What is Column Chromatography and What is the Role of Chromatography in Our Daily Life?

What is Chromatography

Chromatography is the most commonly applied method for the separation of substance mixtures into single components. This powerful technique is for example used in quality control of drugs, in clinical research, or trace analysis of harmful substances. Chromatography is essential for analytical chemistry around the world. 

Symtera Analytics has a comprehensive range of chromatography products from sample preparation to subsequent analysis. Provides scientists with the best solution for each analytical task. In HPLC we provide powerful solutions featuring pre-packed columns with many different selectivities. 

Column Chromatography

It is a chromatography technique in which separation is carried out in columns. The column is filled with the stationary phase which can either be silica, alumina, or cellulose. The bottom of the column is packed with cotton or glass wool to support the stationary phase. The column preparation is usually carried out by two methods number one wet method and number two dry method

In the wet method, the stationary phase is mixed with a mobile phase to make a slurry and then packed in the column.

While in the dry method, the power of the stationary phase is directly added to the column. Once the powdered stationary phase is packed the mobile phase is flushed in the column to make it wet. 

Now any of the methods can be used for column preparation. However, care must be taken to avoid any bubbles in the column while packing the stationary phase. Let's say the working of column chromatography. The sample is loaded with the mobile phase on the top of the column. Once the sample is loaded the mobile phase is continuously passed to cause separation. The mobile phase moves down the column because of gravity. Separation of molecules occurs due to their differences in interaction with the mobile phase and the stationary phase.

For example, the green molecules interact more with the mobile phase and move fast down the column while the dark blue and the wallet molecules interact more with the stationary phase and hence move slowly. To increase the flow rate of the mobile phase a bump or pressurized gas like argon or nitrogen can be used. Once the separation is completed the samples are usually collected as fractions. The mobile phase leaving the column is known as Eluate. While the sample molecules leaving the column are called Eluite. 

Now depending on the type of stationary phase used there can be several types of column chromatography. If the stationary phase is adsorbent material like alumina or silica then it's known as adsorption chromatography. If the stationary phases ion exchange resin, then it is known as ion-exchange chromatography. If the stationary phase is attached with the ligand that binds specific molecules such as protein or enzyme then it is known as affinity chromatography. And if the stationary phase is a porous gel or a bead then it is known as gel permeation chromatography.

Chromatography in Daily Life

Are you also a person who takes care of your health and the health of your children? Whatever we do in our lives chromatographic chemical analysis is an essential part, but most of us never see this. Chemical analysis is the basis of the content specification on our food and our medication. Next time you make a purchase look at the label you will find values and specified ingredients.

These are measures from the chromatographic chemical analysis. We all expect nutritious and safe food when we cook or go to restaurants. The food should be free from adulterants and toxic or harmful agents. It should not contain melamine pesticides toxins or other contaminants. We have the same expectations of consumer products like toothpaste and medicine. It should be safe to use and contain what is specified.