Introduction: Beyond Particle Technology

David S. Bell

Welcome to the 2018 edition of Recent Developments in LC Column Technology. Several significant advances have transpired in the field during the past decade. Two of the more significant technologies, sub-2-µm particles and superficially porous particles (SPP), have taken a firm hold on modern liquid chromatography practice. Each of these developments were initially met with both excitement and their share of skepticism. Both emotions drove extensive research and ultimately adoption of the ideas. Today, both technologies are routinely used in many industries around the world, but where do we go from here? This supplement was assembled to provide examples of the ongoing research that is building upon recent particle technology developments.

Ken Broeckhoven and colleagues discuss the current status of the most recently accepted advances in liquid chromatography (LC) technology. Further, the authors interpret the present state-of-the-art developments such as three-dimensional (3D) printing and microfabricated pillar arrays, noting that further fundamental research toward improvements are expected to continue.

There are often downsides when adopting new technologies. Thermal effects in ultrahigh-pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC), for example, exhibit a negative impact on chromatographic performance. Fabrice Gritti describes a user-friendly column hardware design for use in both UHPLC and supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) that promises to eliminate radial temperature gradients responsible for peak distortion.

In an effort to expand the utility of modern particle designs, Jason Anspach and colleagues examine the use of biocompatible column hardware aimed at minimizing undesired adsorption of target analytes. The authors compare PEEK and titania hardware to traditional stainless steel column designs in terms of analyte adsorption, pressure tolerance, chromatographic performance, and reproducibility.

Jordy Hsaio and colleagues discuss the expansion of particle technology in terms of novel surface chemistry developments. The group reports on the use of an SPP-based zwitterionic stationary phase for hydrophilic-interaction chromatography (HILIC) applications. This article is a good example of how the base particle technologies are impacting more than just traditional reversed-phase separations.

Lastly, new areas of application interest sometimes develop concurrently with new technology developments. Justin Steimling provides an excellent example using the cannabis industry. Because of limited legacy regulations and methods pertaining to various characterization needs, the cannabis industry is poised to take full advantage of modern particle technologies.

Advances in particle technologies are driving subsequent developments in hardware design and surface chemistry. Collectively, these developments are providing a positive influence on both mainstream and alternative modes of chromatography. With state-of-the-art technologies such as microfabricated pillar arrays and 3D printing on the horizon, advances that are even more significant may not be far away. Enjoy!