High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is commonly used to separate, identify, and quantify the components of liquid samples. This analytical testing instrument is applied using one of several techniques. The process moves through several phases to produce the test results in raw and/or finished products. Various commercial and industrial concerns rely on HPLC to ensure quality and/or pure products. Medical and pharmaceutical companies are two prominent industries that rely on HPLC.
The Four Basic Modes of HPLC
High-performance liquid chromatography has at least four different modes from which to choose. These are classified accordingly:
- Adsorption: The oldest type of chromatography, adsorption uses a mobile phase in either a liquid or gaseous state. It is the preferred mode when specific substances are difficult to remove.
- Partition: Other terms used include “reverse phase” or “partition”. Partition involves the separation of the components in the sample mixture between two phases.
- Ion exchange: It is difficult to separate ionic substances, such as amino acids and inorganic ions. They easily pass through an ODS column without being detached by ODS. An ion exchange resin, however, can separate these substances successfully.
- Size exclusion: This is a specific method for separating macromolecular components including synthetic resins and proteins. This mode uses sieve-like fillers according to each component’s size.
These modes may produce separation individually. They can also work in combination to achieve the desired results. The choice of mode will depend on several factors including composition, purpose and intended result.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography
If your company needs to employ high performance liquid chromatography in a laboratory setting, you will require the best instrumentation available. While many companies offer you HPLC equipment, it may not be up to the quality your projects and clients require to meet specific standards of success. For precise, high-quality and accurate instrumentation, get in contact with the professionals at Trinity Biotech. They will work with you and supply the knowledge and exacting equipment you need to ensure the execution of the tasks are quickly and accurately accomplished.
