In micellar liquid chromatography (MLC), the mobile phase is composed of a surfactant and an alcohol. The parameters that must be optimized in MLC are the type of column, the pH, the nature of the surfactant and modifier, and their concentrations. Optimization is performed using an interpretive strategy in which the best mobile phase is selected for validation studies. Optimized methods in MLC provide fast, efficient separations, thereby allowing the determination of a great variety of substances in a complex matrix. MLC is a useful technique for the identification of drugs in biological fluids, which often can be injected directly into the chromatographic system even in the presence of other compounds, including proteins, without any pretreatment other than filtration. In describing the many applications of MLC, this review draws upon examples taken from the literature as well as recent results of the authors’ own research. It describes the theoretical approach, optimization strategy, and applications of MLC in the determination of different groups of drug substances. The compounds and matrices under discussion are: antidepressants in pharmaceuticals, calcium-channel blocking agents in serum, anserine and carnosine in meat samples, tyramine and tryptamine in wines, and sulfonamides in milk

This work was supported by Projects P1.1B2012-36 of UJI, Res. Nº 162/12 of Secretaria de Ciencia y Técnica of UNC,AGL2010-22182-C04-01-03/ALI of FEDER, ACOMP/2013/176 of GV, and CTQ2011-28079-CO3-01 of MICINN.