HPLC Column Silicone Matrix Properties and Scope of Application

Hawach introduced the properties and application range of HPLC column stationary phase in the silica gel matrix.

Silica gel matrix:

Silica gel, weakly acidic, has a strong memory, used to separate non-polar, weakly acidic compounds, oils, etc.;

C18, a silica-based uncapped reversed-phase C18 column with high bond and density, low loss, high recovery, etc.

C8 octyl, the retention of non-polar compounds is weaker than C18;

CN Cyano, a silica-based cyanopropyl column with moderate polarity for reversed phase or normal phase separation, suitable for carbohydrates and cationic compounds;

NH2 amino group, silica-based aminopropyl stationary phase, used for the separation of phenol and phenolic pigments, petroleum hexaphenol, sugars, drugs and metabolites;

PSA-propyl ethylenediamine, a stationary phase similar to NH2, PSA has two amino groups, which is more ion exchangeable than NH2, and PSA can also chelate with metal ions for extracting metal ions;

SAX strong anion exchange, bonded with quaternary ammonium salt functional groups, mainly used for the separation of weak anionic compounds;

COOH carboxyl group, the bonding functional group is a carboxylic acid, used for the separation of quaternary ammonium salts or other strong cations;

PRS propane sulfonic acid, the bonding functional group is a sulfonic acid, used for weak cations, widely used in the analysis of malachite green;

SCX strong cation exchange, bond, and the functional group is benzenesulfonic acid, used for separation of organic base compounds and biological macromolecule desalting.

Scope of Application:

  1. Pharmaceutical Analysis: They are widely used in pharmaceutical industries for drug development, quality control, and pharmacokinetic studies. They can separate a range of pharmaceutical compounds including small molecules, peptides, and proteins.
  2. Environmental Analysis: Silicone-based columns are used for the analysis of environmental samples, such as water, soil, and air samples, for the determination of pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants.
  3. Food and Beverage Analysis: They are employed in the analysis of food and beverage samples for quality control and the determination of additives, preservatives, flavor compounds, and contaminants.
  4. Biochemical Analysis: These columns are used for the separation and analysis of biomolecules such as amino acids, peptides, nucleic acids, and other small biomolecules.
  5. Clinical Chemistry: In clinical laboratories, silicone-based columns find applications in the analysis of blood, urine, and other bodily fluids for diagnostic purposes, including the quantification of drugs and metabolites.
  6. Research and Development: They are commonly used in research laboratories for method development, purification of compounds, and the isolation of specific components from complex mixtures.
  7. Forensic Analysis: In forensic laboratories, silicone-based columns are employed for the analysis of drugs, toxic compounds, and other forensic samples.
  8. Industrial Applications: They find use in various industries for quality control, process monitoring, and troubleshooting in areas such as petrochemicals, polymers, and manufacturing.

It’s important to note that while silicone-based columns have a wide range of applications, the choice of column material depends on the specific requirements of the analysis, including the nature of the analytes, the mobile phase, and the desired separation conditions. Additionally, advancements in column technology continue to expand the capabilities and applications of HPLC columns.