Ion Exchange HPLC is a specialized technique within high-performance liquid chromatography that separates analytes based on their ionic charge. This method is widely utilized in analytical chemistry, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and environmental testing for the precise separation and quantification of ions, peptides, proteins, nucleotides, and other charged biomolecules.
🔬 What Is Ion Exchange HPLC?
Ion Exchange HPLC operates using a stationary phase packed with charged functional groups. These groups attract and bind analytes with opposite charges from the mobile phase. The strength of these electrostatic interactions determines how long each component is retained before being eluted, enabling high-resolution separation.
🧪 Types of Ion Exchange HPLC
There are two major types of ion exchange chromatography in HPLC:
- Cation Exchange HPLC:
Retains and separates positively charged analytes using a negatively charged stationary phase. - Anion Exchange HPLC:
Retains and separates negatively charged analytes using a positively charged stationary phase.
Each method is selected based on the nature of the sample and the ionic properties of the target compounds.
Ion Exchange HPLC is a go-to method for labs seeking high precision and sensitivity in separating charged molecules. Whether it’s protein purification or water quality testing, this technique delivers consistent and reliable results across critical applications.