Matrix precipitation: A general strategy to eliminate matrix interference for pharmaceutical toxic impurities analysis

• A simple matrix precipitation strategy was proposed to eliminate the matrix interference troubles for toxic impurities analysis in drug matrix.
• The mathematical model of the precipitation process has been established.
• P = 20% (the proportion of solvent to dissolve samples) was proved to be an effective and robust condition for application of the precipitation strategy.
• Three typical examples of application of the precipitation strategy were exhibited, where serious matrix interference troubles were successfully resolved.

Matrix interference, which can lead to false positive/negative results, contamination of injector or separation column, incompatibility between sample solution and the selected analytical instrument, and response inhibition or even quenching, is commonly suffered for the analysis of trace level toxic impurities in drug substance. In this study, a simple matrix precipitation strategy is proposed to eliminate or minimize the above stated matrix interference problems. Generally, a sample of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) is dissolved in an appropriate solvent to achieve the desired high concentration and then an anti-solvent is added to precipitate the matrix substance. As a result, the target analyte is extracted into the mixed solution with very less residual of APIs. This strategy has the characteristics of simple manipulation, high recovery and excellent anti-interference capability. It was found that the precipitation ratio (R, representing the ability to remove matrix substance) and the proportion of solvent (the one used to dissolve APIs) in final solution (P, affecting R and also affecting the method sensitivity) are two important factors of the precipitation process. The correlation between R and P was investigated by performing precipitation with various APIs in different solvent/anti-solvent systems. After a detailed mathematical reasoning process, P = 20% was proved to be an effective and robust condition to perform the precipitation strategy. The precipitation method with P = 20% can be used as a general strategy for toxic impurity analysis in APIs. Finally, several typical examples are described in this article, where the challenging matrix interference issues have been resolved successfully.