Prepacked chromatography columns offer a simple and convenient solution for chromatographic separations. They contain a chromatographic medium that is ready to use, eliminating the need for packing the column ourselves. This article discusses the various types of prepacked columns available, their applications and advantages over manual column packing.

Types of Prepacked Columns
There are several different types of prepacked columns available depending on the chromatographic technique and medium being used. Some major types include:

Size Exclusion Chromatography Columns
Size exclusion Prepacked Chromatography Columns, also known as gel filtration columns, contain porous bead materials like agarose, dextran or polyacrylamide that separate molecules based on their size and shape. Common stationary phases include Superose, Sephacryl etc. prepacked in tubes or cartridges. These columns are suitable for separating proteins, polymers and other biomolecules.

Ion Exchange Chromatography Columns
Ion exchange chromatography (IEX) columns contain charged ligands coated on a support to separate molecules based on their surface charge. Cation exchange columns have negatively charged ligands while anion exchange columns have positively charged ligands. Popular IEX media include Sepharose, DEAE, Q Sepharose etc. prepacked in a variety of forms.

Affinity Chromatography Columns
Affinity chromatography relies on specific non-covalent interactions between a ligand and targeted molecule. These columns contain affinity ligands like dyes, proteins or antibodies covalently attached to an inert support to isolate a class of biomolecules. Examples are lectin affinity, protein A/G affinity etc. prepacked columns.

Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography Columns
Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) columns contain hydrophobic ligands on hydrophilic supports to separate molecules based on hydrophobicity differences. Prepackedphenyl, butyl or hexyl separation media are available in HIC columns.

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