Monolithic columns: A historical overview

Abstract

This review article is an updated and extended version of the previous review that has been published 14 years ago . Although history does not change, its interpretation may. Therefore, I took the liberty to revisit the original work and added some of my new thoughts that could be interesting for the generation of scientists who are entering the intriguing arena of monoliths and may want to know the roots of the field. The current monolithic columns that are well applicable for efficient separations, were first described less than 30 years ago, and their advent represented the initial step to their present widespread appearance. At the beginning, the monolithic columns dominated the academic studies. However, several monolithic materials have later been materialized in commercial products. In order to stay within a reasonable size of this contribution, its focus is placed on developments achieved in the previous century. The very early reports are described in more detail since it might be difficult to find the original source.

Recent advances in mixed‐mode chromatographic stationary phases

“…They have attracted considerable and valid interest owing to their relatively facile preparation methodology, suitable column characteristics with respect to permeability, stability, efficiency, and selectivity [103]. Since they were first proposed by Hjertén and Svec in the late 1980s and early 1990s [104][105][106], a variety of monolithic-based columns, including inorganic silica, organic polymer, and organic silica hybrid-based monolithic columns have been reported [5,107]. Based on the nature of the matrix, monolithic columns can be classified into [128] cLC, capillary liquid chromatography; EDX,energy dispersive X-ray three groups: polymeric, hybrid, and silica-based stationary phases (Table 4).…”

Use of monolithic supports for high‐throughput protein and peptide separation in proteomics

“…Many different types of monolithic materials have been prepared , but only acrylate based, styrene based and silica‐based ones are commercially available . There is a good rationale for this as making new custom type of matrix require a hard process of determination of optimal conditions for generation of a suitable support starting from completely new set of monomers.…”

Poly glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene dimethacrylate porous monolith as a versatile platform for the development of separations and solid‐phase extractions in sequential injection analyzers

“…Introduced about 30 years ago , polymeric monoliths are currently well‐established devices for separation of complex mixtures in both chromatographic and SPE technologies . Polymethacrylates and polystyrenes are the most common polymer monoliths .…”

“…Introduced about 30 years ago [1], polymeric monoliths are currently well-established devices for separation of complex mixtures in both chromatographic [2] and SPE technologies [3,4]. Polymethacrylates and polystyrenes are the most chemistry is controlled by either a one-step copolymerization of a functional monomer with a cross-linker [9] or by functionalization of a preformed parent monolith [10,11].…”