HPLC Separation of alpha-Aminobutyric, beta-Aminobutyric, and gamma-Aminobutyric acids on Zodiac HST N Column

GABA (a key neurotransmitter) and its isomers are highly polar, zwitter-ionic compounds. The varying positions of the amino groups in α-, β-, and γ-aminobutyric acids result in distinct polar and basic properties for each isomer. These isomers are effectively separated using the Zodiac HST N column operated in mixed-mode HILIC/cation-exchange mode.

The buffer concentration significantly influences the retention of each isomer differently, enabling their resolution. This versatile and reliable method is broadly applicable for separating other polar and ionizable compounds, particularly structural isomers, using mixed-mode chromatography.