Prepacked Chromatography Columns: Unlocking Efficiency in Separation and Purification
Prepacked Chromatography Columns |
Chromatography is a technique that enables the separation, identification and purification of chemical components in a mixture. It works by distributing the components to separate between two phases, one stationary and one mobile. Prepacked chromatography columns make the process of chromatography much simpler and reduce preparation time. They contain pre-packed chromatographic media along with other required components like frits, rings etc ready to use. This article discusses about prepacked chromatography columns, their benefits and applications in detail.
Types of Prepacked Chromatography Columns
There are different types of Prepacked
Chromatography Columns available based on the type of chromatography
technique and stationary phase used:
Size Exclusion Chromatography Columns
Size exclusion chromatography or Gel permeation chromatography columns are
prepacked with cross-linked polymers as the stationary phase. The porous
polymer beads inside separate molecules based on their size or hydrodynamic
radius. Different pore size columns are available for fractionation of
different molecule size ranges.
Ion Exchange Chromatography Columns
Ion exchange chromatography columns contain cationic or anionic exchange resins
as the stationary phase. The charged functional groups on the resin interact
and separate molecules based on their charge. Common ion exchange resins used
are DEAE, QAE, CM, SP etc packed in different capacities and flow rates.
Affinity Chromatography Columns
These columns use a ligand immobilized stationary phase that selectively binds
to target biomolecules based on biological affinity. Popular ligands used are
protein A/G, glutathione, nickel chelate etc. Affinity tags on proteins enables
their easy purification with these columns.
Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography
Columns
HIC columns contain hydrophobic resins or matrices that separate biomolecules
based on their hydrophobicity. Commonly used hydrophobic ligands are butyl,
phenyl, octyl attached to agarose, controlled pore glass or organic polymers.
Normal Phase Chromatography Columns
For normal phase chromatography silica or other polar stationary phases are
packed. These columns separate components based on polarity using non-polar to
polar mobile phase gradients. Different particle size, pore size silica are
available as prepacked columns.
Benefits of Using Prepacked Chromatography Columns
Setting up a chromatography system from individual components like column tube,
frits, adapter, and resin requires specialized skills. Prepacked columns
simplify the process and provide many benefits:
- Ready to use format saves preparation time and resources required for packing
columns.
- Uniform packing of stationary phase ensures consistent and reproducible
separations.
- Wide range of column sizes and stationary phases cater to varied separation
needs.
- Trace metal free/validated for protein work make them suitable for biopharma
applications.
- Defined operating conditions outlined by the manufacturer.
- Improved column lifetime and stability compared to lab packed columns.
- Suitable for automated systems with standardized dimensions and tube
fittings.
- Reduces method development time through standardized performance
characteristics.
Applications of Prepacked Chromatography
Columns
Protein Purification
Prepacked affinity, ion exchange and size exclusion columns are extensively
used in downstream processing for purification of monoclonal antibodies,
recombinant proteins, enzymes from cell culture harvests.
Sample Preparation
For desalting, buffer exchange and clean-up of protein/peptide samples from
enzymatic digests or cell lysates, prepacked desalting and size exclusion
columns provide a rapid solution.
Analytical Separations
In analytical scale chromatography, prepacked columns offer consistent
separation of small molecule and large biomolecule samples for quality control
and analysis.
Process Development
Method development and optimization in process chromatography relies on
prepacked columns of varying scales and phases to evaluate different
purification strategies.
Biomolecule Storage
Buffers can be exchanged and samples buffered and stored long term using
prepacked desalting columns for proteomics research and biobanking
applications.
Scale up Process
Pilot and process scale columns containing the same stationary phase as laboratory scale ensure scale up to manufacturing while retaining high product yields and quality.
Prepacked chromatography columns have significantly streamlined the process of chromatographic purification, separation and analysis across industries. Their proven performance, ready to use format and flexibility of choosing from a wide selection of phases cater to the specific separation and purification needs of researchers and bio-pharmaceutical manufacturers.
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