Optimization of the chiral separation of some 2-arylpropionic acids on an avidin column by modeling a combined response

The enantiomeric separation of some nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs was investigated on an avidin column. An experimental design approach (central composite design) was used to evaluate the effects of three method parameters (pH, concentration of organic modifier, and buffer concentration) on the analysis time and the resolution, as well as to model these responses. This revealed that the organic modifier concentration and sometimes the pH are significant parameters to control because of their influence on both analysis time and resolution. Furthermore, the central composite design results were combined in a multicriteria decision-making approach in order to obtain a set of optimal experimental conditions leading to the most desirable compromise between resolution and analysis time.