• RotaChrom CPC Instruments & Solutions
  • Technology
  • About Us
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • Webinars
  • Podcasts
  • Pressroom
  • Contact
Here you can see the logo of RotaChrom Technologies.
Here you can see the logo of RotaChrom Technologies.
  • Products
    • CPC Modeler
    • GMP rCPC
    • rCPC
    • iCPC
    • Continuous CPC
    • pCPC
    • SKIDS
  • Pricing
  • Technology
  • Applications
    • Pharma and biotech
    • Cosmetics and Fragrances
    • Food and Beverages
    • Botanical applications
  • Calculator
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Events
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Webinars
    • Publications
    • Pressroom
    • FAQ
    • Podcasts
  • Contact
    • Career
    • Contact
    • Book a meeting

Nonlinearity’s Role in Chromatography: Separations Made Easier and More Effective

Header for the nonlinear chromatography blog post
January 25, 2023
In Education, News
Share via Share via Share via Share via

Liquid-liquid chromatography (LLC) is a powerful technique in the field of analytical chemistry used to separate and purify a mixture of compounds based on their different distribution between two immiscible phases. In LLC, a biphasic solvent system is pre-equilibrated, and then the mixture is passed through it. The different components of the mixture will distribute differently between the two phases, allowing for their separation.

However, until recently, most studies have not focused on the nonlinear range of the distribution isotherm. In a new study, researchers have examined LLC in the nonlinear range using pulse injection experiments with cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant and is known for its medicinal properties.

Nonlinear Chromatography Study

The study was conducted using three units of different designs and volumes. The researchers conducted a systematic examination of LLC operation in the nonlinear range of the distribution isotherm for the first time. They used cannabidiol (CBD) as a model component, and performed a series of pulse injections with CBD concentrations ranging from 1 to 300 mg/mL. The elution profiles of the CBD were observed and found to have a diffusive front and a sharp rear part at higher concentrations. These profiles were studied in three LLC units of different types and sizes, ranging from 20 mL to 2 L. The biphasic solvent system used in the study was n-hexane/methanol/water (5/4/1 v/v/v) in descending mode, where the lower phase served as the mobile phase. The researchers used the equilibrium-cell model and an anti-Langmuir-like equation to simulate the elution profiles of the CBD. The distribution equilibria equation parameters were fitted to the CBD elution profiles using the peak fitting method. The model was validated and provided good predictions of the CBD elution profiles in the entire concentration range for all three LLC units.

The Research Outcomes

The results of this study demonstrate the potential of LLC in the nonlinear range of the distribution isotherm. The researchers were able to successfully separate and purify CBD using LLC, and their findings suggest that this technique could be used for the analysis of other compounds in the nonlinear range. This work also highlights the importance of considering the influence of the feed concentration on the elution profiles when conducting LLC experiments, and the usefulness of mathematical models in simulating and analyzing the results.

Conclusion & Further Resources

In conclusion, liquid-liquid chromatography is a powerful technique, but centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) is an even more advanced method of purification. RotaChrom has developed the iCPC device, which is a revolutionary preparative purification instrument that utilizes no solid stationary phase and is superior to traditional liquid chromatography in terms of yield and purity. Additionally, the iCPC platform has greatly reduced the cost and steps associated with downstream method development for a variety of purification challenges. Like liquid chromatography, CPC separation is based on the sample component’s partition coefficient between the mobile and stationary phases, determining the amount of time each molecule spends in each phase and the rate at which they travel through the system. At the end of the process, automated fraction collectors retain all selected fractions according to the program settings.

If you would like to read the ‘Journal of Chromatography A’ article, click this link which will take you to doi.org.

Previous article
Chromatography + Chirality = The Perfect Match: Unlocking Their Potential
Next article
Industrial-Scale API production with Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

Related News

Other posts that you should not miss.

Industrial-Scale API Production (Part 2)

June 25, 2023
-
Education, News
The production of small molecule Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) is a complex and intricate process that demands specialized facilities, regulatory expertise, chemistry know-how, and efficient supply chain management.…
Read More →
2 MIN READ
alternative solvent

An Alternative in Solvents: Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

June 10, 2023
-
News
Despite its widespread use in the chemical industry, traditional preparative-scale liquid chromatography faces sustainability challenges due to its high solvent consumption and the generation of solid waste from…
Read More →
3 MIN READ

Modes of Chromatography, Explained

August 30, 2023
-
Download, Education, News
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE WHITE PAPER Centrifugal Partition Chromatography Recap Centrifugal Partition Chromatography (CPC) is a game-changer in the realm of chromatographic techniques, redefining the paradigm by discarding conventional…
Read More →
3 MIN READ

Latest News

Advancing Separation Science: CPC Device Installation and Its Impact

April 17, 2025 – News

RotaChrom at Flow Chemistry Europe 2025: Exploring Innovation Through CPC Technology

April 16, 2025 – Events, News

SZTE’s Award-Winning Innovation: A Natural Breakthrough in Obesity Prevention

February 4, 2025 – Education, News, Studies

Innovations in Chiral Purification: Exploring Techniques and Future Potential

January 31, 2025 – Download, Education, News

Webinars

Separation of Remdesivir Diastereomeres by Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

September 25, 2023

Green Features of Centrifugal Partition Chromatography

May 10, 2021

Contact Us

RotaChrom Technologies PLC (Headquarters)

Csillag street 2/A, Kecskemet, HU-6000

+36 70 885 6922

RotaChrom North America Inc.

300 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine, CA 92618

+1 (720) 220-5669

Cookie Policy  /  Data Protection Policy  /  RotaChrom® is a registered trademark of Rotachrom Technologies in the USA and EU. / © 2025 RotaChrom Technologies. All rights reserved.
Nonlinear Liquid Chromatography | RotaChrom Technologies