Knowledge Base

Have you ever thought about this question: In reversed-phase chromatography, does an earlier elution always mean the compound has higher polarity? Or rather — is retention time determined solely by the polarity of a compound? In this article, we explore what polarity is, why it acts as the primary factor affecting retention time, and what other factors are unneglectable.

In method development, the selection of mobile phases is an important part to success. This article discusses thoroughly different mobile phases and their use in HPLC and LC-MS, and provides recommendations for initial mobile phase choices.

Solid-Phase Extrtaction is a fast, easy and high-performance sample preparation technique widely used, but routine SPE runs can encounter recurring problems. This article summarizes typical causes and practical fixes for each SPE problem.

Learn the causes of retention time drift in HPLC analyses, explained thoroughly through mobile phase, column, instrument, and sample solvent.

In this article, we explore further how matrix effects affects recovery results in mass spectrometry analyses by hindering preparation loss, and discuss when it should be corrected by using calibration curves prepared by blank matrices.

In this article, we discuss how to read molecular structure to assess an analyte’s acidic or basic character and use that insight to design starting chromatographic methods. You will find practical, rule-based criteria, clear decision points for method setup, and a focused real-world example that illustrates structure-driven choices.

Method development often begins with uncertainty—especially when faced with unknown compounds and no literature guidance. This article examines a pharmacopoeial method as a case study, highlighting its chromatographic settings, analyzing potential limitations, and considering improvements. Through this, readers gain insight into the logical framework behind choosing starting conditions.

In this article, the author discusses the principles behind selecting quantifier ions in triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, with a case study to illustrate how ion choice impacts sensitivity and accuracy.

M-shaped peaks can puzzle even experienced chromatographers, appearing unexpectedly and resisting simple fixes. This article draws on expert insights to explore their possible origins and practical approaches, guiding analysts toward more reliable and consistent chromatographic results.

Agarose-based chromatographic media offer a compelling blend of biocompatibility, versatility, and affordability. By mastering the principles of agarose microsphere preparation and crosslinking, chromatographers can tailor supports to a vast array of protein purification challenges, ensuring high yield, purity, and process robustness.

This article guides analysts in GC analyses through efficient sample preparation, instrument configuration, initial condition setup, separation optimization, qualitative identification using retention indices or GC–MS, quantitative analysis via internal standards or standard addition, rigorous method validation, ensuring accurate, precise, reproducible results across diverse unknown sample analyses consistently.

In gas chromatography, column length, internal diameter, and film thickness critically determine efficiency, retention times, pressure requirements, and sample capacity. This article reviews how each parameter impacts chromatographic performance and provides practical selection guidelines—balancing resolution, analysis time, and cost—to help analysts choose optimal capillary columns for diverse applications.