Chromatography is a method of separating mixtures of substances into their individual components. It is used in a wide range of applications, such as analyzing the components of a drug or to separate and identify different proteins in a sample. Chromatography works by passing a mixture of components through a stationary phase, such as a column of adsorbent material, which interacts differently with each component. As the components move through the stationary phase, they separate and can be collected individually. The components can then be identified by their relative order of elution, their retention time, and the amount of each component present in the sample.
Chromatography is a widely used technique in laboratories for separating, identifying and quantifying components of a sample. It is used in a variety of applications, such as:
- Pharmaceutical Analysis: Chromatography is used to identify and quantify active ingredients in pharmaceuticals and to ensure that they meet quality control standards.
- Environmental Analysis: Chromatography is used to analyze the presence of pollutants in the environment, such as industrial chemicals, pesticides, herbicides and heavy metals.
- Forensic Analysis: Chromatography can be used to analyze evidence in criminal investigations, such as blood, urine and other bodily fluids.
- Food Analysis: Chromatography is used to analyze food samples for pollutants, preservatives, additives, and toxins.