[Multi-column technologies in chromatographic analysis].

Multi-column chromatographic technologies provide high throughput and high resolution separations through parallel, serial or parallel-serial column combinations. In comparison with classical single-column based chromatography, multi-column chromatography well satisfied the need for separations of large batch samples and highly complex bio-samples, and therefore attracted extensive interests. In this review, we discussed the recent developments in multi-column chromatography and its applications in multidimensional separation, chip chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, stationary-phase screening, and serial column chromatography. We also discussed the limitations and future developments in multi-column chromatography.