Core-shell Media: A Trendsetter in LC Separation

Liquid chromatography (LC) is an efficient quantitative technique with strong roots in analytical disciplines. Small particle advances in ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) have improved column performance and improved analytical properties, but the small particle size is problematic and generates a high back pressure. To overcome this issue, an alternate approach employing core-shell particles was devised that could overcome the drawback of back pressure and obtain similarly efficient results to UHPLC. Core-shell particles are the most cost-effective alternative to porous particles, resulting in substantial savings. Recent advances in particle technology for liquid chromatography have generated significant interest in the usage of shell particles. The core diameter was lowered and active layer thickness was reduced to 0.5 µm, allowing for fast separation of peptides and proteins. The core of the packing material is a solid sphere, which has a weaker axial diffusion effect and reduces the peak's axial expansion. Additionally, the radial temperature transfer is enhanced, making the temperature distribution more uniform and accelerating the mass transfer speed. The particle size distribution of core-shell column is more continuous and uniform than that of full porous column, resulting in a lesser eddy current diffusion effect and higher column efficiency. This book chapter focuses on concept of core-shell particle columns, its uses and restrictions; effect of devising techniques, physical characteristics size and thickness of core shell particles on the separation performance.