Benefits

•Matched analytical and preparative columns
•Easy scale-up for lead compound identification
•High sample throughput
•Rapid analysis without efficiency loss
•Fast re-equilibration

Introduction

Traditionally, potential new drugs have been individually synthesised, purified and their structure confirmed prior to the measurement of structure-activity relationships.
A combinatorial chemistry approach, in which mixtures of compounds are synthesised and initially tested, has now often replaced the older methods.
Rapid chromatographic analysis of each mixture is required to aid characterisation of active and non-active components. 

Columns

Combinatorial chemistry analytical columns are designed to analyse large numbers of complex mixtures in as short a time as possible without major loss of column resolution.
They will often need to re-equilibrate as soon as possible following rapid gradient changes in the eluent composition needed to accommodate sample mixtures containing a wide polarity range of molecules. Good column stability is an essential requirement.
Columns are typically 50 to 100 mm in length, of 3.2 to 4.6 mm internal diameter and packed with 5µm particle size material. 

Availability

We offer a wide range of Combinatorial Chemistry columns, including ACE, Hichrom, Kromasil, YMC etc. The standard Hichrom manufactured column sizes are shown in Table 1.

 Please contact us for information on matched kits and alternative dimensions and materials.

Scale-up

Once a lead compound has been identified it becomes necessary to isolate it using larger diameter HPLC columns. Preparative and analytical columns need to be matched in terms of length and material content so that a one-step scale-up is easily attained.