The use of methyl-β-cyclodextrin to solubilize cholesterol prior to coating onto a C18 stationary phase

► Methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD) increases solubility of cholesterol in mobile phase. ► MBCD can solubilize cholesterol for coating onto a C18 stationary phase. ► MBCD in mobile phase decreases interaction of cholesterol with stationary phase. ► Coated stationary phases have different selectivity.