High-performance anion exchange of small anions with polyethyleneimine-coated porous zirconia

Melamine foam assisted in-tip packed amine-functionalized titanium metal-organic framework for the selective enrichment of endogenous glycopeptides

Endogenous glycopeptides are significantly important in diverse pathological and physiological systems, but their direct analysis is severely hampered by their low abundance and presence of interfering species in biological fluids. In this study, we synthesized the amine-functionalized titanium metal-organic framework (NH₂-MIL-125(Ti)) by a simple hydrothermal method, characterized and used for glycopeptides enrichment. The designed separation media is highly hydrophilic and stable which is suitable for hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC). To make the process smooth, simple, reliable, and robust, NH₂-MIL-125(Ti) crystals were packed in pipette-tip using hydrophilic melamine foam, as supporting frit. Free amine groups, present in the structure imparted hydrophilicity and a unique pattern of porosity, contributing to the size exclusion effect that excluded the large-sized proteins up to 1:700 peptide to protein ratio. The prepared MOF particles possessed regular porosity, high surface area, good hydrophilicity, and offered an in-tip flow-based set-up enhanced the enrichment performance for N-linked glycopeptides. The affinity material showed a detection limit of 1 fmol.µL^-1 and selectivity up to 1:1000 (HRP digest to BSA digest). Moreover, repeatability and reusability were evaluated up to five rounds of enrichment using the same affinity tip, and scanning electron microscopic images revealed no structural changes in the MOF crystals. Finally, the MOF packed in pipette tip was applied to selectively capture the N-linked endogenous glycopeptides from a healthy saliva sample and 64 unique endogenous glycopeptides were identified. These results demonstrated the excellent potential of NH₂-MIL-125(Ti) based affinity tip for glycopeptides which can be used to enrich trace glycopeptide biomarkers from the biological fluids.

Interpretation of ion-exchange chromatographic retention based on an electrical double-layer model

An ion-exchange chromatographic model based on the Stern-Gouy-Chapman electrical double-layer theory is presented. We assume several equilibria occurring at the surface of an ion-exchange resin, such as the ion-pair formation of counterions with an ion-exchange site, the adsorption of ions, and the ion-pair formation of an adsorbed ions with their counterions. These equilibria are affected by the potential at the planes (the surface and the Stern layer potential) where the reactions occur. In addition, the nonselective accumulation of ions in the diffuse layer is also taken into account. Based on the developed model and derived equations, the nature of log k'-log X (X is the concentration of an eluent ion) plots is investigated for various sets of parameters and is compared with that of possible experimental results. Three extreme cases can be distinguished:  (1) ion-pair-controlled, (2) adsorption-controlled, and (3) accumulation in the diffuse layer-controlled retention. Though log k'-log X plots, when they are studied over wide eluent concentration ranges (more than 2 orders), do not necessarily show precise linearity especially in the presence of eluent adsorption and extremely high eluent ion-pair formation, the linear regression analyses give negative unit slopes (within 10% deviations) for monovalent solute-eluent combinations. Since the deviation from linearity relation is mostly found in very low k' ranges (e.g., k' < 1), it is possible only in very limited cases to confirm nonlinearity experimentally. This may have mistakenly led to the idea that selectivity coefficients can be regarded as constants and thus the log k'-log X plots should be linear with the slope equal to (charge ratios) × (-1) in ion-exchange chromatographic experiments. The efficiency of the developed model is verified by its ability to predict experimental results, e.g., nonlinear log k'-log X plots, changes in separation factors with varying ion-exchange affinity of an eluent ion, adsorption isotherms at different salt concentration, etc.

