by Chromatography is a technique used to separate the individual components of mixtures like solutions, suspensions, or emulsions. It works based on the principle that different components of a mixture travel at different rates through a particular medium, which allows for the separation of those components based on their varying interactions with the medium. The medium could be a liquid, gas, solid, or gel packed column. The mixture is dissolved in a carrier fluid called the mobile phase which travels through the medium, also known as the stationary phase. Different components travel at different speeds through the medium based on their affinity for the mobile or stationary phase.
Types
There are several types of its techniques differentiated based on the stationary and mobile phases used. Some major types are:
Gas chromatography involves using an inert gas like nitrogen or helium as the mobile phase to separate volatile compounds. It is commonly used in applications like environmental analysis and quality control testing of products.
Liquid chromatography employs a liquid mobile phase like water or organic solvents to separate compounds based on their polarity or size. High performance liquid or HPLC is widely used in chemistry, biochemistry, medicine and environmental testing.
Paper chromatography uses paper as the stationary phase. An extract is applied near one edge of a paper strip which is then placed vertically in a jar containing a small amount of solvent. Different components move up the paper at different rates based on their interactions with the paper and solvent.
Thin layer chromatography works similarly but uses a thin inert coated adsorbent like silica gel or aluminum oxide as the stationary phase on a glass or plastic backing. It allows easier visualization of separated spots.
Applications
Due to its ability to effectively separate complex mixtures, it finds applications in many fields like:
Pharmaceutical industry – It is extensively used during drug development, quality testing of drugs and purification of compounds. HPLC and GC help analyze drug composition and check drug stability over time.
Environmental analysis – It allows identification and quantification of pollutants, pesticides and other compounds in air, water and soil samples. This helps monitor environmental quality.
Forensic science – Analysis of biological samples like blood, urine, hair, etc. using GC and LC helps identify substances involved in crimes, accidents or for drug testing purposes.
Food and flavor industry – GC and HPLC profiles are used to study food composition, detect adulterants and monitor freshness. This ensures food safety and quality.
Biochemistry – Chromatographic techniques are invaluable for studying metabolic pathways, proteins, enzymes and biological molecules in organisms. proteomics and metabolomics rely greatly on it.
Petrochemical industry – GC plays a key role in petroleum refining and production processes by analyzing petroleum, gasoline and other fuel samples.
Advantages
Some key advantages offered by its techniques include:
– High resolving power to separate even complex mixtures into individual components
– Sensitivity to detect compounds present in trace quantities
– Versatility of adapting different stationary and mobile phases for specific analyte separations
– Ease of automation allowing analysis of many samples rapidly
– Reproducible quantitative and qualitative results
– Minimal sample preparation required in some techniques
– Coupled with detection tools like mass spectrometry for unequivocal identification
– Provides chemical and physical property information aiding structure determination
Future
It continues to evolve with new stationary phase materials, detection technologies and applications. Some emerging areas include:
– Multi dimensional for enhanced separation of difficult samples
– High throughput automated systems for large sample analysis
– Micro and nano used in lab-on-a-chip devices
– Supercritical fluid for thermolabile and non-volatile analytes
– Chiral for enantiomers separation finding greater use in pharmaceutical industry quality control
– Coupling chromatography with analytical techniques like NMR, ICP-MS, etc provides complementary information further aiding research
chromatography has revolutionized chemical analysis due to its high resolution separation abilities. It remains a mainstay in diverse fields and newer applications and technologies will expand its scope in the future.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Alice Mutum
Alice Mutum is a seasoned senior content editor at Coherent Market Insights, leveraging extensive expertise gained from her previous role as a content writer. With seven years in content development, Alice masterfully employs SEO best practices and cutting-edge digital marketing strategies to craft high-ranking, impactful content. As an editor, she meticulously ensures flawless grammar and punctuation, precise data accuracy, and perfect alignment with audience needs in every research report. Alice's dedication to excellence and her strategic approach to content make her an invaluable asset in the world of market insights. LinkedIn
