Large Volume Monolithic Stationary Phases: Preparation, Properties, and Applications

Monoliths represents the 4th generation of chromatographic supports. They consist of a single piece of highly porous material with interconnected flow through pores. Because of that transport is based on convection what results in a flow unaffected separation and dynamic binding capacity. This is especially important when large molecular weight molecules such as proteins, DNA or viruses have to be purified. For this purpose large volume monolithic columns are needed. In this article preparation of such columns is described together with their main applications. The article is dedicated to Prof. Tine Koloini who substantially contributed to this topic.