Abstract
In this work, RP-HPLC methods using zirconia-based columns have been developed for the separation of biologically active nonapeptides from the group of vasopressins. Zirconium dioxide is an alternative carrier to silica gel and apart from its excellent stability it offers additional interactions, which are helpful in the separation of ionizable compounds.
Chromatographic behavior of the analytes was studied on two zirconia reversed phases, zirconium dioxide modified with polybutadiene (PBD) and polystyrene (PS). The influence of mobile phase composition (namely pH, concentration of the buffer and buffer-to-acetonitrile ratio) and temperature on chromatographic parameters (retention, separation efficiency, resolution and symmetry of peaks) was investigated in detail.