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Chromatography is an analytical technique, used for separation, identification and purification of the mixture of components. Chromatography is used in various industries, including pharmaceutical, biotechnology, chemical, environmental, food, petrochemical, and other such industries, to multiple applications. Specifically in pharmaceutical industry, the demand for chromatography systems and chromatography consumables (such as chromatography resin, packed columns) have increased in the recent years for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a wide range of complex samples in large‑scale translational research studies, precision medicine, virus research and vaccines development. Further, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic fueled the growth of the global market of chromatography instrumentation and chromatography consumables; this can be attributed to the adoption of chromatography in various drug development processes and diagnostics. This chapter provides a general overview of chromatography, including its principles, various types, and applications across multiple industries. Additionally, the chapter also highlights the important growth areas that will emerge in the coming years. The global chromatography consumables and chromatography instrumentation market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of around 5.5%, till 2035, according to Roots Analysis. Driven by the rising adoption of chromatography techniques in drug discovery and other application areas, the chromatography instrumentation and chromatography consumables market is anticipated to witness considerable market growth during the forecast period.
PRINCIPLES OF CHROMATOGRAPHY
Chromatographic principles involve distribution of mixture of analytes between a moving fluid stream, namely the mobile phase (which can be either a liquid or a gas), and a stationary phase (which can be either a solid or a liquid). During the movement of the sample, components get separated by repeated desorption and sorption in the direction of the mobile phase migration. Several key factors are responsible for separation process, including differences in molecular weights of analytes, characteristics related to liquid-solid adsorption and partition between liquid-liquid and affinity between molecular weight of analytes. Due to these differences, components of the mixture move at varying speeds and some of them stay longer in the stationary phase, while others pass rapidly into mobile phase, and leave the system faster. Chromatography is a physical separation method in which mixture of analytes gets separated between two phases (stationary and mobile phase). The various components of chromatography are described below:
- Columns: Chromatography columns are the heart of the chromatographic system. They come in various types, such as packed columns and capillary columns, each suited for specific applications. The choice of column depends on the target compounds and separation requirements.
- Stationary Phase: The stationary phase is a critical part of the column and directly influences separation. It can be a solid support or a liquid coating on the support material. Different stationary phases interact differently with analytes, allowing for selective separation.
- Mobile Phase: The mobile phase is the solvent or mixture of solvents that carries the sample through the column. It is chosen based on the nature of the analytes and the separation method, whether it’s gas chromatography (GC), liquid chromatography (LC), or other techniques.
- Sample Vials: Proper sample handling is essential to prevent contamination and ensure accurate results. Sample vials come in various sizes and materials, such as glass or plastic, and may have specialized features like screw caps or crimp tops.
- Syringes and Needles: Precision in injecting samples is critical for reproducible chromatographic results. Syringes and needles are used for precise and consistent sample introduction into the chromatograph.
CLASSIFICATION OF CHROMATOGRAPHY INSTRUMENTATION
Chromatography instrumentation refers to the equipment and devices used to perform chromatographic analyses. The choice of instrumentation depends on the type of chromatography being performed and the specific analytical requirements. Here are some key chromatography instruments:
- High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Systems: HPLC is one of the most widely used chromatographic techniques. It utilizes a high-pressure pump to deliver the mobile phase through the column, and detectors such as UV-visible or mass spectrometers for analyte detection.
- Gas Chromatography (GC) Systems: GC separates volatile compounds using a gaseous mobile phase. It includes components like a sample injector, column oven, and a variety of detectors like flame ionization detectors (FID) or mass spectrometers.
- Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS): LC-MS combines the separation power of liquid chromatography with the molecular identification capabilities of mass spectrometry. It’s invaluable for analyzing complex mixtures and identifying unknown compounds.
- Ion Chromatography (IC): IC is used for the analysis of ions and polar compounds. It employs specialized columns and detectors to separate and quantify anions and cations in samples.
- Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC): SEC is used for the separation of macromolecules like proteins and polymers based on their size. It helps in determining molecular weight distributions.
ADVANTAGES OF CHROMATOGRAPHY CONSUMABLES AND INSTRUMENTATION
Chromatography consumables and instrumentation offer several advantages in analytical chemistry and various industries:
- Separation Power: Chromatography techniques enable the separation of complex mixtures into their individual components with high precision and selectivity.
- Sensitivity: Modern instrumentation can detect even trace amounts of compounds, making it suitable for applications like drug testing and environmental analysis.
- Quantitative Analysis: Chromatography allows for accurate quantification of compounds, essential in pharmaceuticals, food safety, and quality control.