Comparison of chromatographic ion-exchange resins

A comparative study on weak anion exchangers was performed to investigate the pH dependence, binding strength, particle size distribution, and static and dynamic capacity of the chromatographic resins. The resins tested included: DEAE Sepharose FF, Poros 50 D, Fractogel EMD DEAE (M), MacroPrep DEAE Support, DEAE Ceramic HyperD 20, and Toyopearl DEAE 650 M. Testing was performed with five different model proteins: Anti-FVII mAb (immunoglobulin G), aprotinin, bovine serum albumin (BSA), Lipolase (Novozymes), and myoglobin. Retention showed an expected increasing trend as a function of pH for proteins with low pI. A decrease in retention was observed for some resins at pH 9 likely due to initiation of deprotonation of the weak anion-exchange ligands. Expected particle size distribution was obtained for all resins compared to previous studies. Binding strength to weak anion-exchange resins as a function of ionic strength depends on the specific protein. Binding and elution at low salt concentration may be performed with Toyopearl DEAE 650 M, while binding and elution at high salt concentration may be performed with MacroPrep DEAE Support. Highest binding capacities were generally obtained with Poros 50 D followed by DEAE Ceramic HyperD 20. A general good agreement was obtained between this study and data obtained by the suppliers. Verification of binding strength trends with model proteins was achieved with human growth hormone (hGH) and a hGH variant on the same resins with different elution salts, sodium chloride, sodium hydrogenphosphate, sodium sulphate, and sodium acetate. Static capacity measurements obtained in the traditional experimental set-up were compared with high-throughput screening (HTS) technique experiments with reasonable agreement. Isotherm data obtained from HTS techniques and pulse experiments were successfully combined with mathematical modelling to simulate, develop and optimise the separation process of two model proteins, Lipolase and BSA. The data presented in this paper may be used for selection of resins for testing in process development.

Unusual retention behaviour of 4-substituted piperidines on polybutadiene and polystyrene coated zirconia by comparison to reverse phase silica

The retention properties of a range of N-methylated and N-des-methyl 4-substituted piperidines on polybutadiene (PBD) and polystyrene (PS) coated zirconia have been studied and compared to those of Xterra RP(18) and Genesis C(18) silica. The effect of buffer type and pH are investigated with regard to the elution order on all three stationary phases. The change in the elution order is linked to the degree of substitution of the piperidine nitrogen and appears to be independent of the rest of the structure, indicating that this moiety is most heavily involved in the separation mechanism on the zirconia phases.

Utilization of zirconia stationary phase as a tool in drug control

Zirconia-based stationary phases represent an interesting alternative to silica-based materials. Two zirconia-based stationary phases were studied as an option for use in drug analysis. The different properties of zirconia material, distinct from RP silica-columns, were employed for the development of a novel and rapid stability monitoring HPLC method. This method enables simultaneous control of possible degradation processes of active substance (ibuprofen) as well as antimicrobial excipients (methyl-and propylparaben). The separation of ibuprofen, its two main degradation products 2-(4-isobutyrylphenyl)propionic acid and 4-isobutylacetophenone, parabens, and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid as their degradation product was successfully accomplished on a Zr-CarbonC18 column using a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-phosphate buffer (pH 4.8)-propan-2-ol (27:56:17, v/v/v). Detection was performed at 258 nm and the analysis was completed within 17 minutes.

Fractionation of whey proteins with high-capacity superparamagnetic ion-exchangers

In this study we describe the design, preparation and testing of superparamagnetic anion-exchangers, and their use together with cation-exchangers in the fractionation of bovine whey proteins as a model study for high-gradient magnetic fishing. Adsorbents prepared by attachment of trimethyl amine to particles activated in sequential reactions with allyl bromide and N-bromosuccinimide yielded a maximum bovine serum albumin binding capacity of 156 mg g(-1) combined with a dissociation constant of 0.60 microM, whereas ion-exchangers created by linking polyethylene imine through superficial aldehydes bound up to 337 mg g(-1) with a dissociation constant of 0.042 microM. The latter anion-exchanger was selected for studies of whey protein fractionation. In these, crude bovine whey was treated with a superparamagnetic cation-exchanger to adsorb basic protein species, and the supernatant arising from this treatment was then contacted with the anion-exchanger. For both adsorbent classes of ion-exchanger, desorption selectivity was subsequently studied by sequentially increasing the concentration of NaCl in the elution buffer. In the initial cation-exchange step quantitative removal of lactoferrin (LF) and lactoperoxidase (LPO) was achieved with some simultaneous binding of immunoglobulins (Ig). The immunoglobulins were separated from the other two proteins by desorbing with a low concentration of NaCl (< or = 0.4 M), whereas lactoferrin and lactoperoxidase were co-eluted in significantly purer form, e.g. lactoperoxidase was purified 28-fold over the starting material, when the NaCl concentration was increased to 0.4-1 M. The anion-exchanger adsorbed beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) selectively allowing separation from the remaining protein.

