Optimizing Preparative Chromatography

The optimization of preparative separations has been in the focus of interest for decades. The optimization of isocratic and gradient overloaded elution, and the optimization of displacement chromatography makes possible a comprehensive comparison of the performance of the different modes of chromatography. The importance of the retention factor, the elution order, and the experimental conditions, such as the loading factor, the mobile phase velocity, and the plate number have been determined.

The optimum experimental conditions in preparative chromatography are usually calculated for maximum production rate or for minimum solvent consumption. Besides, the optimum should be reached at very high recovery yields.

Guidelines are given how to select the essential column design and experimental parameters to be optimized. The performance of isocratic, gradient elution and displacement modes of chromatography and simulated moving bed separations are compared. The advantages of the modeling of the separation processes are demonstrated. Modeling will help save time and money when one tries to optimize preparative chromatography. Practical matters of selecting media, selecting columns and scale-up will also be presented for biotechnology, fine chemicals, and pharmaceuticals applications.