Separation of Folic Acid and Aminopterin on Zodiac HST OG Column

Aminopterin and folic acid are chemically related compounds with distinct biological functions. Folic acid (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis, cell growth, and red blood cell production, while aminopterin, a folic acid derivative, was an early antifolate drug that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), blocking DNA and RNA synthesis. Due to its toxicity, aminopterin has been replaced by safer alternatives like methotrexate.

Both compounds can be analyzed using a Zodiac HST OG column (4.6 × 150 mm, 5 µm, 100 Å) with a mobile phase of water, acetonitrile (MeCN), and ammonium formate. Detection methods include UV at 290 nm, ELSD, CAD, and ESI-MS. The Limit of Detection (LOD) varies depending on instrumentation and laboratory conditions.