Reversed Phase Chromatography Principles and Methods Back to Collection Amersham 18-1134-16 Biosciences Edition AB
18-1134-16 Reversed Phase Chromatography Principles and Methods Edition AB
Reversed Phase Chromatography
Reversed Phase Chromatography
Contents 1.Introduction. 5 Theory of reversed phase chromatography .6 The matrix chromatography 1 1 Capacity factor 14 Efficiency 15 Selectivity. 17 Binding capacity Critical para rs in reversed phase chromatography. 10 erature 20 Mobile phase 20 Organic solvent Ion suppression 22 Mode of use Desalting 24 High resolution separations 25 Large scale preparative purification. 25 Stages in a purification scheme Captur 2.Product Guide SOURCETM RPC 30 Product description 30 μRPCC2/C18 Product description. 37 Chemical and physical stability 38 Flow/pressure characteristics. Sephasil Peptide 30 Product description. 39 Chemical and physical stability 40 Flow/pressure characteristics. Availability
Contents 1. Introduction .5 Theory of reversed phase chromatography .6 The matrix .9 The ligands . 11 Resolution in reversed phase chromatography . 13 Resolution . 13 Capacity factor . 14 Efficiency . 15 Selectivity. 17 Binding capacity . 18 Critical parameters in reversed phase chromatography. 19 Column length .19 Flow rate .19 Temperature. 20 Mobile phase . 20 Organic solvent. 20 Ion suppression . 21 Ion pairing agents . 22 Gradient elution . 23 Mode of use .24 Desalting .24 High resolution separations . 25 Large scale preparative purification . 25 Stages in a purification scheme . 26 Capture . 26 Intermediate stages .27 Polishing .27 2. Product Guide .29 SOURCE™ RPC . 30 Product description . 30 High chemical stability . 32 Excellent flow/pressure characteristics. 34 High capacity. 35 Availability . 36 µRPC C2/C18 .37 Product description . 37 Chemical and physical stability . 38 Flow/pressure characteristics .38 Capacity .38 Availability . 39 Sephasil™ Protein/Sephasil Peptide . 39 Product description . 39 Chemical and physical stability . 40 Flow/pressure characteristics .40 Availability . 40
3.Methods Ch Scale of the purification Mobile phase conditions Throughput and scaleability Molecu lar weight of the sample components. ydrophobic ity of the sample components Ch. components The organic solvent. DH 46 lon pairing agents .47 ile phase prepara 445050 Detection 51 Ghosting. 51 Mobile phase balancing. mn re ration Column storage 4.Applications .57 Designing a biochemical purification. .5 stokinin-58(CCK-8)from pig intestine ptides and proteins 6 Process purification of inclusion bodies. 63 Purification of recombinant human epidermal growth factor. .63 Chemically synthesised peptides a-rec Protein fragn ts fron Protein characterisation at the micro-scale 66 Protein identification by LC-MS. 69 Chemically synthesised oligonucleotides. 56. Fault finding chart
3. Methods . 41 Choice of separation medium .41 Unique requirements of the application . 41 Resolution. 41 Scale of the purification . 42 Mobile phase conditions .42 Throughput and scaleability .42 Molecular weight of the sample components.42 Hydrophobicity of the sample components . 43 Class of sample components .43 Choice of mobile phase . 44 The organic solvent. 44 pH .46 Ion pairing agents . 47 Sample preparation. 49 Mobile phase preparation .50 Storage of mobile phase . 50 Solvent disposal . 50 Detection . 51 Ghosting .51 Mobile phase balancing . 51 Column conditioning . 52 Elution conditions .53 Column re-equilibration . 55 Column cleaning . 55 Column storage .56 4. Applications.57 Designing a biochemical purification . 57 Naturally occurring peptides and proteins . 58 Purification of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) . 59 Trace enrichment . 59 Purification of cholecystokinin-58 (CCK-58) from pig intestine . 60 Recombinant peptides and proteins .62 Process purification of inclusion bodies. 63 Purification of recombinant human epidermal growth factor . 63 Chemically synthesised peptides.65 Purification of a phosphorylated PDGF α-receptor derived peptide. 65 Structural characterisation of a 165 kDa protein . 66 Protein fragments from enzyme digests . 66 Protein characterisation at the micro-scale .66 Protein identification by LC-MS. 69 Chemically synthesised oligonucleotides . 70 5. Fault finding chart . 72 6. References .81 7. Ordering information .84
Chapter 1 Introduction tography depedon the chemical interactions between solte ned ligands che nically grafted t rent types of ligands have been immobilised to chromatography supports for biomolecule purification, exploiting a variety of biochemical properties ranging from electronic charge to biological affinity.An important addition to the range of adsorption techniques for preparative chromatography of biomolecules has been reversed phase chromatography in which the binding of mobile phase solute to an immobilised n-alkyl hydrocarbon or aromatic ligand occurs via hydrophobic interaction. Reversed phase chromatography has found both analytical and preparative applications in the area of biochemical separation and purification.Molecules that possess so nucleic acids e of hdrophobterproidd can be sep ate ersed ph e use of io atograp llent n pa ng mo pha ged sol ithe tes such as reverse phase chromatography has found applications ranging from micropurification of protein fragments for sequencing(1)to process scale purification of recombinant protein products(2). This handbook is intended to serve as an introduction to the principles and applications of reversed phase chromatography of biomolecules and as a practical guide to the reversed phase chromatographic media available from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech.Amc ng the topics included are an introductory chapter on the mechanism of reversed phase chron IS. applicat s,media h dli techniques and orderin nation.The co f the info rma ed in is handbook will be imited prepara ve reversed pha se ch oma graph dealing specifically with the of proteins.peptidesand 5
