Determination of buprenorphine in biological samples by high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection

A simple, selective and rapid reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography method with electrochemical detection is described for the analysis of buprenorphine in human serum and urine. Biological samples are easily prepared and separated on a C18 column employing acetonitrile, tetrahydrofurane and sodium acetate as mobile phase. The composition and pH of this phase is discussed. Electrochemical detection is carried out on a glassy carbon electrode held at +0.70 V (vs. Ag/AgCl). The limit of detection is 4×10−8 M; the linearity extents between 5×10−8 and 3×10−6 M. High precision and recoveries were obtained. Separation from norbuprenorphine, its metabolite, is achieved in serum and urine. No interferences from the 13 substances checked were found.