BIOshell^™ U/HPLC Columns

Section Overview

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Importance of correct Pore Size Selection
• BIOshell™ Column Range
• Application Areas of BIOshell™ Columns
• Related Products

Introduction

The BIOshell™ product line showcases advanced U/HPLC columns featuring Fused-Core^® technology, also known as superficially porous particles (SPP) or core shell, meticulously designed for the rapid and high-resolution separation of proteins, peptides, oligonucleotides, glycans, and other large molecules. As the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries evolve, the demand for effective separation techniques to resolve complex structural variants is increasingly critical. BIOshell™ columns are engineered to meet these challenges, providing reliable solutions that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of laboratory workflows.

Extended pH Stability Columns

BIOshell™ columns are designed to offer extended pH stability, making them suitable for a variety of challenging analytical conditions. For instance, all BIOshell™ ES-C18 and ES-CN (Cyano) columns can withstand low pH environments, remaining stable at pH 1. This feature is particularly advantageous for applications involving acidic mobile phases, where many conventional columns may degrade or lose performance over time. The robust construction and specialized bonding of BIOshell™ columns ensure that they maintain consistent retention times and peak shapes, even under harsh conditions. This stability is crucial for reliable results in biopharmaceutical analysis, where maintaining the integrity of the stationary phase is essential for reproducible separations.

BIOshell™ columns with Positively Charged Surface (PCS) Endcapping

The BIOshell™ columns featuring a positively charged surface (PCS mentioned in phase description), are specifically designed to enhance the separation of negatively charged biomolecule or other basic compounds, such as proteins and nucleic acids. The unique PCS technology provides a strong electrostatic interaction between the column surface and the analytes, leading to improved retention and resolution. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for applications involving complex biological samples, where traditional columns may struggle to achieve optimal separation. The positively charged surface ensures consistent performance across a range of pH conditions, making these columns ideal for various analytical methods in biopharmaceutical research and development. By utilizing PCS columns, researchers can achieve more reliable and reproducible results in their analytical workflows.

Key Features

• Superior Performance: Utilizing superficially porous particle (SPP) technology, BIOshell™ columns deliver faster separations with exceptional efficiency and resolution. This attribute is particularly beneficial for large biomolecule analysis, which requires precise and efficient methods.
• Versatile Applications: BIOshell™ columns are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:
  - Top-down analysis of intact proteins, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), and antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs).
  - Bottom-up peptide mapping for primary structure confirmation.
  - High-resolution separation of released N- and O-linked glycans.
• Temperature Stability: Columns are temperature stable up to 90 °C, making them compatible with various UHPLC, HPLC, and mass spectrometry (MS) applications.
• Reduced Backpressure: The particle design of BIOshell™ columns results in lower backpressure compared to fully porous particles (FPP), enabling seamless integration into existing workflows.

Importance of Correct Pore Size Selection

Selecting the appropriate pore size for chromatography columns is crucial for achieving optimal separation and resolution for a given sample. A general rule of thumb is that the pore size should be at least ten times larger than the Stokes radius of the molecule being analyzed. This attribute ensures that the molecules can freely diffuse into the pores, allowing for effective interaction with the stationary phase, optimal retention, and improved separation.

For example, larger biomolecules of interest, such as antibodies or protein complexes, require columns with larger pore sizes (e.g., 1000 Å) in order to avoid restricted diffusion to facilitate their entry into the pores and separation. Conversely, smaller peptides may be more effectively separated using columns with smaller pore sizes (e.g., 160 Å) and, by that, typically higher surface area. This careful consideration of pore size relative to the molecular size is essential for maximizing resolution and minimizing peak broadening, ultimately leading to more accurate analytical results.

BIOshell™ Column Range

BIOshell™ IgG 1000 Å U/HPLC Columns

BIOshell™ A400 Protein U/HPLC Columns