5 Chapter 1 Introduction Adsorption chromatography depends on the chemical interactions between solute molecules and specifically designed ligands chemically grafted to a chromatography matrix. Over the years, many different types of ligands have been immobilised to chromatography supports for biomolecule purification, exploiting a variety of biochemical properties ranging from electronic charge to biological affinity. An important addition to the range of adsorption techniques for preparative chromatography of biomolecules has been reversed phase chromatography in which the binding of mobile phase solute to an immobilised n-alkyl hydrocarbon or aromatic ligand occurs via hydrophobic interaction. Reversed phase chromatography has found both analytical and preparative applications in the area of biochemical separation and purification. Molecules that possess some degree of hydrophobic character, such as proteins, peptides and nucleic acids, can be separated by reversed phase chromatography with excellent recovery and resolution. In addition, the use of ion pairing modifiers in the mobile phase allows reversed phase chromatography of charged solutes such as fully deprotected oligonucleotides and hydrophilic peptides. Preparative reversed phase chromatography has found applications ranging from micropurification of protein fragments for sequencing (1) to process scale purification of recombinant protein products (2). This handbook is intended to serve as an introduction to the principles and applications of reversed phase chromatography of biomolecules and as a practical guide to the reversed phase chromatographic media available from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech. Among the topics included are an introductory chapter on the mechanism of reversed phase chromatography followed by chapters on product descriptions, applications, media handling techniques and ordering information. The scope of the information contained in this handbook will be limited to preparative reversed phase chromatography dealing specifically with the purification of proteins, peptides and nucleic acids
Theory of reversed phase chromatography The separation mechanism in reversed phase chromatography depends on the hydrophobic binding interaction between the solute molecule in the mobile phase and the immobilised hydrophobic ligand,i.e.the stationary phase.The actual nature of the hydrophobic binding interaction itself is a matter of heated debate(3) but the conventional wisdom assumes the binding interaction to be the result of a vourab effect.The initil mobile phase binding condtions used is which indicates a high aq oth the d the igand.As solute binds to solute mole Lic li hydrophobic area exposed to gand.the organised water structure isdminshed with a corresponding favourable gree of in system entropy.In this way,it is advantageous from an energy point of view for the hydrophobic moieties.i.e.solute and ligand.to associate (4). 6 rotein Structured wate the hydrophobic the Reversed phase chromatography is an adsorptive process by experimental design which relies on a partitioning mechanism to effect separation.The solute molecules partition (i.e.an equilibrium is established)between the mobile phase and the stationar nds on the phase.The distribution of the solute between the two of the ediu the hydrophobicit f the lute d th ompositi e m hile ph. 】 ditions 1td of th e from the n stationary phase. Subs r adsorptio as equently.the m ion is mo led to favour desorption of the solute from the stationary phase back into the mobile phase.In this case,adsorption is considered the extreme equilibrium state where the distribution of solute molecules is essentially 100%in the stationary phase. Conversely.desorption is an extreme equilibrium state where the solute is essentially 100%distributed in the mobile phase. 6
6 Theory of reversed phase chromatography The separation mechanism in reversed phase chromatography depends on the hydrophobic binding interaction between the solute molecule in the mobile phase and the immobilised hydrophobic ligand, i.e. the stationary phase. The actual nature of the hydrophobic binding interaction itself is a matter of heated debate (3) but the conventional wisdom assumes the binding interaction to be the result of a favourable entropy effect. The initial mobile phase binding conditions used in reversed phase chromatography are primarily aqueous which indicates a high degree of organised water structure surrounding both the solute molecule and the immobilised ligand. As solute binds to the immobilised hydrophobic ligand, the hydrophobic area exposed to the solvent is minimised. Therefore, the degree of organised water structure is diminished with a corresponding favourable increase in system entropy. In this way, it is advantageous from an energy point of view for the hydrophobic moieties, i.e. solute and ligand, to associate (4). Fig. 1. Interaction of a solute with a typical reversed phase medium. Water adjacent to hydrophobic regions is postulated to be