Advancements in the preparation and application of monolithic silica columns for efficient separation in liquid chromatography

Fast and efficient separation remains a big challenge in high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The need for higher efficiency and resolution in separation is constantly in demand. To achieve that, columns developed are rapidly moving towards having smaller particle sizes and internal diameters (i.d.). However, these parameters will lead to high back-pressure in the system and will burden the pumps of the HPLC instrument. To address this limitation, monolithic columns, especially silica-based monolithic columns have been introduced. These columns are being widely investigated for fast and efficient separation of a wide range of molecules. The present article describes the current methods developed to enhance the column efficiency of particle packed columns and how silica monolithic columns can act as an alternative in overcoming the low permeability of particle packed columns. The fundamental processes behind the fabrication of the monolith including the starting materials and the silica sol-gel process will be discussed. Different monolith derivatization and endcapping processes will be further elaborated and followed by highlights of the performance such monolithic columns in key applications in different fields with various types of matrices.

Automated summary

The article discusses the development of silica monolithic columns as an alternative approach to address the challenges of high back-pressure in HPLC systems. By utilizing smaller particle sizes and internal diameters, these columns have been widely investigated for fast and efficient separation of various molecules. The fabrication processes, derivatization, and endcapping techniques of the monolith are elaborated, along with highlighting the performance of such columns in key applications across different fields with various types of matrices.