Part II. Chromatography using ultra-stable metal oxide-based stationary phases for HPLC

In this part of the review authors discuss methods used for modification of metal oxide surfaces. On the basis of literature data it is shown, that silanization of the surfaces do not form stable supports for chromatography. On the other hand, the success of polymer modified surfaces such as polybutadiene (PBD) and polystyrene (PS) is emphasized. Permanent modification of metal oxide surfaces with Lewis bases is also widely discussed. Chromatographic properties of polymer modified surfaces of zirconia are discussed in details. The perspectives of carbon-coated metal oxide surfaces in HPLC and high temperature separations are described.

Characterization and optimization of a chromatographic process based on ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetra(methylphosphonic) acid-modified zirconia particles

The primary objective of work was to characterize, optimize and model a chromatographic process based on ethylenediamine-N,N,N',N'-tetra(methylphosphonic) acid (EDTPA)-modified zirconia particles. Zirconia particles were produced by spray-drying colloidal zirconia. Zirconia spheres produced were further classified, calcined and modified with EDTPA to yield a solid-phase support for use in bio-chromatography (r_PEZ). Specifically, the ability of r_PEZ to selectively bind and enrich IgG, IgA, and IgM from biological fluids was evaluated and demonstrated. To better understand the force of interaction between the IgG and the r_PEZ, the equilibrium disassociation constant (K(d)) was determined by static binding isotherms, as a function of temperature and by frontal analysis at different linear velocities. The maximum static binding capacity (Q(max)) was found to be in the range 55-65 mg IgG per ml of beads, and unaffected by temperature. The maximum dynamic binding capacity (Q(x)) was found to be in the range 20-12 mg IgG per ml of beads. The adsorption rate constant (k(a)) was determined by a split-peak approach to be between 982 and 3242 l mol(-1) s(-1) depending on the linear velocity. The standard enthalpy and entropy values were estimated for this interaction of IgG with this novel support.

Modification of ion chromatographic separations by ionic and nonionic surfactants

New findings are reported on simple ways to modify an ordinary HPLC column to obtain efficient ion chromatographic (IC) separations. Permanently coating a column with an ionic surfactant is known to produce an effective column for IC. We now show that incorporation of a nonionic surfactant in the coating, or coating in separate layers, results in a dramatic reduction of ion retention times and gives sharper peaks. Dynamic coating by incorporating a small amount of an alcohol, diol or zwitterion in the aqueous mobile phase permits good separations of alkanecarboxylic acids. A mobile phase containing a quaternary ammonium cation and a zwitterion anion provides excellent separations of common anions on a silica C18 column. An aqueous eluent containing a mixture of a zwitterion 4-(2-hydroxyethyl) acid and methanesulfonic acid can be used in conjunction with a standard cation exchange column. After passing through a membrane suppressor, the mobile phase has a slightly acidic pH, permitting divalent transition metal ions (as well as others) to be detected by conductivity.

Mixed-mode reversed-phase and ion-exchange separations of cationic analytes on polybutadiene-coated zirconia

The retention and selectivity of the chromatographic separation of basic (cationic) analytes on a polybutadiene-coated zirconia (PBD-ZrO2) stationary phase have been studied in greater detail than in previous studies. These separations are strongly influenced by the chemistry of the accessible surface of zirconia. In the presence of buffers which contain hard Lewis bases (e.g., phosphate, fluoride, carboxylic acids) zirconia's surface becomes negatively charged due to adsorption of the buffer anion at the hard Lewis acid sites. Consequently, under most conditions (e.g., neutral pH), cationic analytes undergo both hydrophobic and cation-exchange interactions. This mixed-mode retention process generally leads to greater retention factors for cations relative to those on silica-based reversed phases despite the lower surface areas of the zirconia phase, but, more importantly, adsorption of hard Lewis bases can be used to control the chromatographic selectivity for cationic analytes on these zirconia-based stationary phases. In contrast to our prior work, here we show that when mixed-mode retention takes place, both retention and selectivity are easily adjusted by changing the type of hard Lewis base buffer anion, the type of buffer counter-ion (e.g., sodium, potassium, ammonium), the pH, and the ionic strength of the eluent as well as the type and amount of organic modifier.

