Monolithic columns: How to make and use them

This workshop will give an introduction to the basics of monolithic stationary phases, their preparation, and selected applications.

First, a brief history of monolithic stationary phases, their rebirth at the end of the 1980’s and their fast development ever since will be presented. The various approaches to the stationary phases with reduced discontinuity including aligned fibers, rolled textiles, as well as monolithic discs, and columns based on both silica and synthetic polymers will also be introduced.

Then, several specific examples of the preparation of monolithic columns based on synthetic polymers will be shown with emphasis on simplicity of both thermally and UV initiated processes and variety of chemistries easily available. In particular, monolithic materials placed in the currently very popular capillary and microfluidic formats will be presented in more detail. In addition, methods leading to desired chemistries by grafting of pores with selected functional monomers and combinations of various chemistries and functions within the same monolith will also be described.

Due to the specifics of monolithic columns enabling high flow rates without compromising the efficiency, high speed/high throughput separations of a variety of compounds including proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, synthetic polymers, and small molecules in HPLC mode can be achieved. Several examples of these separations using monoliths of very diverse shapes and sizes from very large radial flow columns, over analytical scale units, to capillary columns will be shown.

Since monolithic columns also represent quite a significant share of all columns used in capillary electrochromatography, their preparation and use in CEC will also be presented.

This workshop will be wrapped up by discussing current trends and future developments of this promising new format of stationary phases.