Porous monolithic materials for chromatographic separations and sample preparation

Abstract

A monolithic stationary phase is a porous and continuous separation medium, highly permeable, which enables rapid analyzes under high flow velocities and low back pressure without loss of chromatographic efficiency. Several research groups around the world are working on the preparation of these columns, with the most varied types of affinity and conformation, but in Brazil this kind of research is not yet well consolidated. The project presented here aims at preparing polymer monoliths with modulated affinity exploring the reactivity of the epoxy group of glycidyl methacrylate monomer (GMA). A generic monolith will be synthesized by in-situ co-polymerization of GMA and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) in the presence of cyclohexanol, 1-dodecanol, and azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN). A third monomer of specific chemical functionality can be added to the mixture to be copolymerized with GMA and EDMA, modulating the chemical nature of the surface of the monolith and its chromatographic mode of operation. The modulation can also be done in a second step, from the pre-formed generic monolith, exploring different types of chemical reactions, such as those based on the high affinity between gold nanoparticles (GNP) and thiols. The monolithic materials can be prepared in different shapes and dimensions. Additionally to chromatographic separation, monolithic materials have also been used for sample preparation and immobilization of reagents. Thus, we intend to develop a research line aimed at the synthesis of monolithic materials for use in chromatographic columns, pre-concentration and solid phase extraction cartridges, as well as for the construction of enzymatic reactors. (AU)