Use of a modified zirconia support in the separation of immunoproteins

Zirconia beads (25-38 microm in diameter) were modified with N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetramethylenephosphonic acid to generate a zirconia based pseudoaffinity support, further referred to as r_PEZ. The influence of pH, salt concentration and temperature on the binding of human immunoglobulin G (hIgG) to r_PEZ was studied. Temperature had no significant impact on the maximum binding capacity (Qmax), and the equilibrium-binding constant (Kd), whereas pH and the salt concentration had a noticeable impact on both Qmax and Kd. The Qmax value of 55 mg hIgG/ml of bead was obtained at a pH of 5.5 and found to decrease with an increase of pH. The modified zirconia support allowed the separation of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA and IgM) from untreated human serum. Elution was possible under mild conditions with a step salt gradient. Overall protein recoveries in the range of 109-125% were obtained with human serum. Human IgG, human IgA, and human IgM yields of 29.50+/-6.3, 3.22+/-0.7, and 6.84+/-0.7%, respectively, were obtained at a linear velocity of 4.32 cm/min. Purity of products, obtained from a single chromatographic step was estimated to be greater than 89.0+/-2.6%. The utility of r_PEZ in the selective removal of immunoglobulins, as in immunoadsorption was discussed.

New synthetic ways for the preparation of high-performance liquid chromatography supports

The latest developments and in particular important synthetic aspects for the preparation of modern HPLC supports are reviewed. In this context, the chemistry of inorganic supports based on silica, zirconia, titania or aluminum oxide as well as of organic supports based on poly(styrene-divinylbenzene), acrylates, methacrylates and other, more specialized polymers is covered. Special consideration is given to modern approaches such as sol-gel technology, molecular imprinting, perfusion chromatography, the preparation of monolithic separation media as well as to organic HPLC supports prepared by new polymer technologies such as ring-opening metathesis polymerization. Synthetic particularities relevant for the corresponding applications are outlined.

Comparison of chromatographic ion-exchange resins. II. More strong anion-exchange resins

A comparative study was performed on strong anion exchangers to investigate the pH dependence, titration curves, efficiency, binding strength, particle size distribution, and static and dynamic capacity of the chromatographic resins. The resins tested included Q Sepharose XL, UNO Q-1, Poros 50 HQ, Toyopearl QAE 550c, Separon HemaBio 1000Q, Q-Cellthru Bigbeads Plus, Q Sepharose HP and Toyopearl SuperQ 650s. Testing was performed with five different proteins: anti-Factor VII monoclonal antibody (immunoglobulin G), aprotinin, bovine serum albumin, lipolase and myoglobin. The dependence of pH on retention varies from generally low to very high for proteins with a low isoelectric point (pl). An unexpected binding at pH 7-8 of aprotinin with pI >11 was observed on Separon HemaBio 1000Q. No link between pH dependence on retention and titration curves of the different resins was observed. Efficiency results show the expected trend of higher dependence of the plate height with increasing flow-rate of soft resins compared to resins for medium- and high-pressure operation. No or a very small difference in particle size distribution was obtained between new and used resins. Binding to anion-exchange resins as a function of ionic strength varies to some extent depending on the specific protein. Generally, binding and elution at high salt concentration may be performed with Q Sepharose XL, Toyopearl QAE 550c, Q Sepharose HP and Poros 50 HQ, while binding and elution at low salt concentration may be performed with Q-Cellthru Bigbeads Plus. A very high binding capacity was obtained with Q Sepharose XL. Comparison of static capacity and dynamic capacity at 10% breakthrough shows approx. 50-80% utilization of the total available capacity during chromatographic operation. A general good agreement was obtained between this study and data obtained by the suppliers. The results of this study may be used for selection of resins for testing in process development.

Comparison of chromatographic ion-exchange resins. I. Strong anion-exchange resins

A comparative study has been undertaken on various strong anion-exchangers to investigate the pH dependence, titration curves, efficiency, binding strength, and dynamic capacity of the chromatographic resins. The resins tested included: Macro-Prep 25Q, TSK-Gel Q-5PW-HR, Poros QE/M, Q Sepharose FF, Q HyperD 20, Q Zirconia, Source 30Q, Fractogel EMD TMAE 650s, and Express-Ion Q. Testing was performed with five different proteins: Anti-FVII Mab (IgG), aprotinin, BSA, lipolase, and myoglobin. The dependence of pH on retention varies from generally low to very high for proteins with low pI. No direct link between pH dependence on retention and titration curves of the different resins was observed. Efficiency results show the expected trend of lower dependence of the plate height with increasing flow-rate of resins for medium and high pressure operation compared to the soft resins. Binding to the anion-exchange resins as a function of ionic strength may vary depending on the specific protein. Generally, binding and elution at a high salt concentration may be performed with Poros QE/M or Macro-Prep 25Q, while binding and elution at low salt concentration may be done with TSK-Gel Q-5PW. Dynamic capacities are strongly dependent on the specific protein employed and for some resins dependent on the flow-rate. A general good agreement was obtained between this study and data obtained by suppliers for the dynamic capacity. The results of this study may be used for selection of resins for testing in process development, however, the data does not tell anything about specific selectivity differences or resolution between a target protein and a given impurity. None of the resins studied here should be regarded as good or bad, but more or less suitable for a specific purpose, and only testing for the specific application will determine which one is the optimal resin.

