High-performance liquid chromatographic separation of biological macromolecules on new silica-based ion exchangers.

The fundamental characteristics of a new series of ion-exchange columns, specifically designed for high-speed analysis of biological macromolecules, have been examined. Each of these columns is packed with a chemically modified silica gel, that has a controlled pore-size distribution and a uniform particle diameter. Surface silanol groups of these materials are chemically modified with hydrophilic polymers to produce a neutral silica surface, and ionic functional groups are chemically bonded to this neutral support, producing a stable ion exchanger. The separation of biological macromolecules on these columns has been investigated, and the selection of a mobile phase is discussed.