Optimization Strategies in RP-HPLC

Frank Steiner, Stefan Lamotte, and Stavros Kromidas 

Optimization of devices and processes is very common in todays efficiency-oriented world with everyone striving to do things faster but with no loss of quality. It is, therefore, important to define the best approach in which optimization can be achieved and how the related quality can also be measured. There are numerous parameters in a technique such as HPLC of either independent of each other or that have a related nature to other parameters. Optimization goals can vary and mostly depend on specific needs of analytical laboratories. The most important optimization criteria in HPLC will be elucidated and discussed in this introductory section. 

It is important to note that the majority of rules in this chapter on optimization are valid beyond reversed phase (RP) separation mechanisms, though most of the given examples are based on RP-HPLC and the same apphes for the concepts on selectivity optimization. In spite of a rapid development of mixed-mode phase-based and HILIC separations, RP continues to be the most widespread separation mode in modern HPLC and UHPLC. 

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