Separation of epigallocatechin gallate and gallocatechin gallate using multiple instruments connected in series

A synthetic mixture of epigallocatechin gallate and gallocatechin gallate was separated using multiple countercurrent chromatographic instruments by connecting the separation columns in series. Peak resolution increased according to the formula Rs-n = n(1/2)R(s-1), where n is the number of columns connected; Rs-n and Rs-1, the peak resolution obtained from n columns and a single column, respectively. Various sample sizes and concentrations were applied to four columns connected in series. The results indicated that the sample loading capacity is increased 11 times that of the single instrument for the same peak resolution.