- Versatility: There are various chromatography methods (e.g., HPLC, GC, LC-MS) that can be tailored to specific analytical needs, making it applicable across diverse industries.
- Speed: Advances in instrumentation have improved analysis times, increasing laboratory efficiency.
- Sample Preservation: Chromatography consumables help maintain sample integrity, preventing degradation during analysis.
- Automation: Automated instruments reduce the need for manual intervention, improving reproducibility and reducing human error.
- High Throughput: Chromatography systems can process numerous samples simultaneously, ideal for large-scale applications.
- Wide Application Range: Chromatography is used in pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, environmental monitoring, forensics, and more.
- Research Advancements: Chromatography has been integral to scientific discoveries and innovations in various fields.
APPLICATIONS OF CHROMATOGRAPHY CONSUMABLES AND INSTRUMENTS
Here are some common applications of chromatography consumables:
- Analytical Chemistry: Chromatography consumables, such as columns, stationary phases, and detectors, are extensively used in analytical chemistry to analyze complex mixtures of compounds, such as in pharmaceuticals, environmental monitoring, and food safety testing.
- Pharmaceuticals: Chromatography is crucial in drug development and quality control. Consumables like HPLC columns are used to separate and quantify drug components, ensuring product safety and efficacy.
- Proteomics and Biochemistry: In protein analysis, chromatography consumables help separate proteins, peptides, and amino acids. They are used in techniques like size-exclusion chromatography and ion-exchange chromatography.
- Environmental Monitoring: Chromatography consumables are used to detect and quantify pollutants, pesticides, and other contaminants in environmental samples, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
- Food and Beverage Industry: Chromatography is used to analyze food and beverage samples for quality control and safety. It helps identify additives, preservatives, and contaminants.
- Forensic Science: Chromatography consumables are employed in forensic analysis to separate and identify substances like drugs, toxins, and trace evidence from crime scenes.
- Chemical Research: In chemical research, chromatography is a fundamental technique for purifying and analyzing compounds. Consumables are used to isolate and characterize chemical components.
- Clinical Diagnostics: Chromatography is used in clinical labs for analyzing biological samples, including blood, urine, and tissue extracts, to diagnose diseases and monitor health.
- Phytochemistry: In the study of plant compounds, chromatography is used to separate and identify phytochemicals, including alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS WHEN CHOOSING CROMATOGRAPHY CONSUMABLES AND INSTRUMENTATION
- Sample Compatibility: Ensure that the chosen consumables and instrumentation are compatible with the nature of your samples. For example, acidic samples may require inert materials to prevent interactions.
- Analyte Selectivity: The choice of stationary phase and detection method should be tailored to the specific analytes you are analyzing. This ensures optimal selectivity and sensitivity.
- Budget and Resources: Consider your budget constraints and available resources when selecting chromatography consumables and instrumentation. High-end instruments may offer advanced features but come at a higher cost.
- Maintenance and Support: Evaluate the availability of technical support, maintenance services, and spare parts for your chosen instrumentation to minimize downtime and ensure reliable operation.
- Regulatory Compliance: In regulated industries like pharmaceuticals, ensure that your chromatography equipment and consumables meet relevant regulatory standards and requirements.
CONCLUDING REMARKS:
Chromatography consumables and instrumentation are the backbone of modern analytical chemistry. They enable scientists and researchers to separate and analyze complex mixtures with precision and accuracy. Understanding the different types of consumables and instrumentation available, along with considering key factors in their selection, is crucial for achieving reliable chromatographic results. Whether you are working in a research laboratory or an industrial setting, making informed choices in chromatography consumables and instrumentation will undoubtedly enhance the quality of your analytical work. In addition, a surge in interest has been observed for pre-packed columns, as they are considered to be a convenient and cost-effective solution for purifying large quantities of proteins. With increase in complexity of biologics, their purification needs will also increase, and chromatography companies are expected to play an important role in developing novel resins and convenient formats suitable to the pharmaceutical industry. Such developments will drive market growth during the forecast period.
About Roots Analysis
Roots Analysis is a global leader in the pharma / biotech market research. Having worked with over 750 clients worldwide, including Fortune 500 companies, start-ups, academia, venture capitalists and strategic investors for more than a decade, we offer a highly analytical / data-driven perspective to a network of over 450,000 senior industry stakeholders looking for credible market insights. All reports provided by us are structured in a way that enables the reader to develop a thorough perspective on the given subject. Apart from writing reports on identified areas, we provide bespoke research / consulting services dedicated to serve our clients in the best possible way
