Particle Size Analysis of Dilute Environmental Colloids by Flow Field-Flow Fractionation Using an Opposed Flow Sample Concentration Technique

Abstract

An on-line concentration method has been developed for the analysis of dilute suspensions of macromolecules and particles by flow field-flow fractionation (FFF). This method, termed opposed flow sample concentration (OFSC), uses two opposing flowstreams to focus sample into a narrow band near the inlet of the flow FFF channel. Large sample volumes (up to 1 L) have been successfully loaded, concentrated, and separated in a 1 mL volume flow FFF channel. Concentration factors as high as 10(5) have been achieved. The effectiveness of OFSC flow FFF was demonstrated using mixtures of monodispersed standards such as proteins and polystyrene latex beads. Retention times, peak areas, and resolution are comparable for a 10 mL and a typical 10 microL injection volume. The applicability of the method to environmental studies was demonstrated by a separation of river water colloids.

Halophilic viruses with varying biochemical and biophysical properties are amenable to purification with asymmetrical flow field-flow fractionation

“…However, higher input sample volumes or repeated fractionations can be utilized. Injection volumes up to 1 L have been reported for dilute samples (Lee et al 1998). Alternative methods towards preparative AF4-purifications include increased channel dimensions (thicker or wider spacers) (Bria et al 2017).…”

Speciation in Freshwaters

“…Nevertheless, this approach is subject to many artefacts , especially when filtration is used, and size distributions below 1 µm cannot be reliably determined. Techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), electron microscopy and light scattering methods combined with mild (minimally perturbing) size fractionation techniques (Buffle et al, 1995b) seem better suited for submicrometre range sizing and counting; field-flow fractionation methods may also be applicable Murphy et al, 1993;Lyvén et al, 1997;H. Lee et al, 1998).…”

Membranes for separation of biomacromolecules and bioparticles via flow field-flow fractionation

“…The membrane used in the FlFFF channel is considered as its heart . This mini‐review focuses on requirements and important points related to membranes used in FlFFF channels for bioanalysis.…”