Polymer-based monolithic columns in capillary format tailored by using controlled in situ polymerization

This review introduces to the readers our new perspectives of polymer-based monolithic column with a high performance for small solutes such as drug candidates, illustrating the fabrication of LC columns in capillary. First, we briefly reviewed the status quo of polymer-based monolithic columns, comparing with silica monoliths. The miniaturization of LC system with higher throughput (shorter analytical time) was stressed conceptually, along with a fine permeable bicontinuous monolithic structure with submicron domain size (skeletal thickness + pore size) for higher performance. Second, from these perspectives, our column preparation was described, while our specially designed porogenic solvents were introduced as a controller of the monolithic morphology via reaction-induced phase separation. Specifically, monolithic columns were exemplified in two polymer formats, that is, one monolith prepared by free radical polymerization of glycerin 1,3-dimethacrylate, GDMA, and the other prepared by stepwise polymerization of newly introduced multifunctional epoxy and diamino monomers. Both monolithic columns in capillary format demonstrated a fine bicontinuous structure, affording a good compatibility of the efficiency (H) and permeability (D). Especially, the epoxy-based column showed an excellent separation impedance, E(=H-2/D). Our micro-HPLC data were discussed along with a prototyped wired chip device.