Chromatographic methods have changed how scientists operate to handle vital tasks like creating vaccinations and testing beverages, but it has humble beginnings. Chromatography was discovered in 1906 by the Russian botanist Mikhail Tsvet to study plant pigments. Learning more about what is chromatography is vital if you want to separate chemical compounds and analyze them.
The separation and analysis that gas chromatography allows for have changed the game for a variety of testing methods. It’s easier than ever to separate compounds and analyze each segment to solve crimes and keep the public safe.
The good news is that you’ve found the right guide to learn more about chromatography, its uses, and its benefits. Keep reading to learn more today!
Table of Contents
What Is Chromatography?
Chromatography is a method used to separate chemical compounds. Using these techniques, you can look at each part that makes up a compound and analyze it with ease.
Think of chromatography as a jar full of Skittles. You could use chromatographic methods to determine how many of each color there are in the Mason jar. The process involves a stationary phase and a mobile phase to separate the different colors. Scientists use this method to test everything from food and beverages to urine and crime scenes.
It’s best to learn about the different types of chromatography to have a firm grasp of the technique. The two main types of chromatography are gas and liquid chromatography. Here’s a closer look at each.
Gas Chromatography
Gas chromatography is typical in lab settings, and it’s used to separate and analyze compounds in a mixture. The theory works since different chemical compounds travel at different speeds. You’ll need to use a gas like helium or nitrogen to use this separation method.
The gas moves through the column you’re using for separation and analysis. An instrument is also needed to detect the compounds that leave the column for more straightforward analysis. As the process continues, you can see how much of each chemical is present.
Gas chromatography is the most prevalent in industries like biology, chemistry, and environmental science. Most use goes toward analyzing industrial chemicals that end up in nature. Getting a 96 well plate is essential for studying the chemical compounds in your lab.
Liquid Chromatography
Liquid chromatography is often referred to as column chromatography. You’ll need a glass column for this method and silica gel to fill the column with. The silica gel acts as the stationary during the chromatographic process.
The solvents will determine how quickly the chemical compounds will exit the column. You can also get more separation by changing the solvent volume within the column. You should use this process if your goal is to preserve the chemical compounds in the column.
Uses for Chromatographic Methods
Now that you know the two primary chromatographic methods, learning more about their practical uses is essential. Chromatography impacts your daily life, whether you realize it or not. Having a realistic view of how separation and analysis benefit your everyday life will give you a greater appreciation for what is chromatography.
Vaccine Production
Vaccine production is a hot topic in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s difficult to make a successful vaccine if you don’t know which antibodies are needed for proper immune protection. Scientists used chromatographic methods to handle and fight off the Ebola virus.
Their efforts resulted in the Zmapp vaccine. This offered greater protection to people susceptible to Ebola. The scientists determined which antibodies had the greatest impact in stopping the virus. They used those antibodies to create a vaccine that empowered the immune system to ward off the devastating effects of Ebola.
Food Testing
Chromatography also plays a vital role in the food testing process. Scandals involving horsemeat that was marketed as beef were stopped in their tracks. It was possible since chromatographic methods were used. The process displayed how ineffective previous food testing methods were.
Those events led chromatography into the limelight for food testing. You can determine the contents of processed meat with ease. The raw samples are easier to diagnose with this testing method.
It’s best to use liquid chromatography when testing processed food. The scientists could separate the meat from horses from that of beef to determine what people were purchasing and consuming.
Beverage Testing
You can also use chromatography to test beverages for their contents. Many scientists use these methods to test common beverages to keep the public safe. The goal is to ensure each bottle contains the same ingredients in the same volume.
Manufacturers use this method to ensure each drink has the same taste and consistency. Alcohol brands like Jagermeister use the method to control the levels of sugar in their drinks.
Drug Testing
Drug testing is another popular use for chromatographic methods. You can use these methods to identify the chemical compounds in urine or an individual’s bloodstream. It’s a common way to test high-level athletes for performance-enhancing drugs.
Think about these methods the next time you watch the Olympics or the World Cup. Each athlete is tested with these methods for separation and analysis. It’s the surest way to maintain an even playing field with elite athletes worldwide.
Forensic Testing
Chromatography is also used to solve complex crimes and put criminals behind bars. Gas chromatography makes testing blood samples on clothing a walk in the park. A future in forensic science requires this knowledge and skills. You’ll handle chromatographic testing to put dangerous individuals in prison.
Now You Know All About Chromatographic Methods
Learning the truth about what is chromatography is vital since these methods play an essential role in your daily life. Liquid and gas chromatography are used to handle everything from food and beverage testing to forensic testing to catch criminals. It’s also a perfect method for developing new vaccines and testing athletes for performance-enhancing drugs.
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