An interactive computer method is proposed for the electrophoretic separation of 13 phenolic compounds from extra-virgin olive oil using single peak response values. A central composite design was executed for optimization of the sodium tetraborate concentration, pH and applied voltage. Statistical models were determined for eight resolution responses and thirteen effective mobilities. Six of the resolution models had highly significant ANOVA lack of fit values, limiting their accuracies for use in Derringer´s desirability function search for optimal separation conditions. None of the 13 effective mobility models suffered from significant lack of fit. Since it is not possible to define effective mobility target values for the desirability function, an interactive computer program developed in our laboratories was applied to the single peak models. Mouse or cursor movements were executed to define experimental conditions in model simulations of the electropherogram. These simulations resulted in superior peak separations, especially for the apigenin and luteolin peaks, in 35 min, compared with those obtained in close to 50 min with the resolution models. Verification experiments performed 2 and 3 years later confirmed the robustness of the models.
capillary zone electrophoresis; central composite design; phenolic compounds; response surface optimization; Derringer-Suich desirability function