more highly ordered than the bulk water. Part of this ‘structured’ water is displaced when the hydrophobic regions interact leading to an increase in the overall entropy of the system. Reversed phase chromatography is an adsorptive process by experimental design, which relies on a partitioning mechanism to effect separation. The solute molecules partition (i.e. an equilibrium is established) between the mobile phase and the stationary phase. The distribution of the solute between the two phases depends on the binding properties of the medium, the hydrophobicity of the solute and the composition of the mobile phase. Initially, experimental conditions are designed to favour adsorption of the solute from the mobile phase to the stationary phase. Subsequently, the mobile phase composition is modified to favour desorption of the solute from the stationary phase back into the mobile phase. In this case, adsorption is considered the extreme equilibrium state where the distribution of solute molecules is essentially 100% in the stationary phase. Conversely, desorption is an extreme equilibrium state where the solute is essentially 100% distributed in the mobile phase. Protein Protein + Protein a b c Matrix Structured water
8合8 △△△ 888 Fig 2.Principle of reversed phase chromatography with gradient elution. nste ocratic 30 ngly ads surface o a reversed phase matrix under aqueous conditions,they desorb from the matrix within a very narrow window of organic modifier concentration.Along with these high molecular weight biomolecules with their unique adsorption properties,the typical biological sample usually contains a broad mixture of biomolecules with a correspondingly diverse range of adsorption affinities.The only practical method for reversed phase separation of complex biological samples,therefore,is gradient elution(5). In sum separations in reversed phase chromatography depend on the ersible adsor otion/desorption of solute molecules with varying degrees of hydrophobic toa hydrophobic stationary phase. eriments are perform The majorit In sever tal steps as The first step in the chromatographic proc s is to e quilib ate the colum nn packed with the reversed phase medium under suitable initial mobile phase conditions of pH,ionic strength and polarity(mobile phase hydrophobicity).The polarity of the mobile phase is controlled by adding organic modifiers such as acetonitrile. Ion-pairing agents,such as trifluoroacetic acid,may also be appropriate.The polarity of the initial mobile phase(usually referred to as mobile phase A)must be low enough to dissolve the partially hydrophobic solute yet high enough to ensure binding of the solute to the reversed phase chromatographic matrix. Ideally.the sample is dissolved in the same mobile phase nic bed.The sa tothe w rate whe ng will occ e the sample is applied r with mobile phase Ain ord graphic d furt r to remove any unbound and unwanted solute molecules
7 Fig. 2. Principle of reversed phase chromatography with gradient elution. Reversed phase chromatography of biomolecules generally uses gradient elution instead of isocratic elution. While biomolecules strongly adsorb to the surface of a reversed phase matrix under aqueous conditions, they desorb from the matrix within a very narrow window of organic modifier concentration. Along with these high molecular weight biomolecules with their unique adsorption properties, the typical biological sample usually contains a broad mixture of biomolecules with a correspondingly diverse range of adsorption affinities. The only practical method for reversed phase separation of complex biological samples, therefore, is gradient elution (5). In summary, separations in reversed phase chromatography depend on the reversible adsorption/desorption of solute molecules with varying degrees of hydrophobicity to a hydrophobic stationary phase. The majority of reversed phase separation experiments are performed in several fundamental steps as illustrated in Figure 2. The first step in the chromatographic process is to equilibrate the column packed with the reversed phase medium under suitable initial mobile phase conditions of pH, ionic strength and polarity (mobile phase hydrophobicity). The polarity of the mobile phase is controlled by adding organic modifiers such as acetonitrile. Ion-pairing agents, such as trifluoroacetic acid, may also be appropriate. The polarity of the initial mobile phase (usually referred to as mobile phase A) must be low enough to dissolve the partially hydrophobic solute yet high enough to ensure binding of the solute to the reversed phase chromatographic matrix. In the second step, the sample containing the solutes to be separated is applied. Ideally, the sample is dissolved in the same mobile phase used to equilibrate the chromatographic bed. The sample is applied to the column at a flow rate where optimum binding will occur. Once the sample is applied, the chromatographic bed is washed further with mobile phase A in order to remove any unbound and unwanted solute molecules. 1 Starting conditions 2 Adsorption of sample substances 3 Start of desorption 4 End of desorption 5 Regeneration
