Behaviour of nucleotides and oligonucleotides in potentiometric HPLC detection

Potentiometric HPLC detection was studied of mononucleotides (UMP, AMP, UDP, ADP, CTP, UTP, GTP, ATP) and oligonucleotides (a synthetic mixture d(T)12-18 5′OH, a mixed 21-mer, 33-mer, and 60-mer). Coated-wire electrodes were used. The coatings were of the liquid membrane type containing PVC, DOS and synthetic macrocyclic amine- and podand ureum receptors. Electrodes based on these receptors gave very sensitive responses to triphosphate nucleotides and to oligonucleotides. The molar response of the oligonucleotides was related to their molar mass. The HPLC system consisted of a reversed phase column eluted with a phosphate buffer, triethylammoniumacetate (TEAA), and an acetonitrile gradient. The sensitive potentiometric response of these highly charged ions is discussed.