A comparison of fluorescence versus chemiluminescence detection for analysis of the fluorescamine derivative of histamine by HPLC.

Fluorescence and chemiluminescence detection were compared for HPLC analysis of the fluorescamine derivative of histamine. The kinetic behaviour of the chemiluminescent response for the derivative was characterized in a static system. An HPLC method was optimized for the derivative using fluorescence detection. Fluorescence detection was linear over the range of 166-1666 pg on column for the fluorescamine-histamine derivative with a limit of detection of 13 pg on column. Using a detector designed for optimal use with chemiluminescence, the chemiluminescence response of the fluorescamine derivative was linear over a range of 1.66-16.6 ng on column with a limit of detection of 1.0 ng on column. These results exemplify a case in which superior detectibility is provided by fluorescence over chemiluminescence, and contradicts many reports comparing fluorescence to chemiluminescence. The authors conclude that chemiluminescence should be considered when indicated by conditions established for separation that are favourable for the observation of chemiluminescence. These conditions include sufficiently low excitation energies corresponding to an excitation maximum greater than 400 nm, favourable dipole character of analytes, mobile phases of high organic content, and an appropriate pH of the mobile phase.