Fractional factorial design optimization of the separation of pilocarpine and its degradation products by capillary electrophoresis.

The separation of pilocarpine and its degradation products by micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography (MECC) has been optimized by using fractional factorial design of the experiments. Critical parameters were identified in a screening design, and an optimization design was used to optimize the separation. The optimal separation method was based on a borate buffer with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). It is concluded that by using fractional factorial design it is possible to improve the separation of pilocarpine, its trans epimer, isopilocarpine and their hydrolysis products, pilocarpic acid and isopilocarpic acid.