HPLC of biological macromolecules: The first decade

Summary During the past decade, HPLC has developed into a powerful new technique for the analysis of complex mixtures of biological macromolecules. Through the use of microparticulate supports of vastly improved mechanican strength, superior stationary phase chemistry, and advanced instrumentation, it is now possible to separate biological macromolecules more than 10 times faster and with greater resolution than in the classical SEC, IEC, HIC, bioaffinity, and hydroxyapetite chromatography columns. Additionally, the introduction of new separation modes such as RPC and metal chelate make it possible to carry out separations that were not possible with the classical gel-type media. It is anticipated that 1) expanded use of non-porous media, 2) development of new stationary phases for carbohydrates, 3) greater throughput and resolution in preparative separations, and 4) better understanding of retention mechanisms are a few of the areas of macromolecular separations in which advances can be expected in the next few years.