschwein als Versuchstier. 3. Mitteilung: Eisen-, Kupfer- und Zinkwerte im Blutserum.

Serumvalues of iron, copper and zinc were determined by atomic absorption. The results of two collectives (juvenile and adult animals) which were kept under SPF-conditions were compared with the corresponding values of man.