Determination of retinoids in galenicals by column liquid chromatography with fluorescence and diode-array detection

Simple and rapid reversed-phase gradient column liquid chromatography (LC) with fluorescence detection at different wavelengths was developed for the simultaneous analysis of all-trans, 13-cis, 9-cis retinoic acids, vitamin A palmitate and β-carotene in galenicals. The assay results agreed with those obtained by an LC method with diode-array UV detection. A post-column on-line photochemical reactor (irradiation at 254 and 366 nm) was inserted between the LC column and the fluorescence detector to enhance the performance of the method. Two fluorescence spectra (photoreactor on and off) were obtained for each analyte which proved useful for the unambiguous identification of the various analytes.