Quaternized trimethylaminated polystyrene-coated zirconia as a strong anion exchange material for HPLC

The synthesis and characterization of a new, base-stable, strong anion exchange phase by amination of polystyrene-coated zirconia (PS-ZrO2) are described. Even though the ion exchange capacity of the quaternized trimethylaminated PSZrO2 (QTMA-PS-ZrO2) is only 0.07 mequiv/g, it is able to separate various inorganic anions, benzoic acid derivatives, and nucleotides in their deprotonated states. The effects of ionic strength, eluent pH, and counterion type are discussed. In the presence of both phosphate and fluoride ions in the eluent, band broadening caused by Lewis acid/base interactions between zirconia and analytes is greatly suppressed. The mixed retention modes (ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and Lewis acid/base interactions) on QTMA-PS-ZrO2 offer a different selectivity toward various anionic analytes than do other zirconia- and nonzirconia-based ion exchangers.

The efficient removal of endotoxins from insulin using quaternized polyethyleneimine-coated porous zirconia

The synthesis and use of a zirconia-based, alkali-stable strong anion-exchange stationary phase are described for the removal of pyrogenic lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from insulin. The strong anion-exchange material is produced by deposition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) onto porous zirconia particles, followed by cross-linking with a novel reagent, 1,2-bis-(2-iodoethoxy) ethane, and quaternization with iodomethane. Physical characterization of the chromatographic support shows that it has an ion-exchange capacity of 0.6 mmol/g, and 82% of the amine sites on the surface are in quaternized form. Isocratic elution of small benzoic acid derivatives shows good column efficiency. The two primary virtues of this material are its chemical stability under alkali conditions (up to pH 13) and its lower hydrophobicity compared to previously described alkali-stable PEI-coated zirconia supports cross-linked with 1,10-diiododecane. Using this new zirconia-based phase, a purification protocol is developed for the efficient removal of Escherichia coli 0111:B4 LPS from bovine insulin samples. An endotoxin clearance rate of up to 1.3 x 10(8) was attained. Endotoxin levels were reduced to less than 5 endotoxin units/ml even at initial contamination levels as high as 5.0 x 10(6) endotoxin units/ml. Furthermore, endotoxin adsorbed to the porous zirconia column may be easily removed (depyrogenated) using alkali for repeated purification cycles.

Chromatographic separations of aromatic carboxylic acids

The purpose of this review is to present methods of chromatographic analysis of aromatic carboxylic acids. The separation, identification and quantitative analysis of aromatic carboxylic acids are necessary because of their importance as non-steroid antiphlogistic drugs, semi-products of biosynthesis of aromatic amino-acids in plants (phenolic acids), metabolites of numerous toxic substances, drugs and catecholamines. HPLC separation of ionic samples tends to be more complicated than separation of non-ionic compounds. The review describes the dependence of the retention of ionic solutes on pH and solvent composition as well as on the ionic strength of a mobile phase. The application of the ion-suppressing RP-HPLC method using organic modifiers (aqueous buffer solutions) as eluents in aromatic carboxylic acid analysis is also presented. In more difficult cases of analysis the addition of an ion-pairing reagent, such as the quaternary alkylammonium ion, is necessary to obtain satisfactory separations. Hypotheses of ion-pair formation in reversed-phase systems as well as the influence of various agents on the separation of ionic solutes in IP-RP systems are explained. Examples of the application of ion-pair liquid chromatography to the analysis of aromatic carboxylic acids have also been reviewed. The principles and application of ion-exchange chromatography to the purification, isolation and less frequently, to chromatographic analysis are discussed. Polar adsorbents and polar bonded stationary phases are also widely used in carboxylic acid separation in normal-phase systems, mainly by TLC, often coupled with densitometry. The review also shows examples of separation of chiral benzoic acids and their derivatives in LC systems. The possibilities of application of gas chromatography preceded by derivatisation or pyrolysis of acidic compounds and applications of GC-MS and Py-GC-MS coupled methods in identification and quantitation of aromatic carboxylic acids is also reviewed.

