The Advantages of Monolithic Columns

High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is a process through which compounds within foods and other substances can be determined. The HPLC process relies on monolithic columns, small columns made from porous silica or cross-linked polymers. Because of their structure and size, monolithic columns are able to achieve higher flow rates, faster separation of compounds and ultimately a quicker analysis time.

Separation

• Monolithic columns are produced as a single solid polymer structure, allowing it to hold more compound particles as the substance passes through it. Traditional columns were tightly packed with silica microparticles, and thus compounds could easily spread out and provide less separation of particles.

Faster Rates

• Due to the small size of monolithic columns compared to microparticle-packed columns, as well as the easier separation due to their solid structure, monolithic columns are able to produce a faster flow rate, helping the rate of separation of the whole compound.

Cost

• With quicker separation, a faster flow rate and smaller size, the efficiency of solid-pillar monolithic columns can greatly reduce analysis time, and ultimately reduce the cost of performing the HPLC procedure. A lower cost and faster analysis time allows for more repetitions of the procedure.