Chromatography Old1
The experts in Chromatography Servicing, Testing and Maintenance
Consistent and reliable performance is a necessary factor with all liquid chromatography processes. At MAControls we aim to understand your objectives in order to supply everything you need from our one-stop-shop. With our network of trusted suppliers, we can provide in-depth expertise and unrivalled support. We want to help you improve your production consistency and achieve your aims.
MAControls understand the principles of the chromatography process, which enables us to help with your application.
Three phases of the chromatography process
1. The stationary phase (or ‘Adsorbent’) refers to the substance that is packed into the column, which remains locked in the column throughout the process (For example, a silica gel mixture). It is pre-prepared and packed (Either by hand or autonomously) ready for the mobile phase depending on the size and requirement. Production operations use automatic packing skids, whereas analytical operations are often much smaller and do not require such bulk of ingredients.
2. The mobile phase (or ‘Carrier’) is the solvent or fluid which moves through the packed column (which has the analyte sample added), reacting with the stationary phase and separating the analyte as it passes through the column. The chemical makeup of the analyte will elute at different rates as it separates out, allowing the product to be collected.
3. Product Phase (separated molecules) takes place once the chromatography process has finished, and analyte has been completely run through the column, the product has been collected into individual containers and is ready for analysis, purification or storage.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC)
Liquid chromatography analysis is a biophysical technique used to separate, identity and purify specific components in a solution. HPLC operates at significantly higher pressures than regular gravity fed chromatography systems. Our customers use this type of process for manufacturing, drug testing as well as analytical purposes. Although it can be considered more expensive than standard types of liquid chromatography, its accuracy and precision provide proven results.
We can provide consumables, stainless or single-use equipment and systems, with the relevant documentation. We can help with technologies, applications, and because we are not affiliated with any companies our advice is subjective. We carry out process validation and equipment qualification. Our process development services will support you from laboratory scale up to full scale production. Our cGMP chromatography servicing offers premium quality service support without compromise.
Chromatography Columns
A chromatography column contains the stationary phase and allows the mobile phase to pass through it. Commonly made from glass, they are used in both liquid and gas chromatography testing services. MAControls work with columns ranging from 2mm up to 2metre diameter. We can support a variety of applications including smaller columns for analytical processes, as well as larger columns used in the manufacturing and bulk process chromatography.
Column Packing
Process scale columns are packed automatically using an auto-packing skid, which is a pneumatically operated system comprising of pumps (to pack and unpack) and valves (to control slurry going in to/out of the column), the skid works in conjunction with the column to achieve a high-volume pack within a short time.
Automation considerably removes potential for operator error, if a column is packed poorly or incorrectly, it will affect the process result negatively. Auto packing is also more efficient in wasting less media, typically 5-10% less per column, which is a considerable saving for the company. The column is controlled by a series of valves. One set to allow the entry and exit of the packing media (pack/unpack and cleaning) and a separate set to allow the buffer or mobile phase to pass through the column (Chromatography process).
FPLC
FPLC, or Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography, is a medium pressure technique, which uses a pump to control the speed that the mobile phase passes through the stationary phase of the operation. It is mainly a preparative technique, to prepare a mixture, separate molecules or to quantitate highly purified molecules or compounds for analytical purposes. It was originally developed for proteins and features high loading capacity, biocompatible aqueous buffer systems (pre-made solution), fast flow rates, and availability of stationary phases in most common chromatography modes (ion exchange, gel filtration, reversed phase, affinity). Due to the high amount of automation in a FPLC system, it makes the technique good for reproducing results.
FPLC is similar to HPLC (High performance liquid chromatography) with the main difference between the two being the standard working pressures. FPLC can perform all types of chromatography, it is routinely used for high resolution ion exchange and high-resolution size exclusion, accommodating high resolution media (5-15μm beads).
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