Preparative Chromatography
Chromatography, as we all know, is the process of separating
different components of any given mixture, with the help of a vertical glass
column. It involves a stationary phase, usually Silica Gel, and a mobile phase,
both of which work in tandem to separate the compounds at different levels.
Chromatography can be divided into many categories. Some of the commonly used
ones are column, flash, preparative and analytical, to name a few.
In preparative chromatography, the components of the mixture
are separated for the purpose that they can be sent for further analysis. This
is the whole purpose of preparative chromatography, as the term “preparative”
itself suggests. Preparative chromatography is generally used for the
separation of smaller particles. It also finds use in separating two strands of
DNA, which are to be sent for further analysis.
Analytical Chromatography
Just like preparative chromatography, analytical
chromatography is also widely used. This
form of chromatography is known to be used when smaller amounts of material are
to be separated. Analytical Chromatography comes in handy when one needs to
measure the relative proportions of analytes in any given mixture. Most
companies prefer analytical chromatography over other forms of chromatography
as it is simple, fast and time saving. It also makes more economic sense to use
analytical chromatography. This form of chromatography can be used in health
care, pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring and quality control tabs.
Silica Gel in Preparative and Analytical Chromatography
While both the processes are different, there is one thing
common to Preparative and Analytical Chromatography. It is the use of Silica
Gel as the stationary phase. As mentioned earlier, it is the stationary phase,
which attracts the different compounds of the mixture meant for separation. This
separation and differentiation depends on the acidity/alkaline nature of the
Silica Gel being used. Different components will react at different levels and
that is how the separation takes place.
While choosing the Silica Gel being used in both preparative
and analytical chromatography, it is highly important that only the top-quality
Silica Gel be used. If top-quality Silica Gel is not available, then it will
greatly hamper the separation and differentiation process.
This is where the role of recommended top-class Silica Gel
manufacturers like Sorbead India becomes crucial. We are one of the leading
manufacturers and suppliers of Silica Gel in the country. Companies can always
depend on us for top-quality and high functioning Silica Gel desiccants.
