Optimization of HPLC Analysis of Biogenic Amines with Reference to Molecular Structure

Abstract
The selectivity and molecular connectivity indices (x) up to the sixth order were calculated and compared with measured reversed-phase high pressure liquid chromatographic (HPLC) retention data for biogenic amines common in foodstuffs and animal feed. The separation of seventeen dansylated amines including primary, secondary and polyamines, was investigated using an isoselective multisolvent gradient (IMGE), reversed-phase HPLC method. The mobile phase was optimized with the “PRISMA” model testing thirteen selectivity points. The compounds were divided into two groups according to their retention; the low-order valence level indices best described the retention. As the high correlations between the calculated and observed retention indicate, retention could be predicted in different selectivity points with a high degree of accuracy by the molecular connectivity indices.