SC 4 - Current trends in liquid chromatography: Understanding the theory behind the practice

Prof. Dr. Torgny Fornstedt, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
Dr. Mel Euerby, Hichrom Ltd., Reading, UK
Dr. Patrik Petersson, AstraZeneca R&R, Lund, Sweden

Course contents:
The purpose of this course is to give participants a comprehensive understanding of current trends in liquid chromatography covering both theory and practice.  We will discuss different chromatographic modes, including reversed phase liquid chromatography as well as “in vogue” techniques such as hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) and high pH stable chromatographic supports for the analysis of small molecules. Different approaches to rational and speedier method development will be discussed. This will include hardware for automated routines and software for peak tracking, retention modelling and optimization.
The pros and cons of high resolution and/or high throughput chromatography will also be discussed, i.e. the use of sub and supra 2 µm porous particles, fused core particle technology, monolithic columns, elevated pressure (“U(H)PLC”) and elevated temperature approaches.  The concept of kinetic plots will be explained and used to compare different column technologies. 
The theory behind gradient liquid chromatography will be used to highlight how peak capacity can be maximized and how standard analytical methods can be directly transferred to rapid / miniaturized or preparative gradient separations. As well as recent trends in column technology, we will also describe how columns are characterized, using linear and non linear methods, where this information can be found on the internet and how it can be used for different purposes, e.g. for the identification of columns with different selectivity, for method development or for the identification of columns with similar selectivity as backups / replacement.
A basic chromatographic knowledge is essential for participating on this course

Instructors:
Torgny Fornstedt is a professor and Lecturer at the Department of Physical and Analytical Chemistry at the University of Uppsala (Sweden). His research interests include fundamentals and new applications of analytical chromatography as well as preparative chromatography with emphasis on column characterization and process optimization. His overreaching goal is to produce fundamental, theoretically advanced research in the field of separation science for a better understanding and practical utilization of the interactions between surfaces and pharmaceutical molecules/biomolecules. More specifically, he applies numerical tools, based on physical chemistry, to characterize, validate and optimize analytical and preparative separation methods important for analytical chemists, biochemists and pharmaceutical chemists.

Mel Euerby took up his position at Hichrom Ltd in 2008 after working for AstraZeneca for 20 years as a Principal Scientist within the Pharmaceutical and Analytical R & D function at AstraZeneca Charnwood.  His current responsibilities include evaluating and implementing new chromatographic approaches, method development and education / training. His current main specialist areas of expertise include stationary phase characterizations, computerized method development and fundamental research into retention mechanisms of analytes.

Patrik Petersson is an Associate Principal Scientist within Analytical Development at AstraZeneca. He is situated in Lund, Sweden, but has a global role in supporting project teams with separation expertise, to train and coach staff and to introduce new technology. Patrik has a background in separation science and chemometrics. He received a Ph.D. at Uppsala University, Sweden in 1994 and was employed at AstraZeneca the following year. He has worked with a wide range of separation techniques (GC, SFC, CE and LC) in all phases of development from early drug substance development to regulatory applications for drug products. Current areas of special interest are column characterization, retention modelling and tools for rational method development (hardware a well as software).