New Chromatography Method Developed for Determining Benzalkonium Chloride in Pharmaceutical Formulations

Researchers at Universidade da Coruña in Zapateira, Spain have developed a new method for determining benzalkonium chloride (BAK) in pharmaceutical formulations using mixed-mode chromatography. The team observed a U-shaped retention behavior based on mixed-mode reversed-phase (RP)–hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) for BAK using a core-shell column functionalized with biphenyl groups.

Benzalkonium chloride molecule. Ball-and-stick molecular model. Chemistry related 3d rendering | Image Credit: © Alexey Novikov - stock.adobe.com

In the study, the bimodal retention was observed for the four BAK homologues, and the data were adjusted to polynomial equations, which allowed for modeling and predicting the U-shaped retention. The method was validated by analyzing cutaneous, otic, and ophthalmic formulations with different active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients. The proposed method has several advantages, including low sample volume and short analysis time, and good analytical performance was obtained.

Mixed-mode reversed-phase–hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (RP–HILIC) is a type of liquid chromatography that combines both reversed-phase and HILIC modes. This technique uses a polar stationary phase and an aqueous-organic mobile phase with a high concentration of organic solvent. The retention behavior in RP–HILIC is dependent on various factors such as the type and concentration of salt, pH, and functionalization of the stationary phase. RP–HILIC has become a useful tool in the analysis of polar and ionizable compounds in pharmaceutical formulations.

The research, published in Talanta, reports that the U-shaped retention was dependent on the chemical structure of the analyte with mixed functionality and on the high selectivity of the chromatographic column (1). The salt concentration, anion and cation of the salt, and pH in the mobile phase were studied to understand their influence on the two retention modes. Linear relationships between the retention factors of the four homologues were found in a wide range of %acetonitrile when the salt and triethylamine concentration, pH, and nature of salt were changed. The differences found in the retention of the homologues, when increasing the alkyl chain length, were more significant in the reversed-phase mode because of predominant hydrophobic interactions.

BAK is a quaternary ammonium compound commonly used as a preservative in various pharmaceutical formulations. However, it is known to cause allergic reactions and irritation to the skin and eyes in some individuals. Therefore, accurate determination of BAK is important to ensure the safety and efficacy of pharmaceutical products. The newly developed method provides a reliable and efficient way to determine BAK in pharmaceutical formulations, which may have important implications for drug safety and quality control (QC).

Overall, the study highlights the importance of developing new chromatographic methods for the analysis of ionizable compounds such as BAK, and the potential of mixed-mode chromatography for pharmaceutical applications. The authors suggest that the proposed method could be further optimized and applied to other types of pharmaceutical formulations.

Reference

(1) Prieto-Blanco, M. C.; Planas-Franco, A.; Muniategui-Lorenzo, S.;González-Castro, M. J. Mixed-mode chromatography of mixed functionalized analytes as the homologues of benzalkonium chloride. Application to pharmaceutical formulations. Talanta 2023, 255, 124228. DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.124228