Gradient chromatofocusing high-performance liquid chromatography I. Practical aspects

Abstract

In this work, a versatile method for generating linear pH gradients using weak anion-exchange HPLC has been developed, which is termed gradient chromatofocusing high-performance liquid chromatography. This method utilizes a linear external pH gradient generated in the mobile phase entering the column (inlet pH gradient), superimposed on an imternally-generated pH gradient within the column (column pH gradient), which results from the buffering action of the ion exchanger on the mobile phase and vice versa. The method shows significant advantages over conventional chromatofocusing, including: decreased expense due to the use of common buffer components, ease of adjusting the slope of the pH gradient produced at the outlet of the column (outlet pH gradient) through the manipulation of the inlet pH gradient and the ability of using high concentration buffers in the mobile phase. Chromatography of fibrinogen degradation products was done using gradient chromatofocusing. Bandwidths comparable to conventional chromatofocusing were obtained in the separation of fibrinogen degradation products.