Applications of monolithic materials for sample preparation

Tarang Nema1, Eric C Y Chan, Paul C Ho

  • 1Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, 18 Science Drive 4, Singapore 117543, Singapore; Waters Pacific Pte. Ltd., 1 Science Park Road, Singapore Science Park II, Singapore 117528, Singapore.

Summary

Monolithic columns offer advantages over traditional packed columns in chromatography and capillary electrochromatography (CEC). This review highlights their latest developments, especially for analytical sample preparation.

Related Concept Videos

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques01:08

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Advanced Techniques

Accurate analysis of complex samples often requires advanced preparation techniques to achieve reliable and reproducible results. Samples containing inorganic or organic materials can be challenging to dissolve or decompose effectively. Standard sample preparation methods include acid digestion, fusion, dry ashing, and wet digestion.
Acid digestion with strong acids is commonly used to dissolve inorganic materials that are insoluble (do not dissolve) in water. This method can be useful for...
Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview01:21

Sample Preparation for Analysis: Overview

Sample preparation is an essential step in the analytical process. It involves preparing a sample so that it can be analyzed accurately. The goal is to extract the analyte, the substance you want to measure, from the sample while removing any components that may interfere with the analysis. Sample preparation techniques vary depending on the physical state of the sample.
Bulk or large solid samples are typically reduced in size using grinding, crushing, or milling techniques to increase the...
Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...
Tissue Homogenization and Cell Lysis01:32

Tissue Homogenization and Cell Lysis

Tissue homogenization involves disintegrating tissue architecture and lysing cells, and is an early step in isolating and analyzing cellular components. The method used for homogenization depends on the sample type, the amount of sample available, the analyte to be obtained, and the sensitivity of the method. These methods are broadly classified as mechanical and non-mechanical methods.
Mechanical methods of tissue homogenization
These methods rely on applying external physical force to disrupt...
Fixation and Sectioning01:03

Fixation and Sectioning

Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...