The modern monolithic columns emerged two decades ago. While the early polymer-based monoliths were used for the rapid separations of proteins, current literature describes a number of different applications in addition to typical chromatography demonstrating versatility of the monoliths. For example, monolithic columns with a large surface area that were recently prepared enable efficient rapid separation of small molecules. New chemistries afford monolithic columns for the separation in SEC mode. Modification of pore surface with nanoparticles extends applications of monoliths in the arena of highly selective fishing out systems. Monoliths also serve as supports for immobilization of enzymes to form very active enzymatic reactors useful in proteomics. Thin monolithic layers are also gaining more attention since they enable efficient two-dimensional separations combined with mass spectrometry using very simple means. Another new application is seen in the use of monolithic capillaries in the very fast gas chromatography.

Recent advances in the porous polymer-based monolithic columns

243rd National Meeting (2012)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.