More data less paper: New High Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) on PreciseInhale
In November 2015 ISAB began using new HPLC equipment to characterize substances exposed with PreciseInhale, before they go onto experiments in the in vitro simulation tool DissolvIt. Results were positive. Approx. 50 substances have now been tested using the new HPLC equipment.
With the new HPLC researchers can rank and eliminate Candidate Drugs on DissolvIt even more quickly. Identifying the primary characteristics of substances is faster, the valuable data gathered stored more effectively – and GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) compliant. This means faster throughput of substances and the ability to analyse more samples in a sequence.
How is it faster? Distributive Analysis and ?MAX curves
Previously a separate spectrometer was needed along with an earlier HPLC version – which could mean waiting a couple of hours for results before running DissolvIt tests. The detector in the new HPLC – a DAD (Diode Array Detector) – scans a whole range of wavelengths simultaneously, with no need for a separate spectrophotometer. This makes it particularly effective for characterizing unknown substances, and determines ?MAX curves as part of the sample injection – providing crucial information on the structure of the sample. The test substance on the filters can be characterized and visually displayed and saved immediately.
From paper to data
In the earlier HPLC version chromatographic data was stored physically – on bulky paper rolls. Now the data is primarily stored digitally in a database. The primary characteristics identified by HPLC are: Is the substance soluble? Through an organic or water- based solution? What is the particle size distribution? Is it suitable for an inhaled drug? Are the cover slips equally covered with substance and how much does each slip hold?
Like any good tool, knowledge of how to use the HPLC directly affects the results’ credibility. With 50 tests undergone the new HPLC feature is proving itself an important value-add for ISAB testing.