Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Simple In-House Ultra-High Performance Capillary Column Manufacturing with the FlashPack Approach
Published on: December 4, 2021
Fast analysis in liquid chromatography using small particle size and high pressure
Dao T T Nguyen1, Davy Guillarme, Serge Rudaz
1Laboratory of Analytical Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, University of Lausanne, Bd d'Yvoy 20, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
High-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) using small particles (<2 micrometers) enhances separation efficiency and speed. Modern HPLC systems overcome previous limitations, offering reliable results for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Chromatography
Background:
- Liquid chromatography (LC) has evolved towards shorter columns with sub-2 micrometer particles for improved efficiency and speed.
- Fundamental chromatographic equations predicted this approach 30 years ago, but compatible systems were only available from 2004 onwards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the advantages of using small particles in high-pressure LC.
- To explore potential challenges like frictional heating and solvent compressibility at high pressures.
Main Methods:
- Review of fundamental chromatographic principles.
- Discussion of advancements in high-pressure LC systems and columns (operating >400 bar, up to 1000 bar).
Main Results:
- Small particles in high-pressure LC significantly improve sensitivity, efficiency, resolution, and reduce analysis time.
- Systems operating up to 1000 bar mitigate issues of frictional heating and solvent compressibility, ensuring reliable and reproducible results.
Conclusions:
- The integration of sub-2 micrometer particles with high-pressure systems represents a significant advancement in LC technology.
- This approach offers substantial benefits for various analytical applications, demonstrating its potential and interest.
Related Concept Videos
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Introduction
In HPLC, two phases play a critical role in the separation process:
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Instrumentation
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Elution Process
High-Performance Liquid Chromatography: Types of Detectors
Gas Chromatography: Types of Columns and Stationary Phases
For an analyte to remain on the column for a sufficient amount of time, it must exhibit some level of compatibility (or...
Supercritical Fluid Chromatography
SFC utilizes a supercritical fluid mobile phase,...