Synthesis and characterization of new zirconia-based polymeric cation-exchange stationary phases for high-performance liquid chromatography of proteins

Ion-exchange chromatography is a major method used for large-scale protein separations. New zirconia-based polymeric cation-exchange HPLC stationary phases have been developed for protein separations. Two routes were employed for the synthesis. In one method, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was adsorbed onto porous zirconia particles and cross-linked with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BUDGE). Succinic anhydride was then reacted with the remaining primary and secondary amine groups on PEI to afford anionic functionalities. The second method utilizes poly(acrylic acid) anhydride as both the crosslinker and the stationary phase. The resulting stationary phases act to separate proteins by a weak cation-exchange mechanism with a slight contribution to retention from hydrophobic interactions. In the presence of 20 mM phosphate buffer, Lewis acid/base interactions between the zirconia support and the proteins, which can significantly broaden the peaks, are sufficiently suppressed. The effects of ionic strength, mobile phase pH, and salt type are discussed. Protein mass recovery and loading capacity for protein separations on these phases have been evaluated. These weak cation-exchange stationary phases exhibit good stability under normal separation conditions for months and are stable in alkaline solution up to pH 10. In contrast to zirconia supports modified with small anionic species, these new phases have no limitation on the type of salt used as the eluent, and they exhibit unique selectivities. Therefore, they offer interesting alternatives for protein separations. To our knowledge, this work represents the first successful example of protein separations using porous zirconia-based polymeric phases under normal chromatographic conditions, which will definitely help make zirconia-based supports more useful for bio-separation.

Chromatographic characterization of phosphonate analog EDTA-modified zirconia support for biochromatographic applications

Zirconium dioxide (zirconia) has a great affinity for inorganic and organic phosphate. Previous work from this laboratory demonstrated the utility of phosphate-modified microparticulate zirconia as a support for protein separations. We have extended this investigation to include the study of ethylenediamine-N,N'-tetramethylphosphonic acid (EDTPA), a phosphonate analog of EDTA, as a surface modifier for zirconia. Our work explores the use of EDTPA-modified zirconia (PEZ) for its potential use as a high-performance inorganic cation-exchange support for the separation of proteins. The phosphate groups in EDTPA very effectively block the sites responsible for strong interactions of hard Lewis bases with zirconia's surface. Modification of zirconia with EDTPA provides a "biocompatible" stationary phase, resulting in high mass recoveries of proteins. We compare PEZ with inorganic phosphate-modified zirconia to show increased efficiency, as well as unique selectivities for chromatography of proteins on the chelator-modified surface. Finally, the selectivity, efficiency, and separation mechanism are reported. The studies show that PEZ is a useful high-performance ion-exchange support for the separation of cationic proteins and for modulating the sites responsible for the high affinity of zirconia toward certain classes of anions.

Models for polybutadiene pore wall coatings in porous zirconia

We present three models of the changes in measured pore size distribution for cylindrical pores when a polymer is deposited in the pores by evaporation from a volatile solvent. The predicted results serve as an aid in interpreting experimental nitrogen adsorption data for polybutadiene (PBD) coatings on porous zirconia. At low loadings, PBD appears to deposit in thin layers on the surface with no preference for filling either large or small pores. At higher PBD loadings, the polymer deposits preferentially in smaller pores. This is in qualitative agreement with PBD coatings on porous silica.

Synthesis and chromatographic characterization of dextran-coated zirconia high-performance liquid chromatographic stationary phases

Porous zirconia particles made by the oil emulsion (OE) method and the polymerization-induced colloid aggregation (PICA) method have been coated with a small, carboxymethylated (approximately 5%) dextran polymer and crosslinked in place. The parameters of the coating process (dextran concentration, adsorption time and crosslinker concentration) have all been examined and an optimum value for each determined. The coated and uncoated materials were characterized by nitrogen sorptometry and size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) using solutes (polystyrenes and dextrans) of well-defined molecular masses. Nitrogen sorptometry results show that the PICA material has a much lower pore volume and smaller pore diameter than do the OE materials. Despite this, the elution volumes of the SEC probes change very little upon polymer coating the PICA material while the OE material shows a very large change upon coating.