Bound solutes are next desorbed from the reversed phase medium by adjusting the polarity of the mobile phase so that the bound solute molecules will sequentially desorb and elute from the column.In reversed phase chromatography this usually involves decreasing the polarity of the mobile d hase by increasing the percentage organic modifier in the mobile phase.This is acc omplished by maintaining a ation of nodifier in the final mobile phase (mobile ph B) nerally. the pHoft itial and final r obile e nb olut nains the same The gra n m obile phase polarity(increas sing mobile hydrophobicity)is achieved by an increasing om100 mobile phase ing little or no organic modifier to 100% (or less)mobile phase containing a higher concentration of organic modifier.The bound solutes desorb from the reversed phase medium according to their individual hydrophobicities. The fourth step in the process involves removing substances not previously desorbed.This is generally accomplished by changing mobile phase B to near 100%organic modifier in order to ensure complete removal of all bound substances prior to re-using the column. The step is ation of the chromatogra phic medium from 100% mobile phase back to the initial mo bile phase com itions Separation in reversed phase chroma atography is due to the different binding properties of the solutes present in the sample as a result of the differences in their hydrophobic properties.The degree of solute molecule binding to the reversed phase medium can be controlled by manipulating the hydrophobic properties of the initial mobile phase.Although the hydrophobicity of a solute molecule is difficult to quantitate.the separation of solutes that vary only slightly in their hydrophobic properties is readily achieved.Because of its excellent resolving power,reversed phase chromatography is an indispensable technique for the high performance separation of complex biomolecules. Typically.a rev ersed phase gradient ration is initially achieved using a broad rang 100% h A to 100% ile se B.Th r in h the n bile ph can als e amo routine percent o vary grea or more in mbile phae r are 5 le phas A and 959 The technique of reversed phase chromatography allows great flexibility in separation conditions so that the researcher can choose to bind the solute of interest,allowing the contaminants to pass unretarded through the column,or to bind the contaminants,allowing the desired solute to pass freely.Generally,it is more appropriate to bind the solute of interest because the desorbed solute elutes from the chr omatographic medium in a concentrated state.additionally.since binding under the initial mobile phase conditions is complete,the starting concentration of desired solute in the sample solution is not critical allov ng dilute samples to be applied to the column 8
8 Bound solutes are next desorbed from the reversed phase medium by adjusting the polarity of the mobile phase so that the bound solute molecules will sequentially desorb and elute from the column. In reversed phase chromatography this usually involves decreasing the polarity of the mobile phase by increasing the percentage of organic modifier in the mobile phase. This is accomplished by maintaining a high concentration of organic modifier in the final mobile phase (mobile phase B). Generally, the pH of the initial and final mobile phase solutions remains the same. The gradual decrease in mobile phase polarity (increasing mobile phase hydrophobicity) is achieved by an increasing linear gradient from 100% initial mobile phase A containing little or no organic modifier to 100% (or less) mobile phase B containing a higher concentration of organic modifier. The bound solutes desorb from the reversed phase medium according to their individual hydrophobicities. The fourth step in the process involves removing substances not previously desorbed. This is generally accomplished by changing mobile phase B to near 100% organic modifier in order to ensure complete removal of all bound substances prior to re-using the column. The fifth step is re-equilibration of the chromatographic medium from 100% mobile phase B back to the initial mobile phase conditions. Separation in reversed phase chromatography is due to the different binding properties of the solutes present in the sample as a result of the differences in their hydrophobic properties. The degree of solute molecule binding to the reversed phase medium can be controlled by manipulating the hydrophobic properties of the initial mobile phase. Although the hydrophobicity of a solute molecule is difficult to quantitate, the separation of solutes that vary only slightly in their hydrophobic properties is readily achieved. Because of its excellent resolving power, reversed phase chromatography is an indispensable technique for the high performance separation of complex biomolecules. Typically, a reversed phase separation is initially achieved using a broad range gradient from 100% mobile phase A to 100% mobile phase B. The amount of organic modifier in both the initial and final mobile phases can also vary greatly. However, routine percentages of organic modifier are 5% or less in mobile phase A and 95% or more in mobile phase B. The technique of reversed phase chromatography allows great flexibility in separation conditions so that the researcher can choose to bind the solute of interest, allowing the contaminants to pass unretarded through the column, or to bind the contaminants, allowing the desired solute to pass freely. Generally, it is more appropriate to bind the solute of interest because the desorbed solute elutes from the chromatographic medium in a concentrated state. Additionally, since binding under the initial mobile phase conditions is complete, the starting concentration of desired solute in the sample solution is not critical allowing dilute samples to be applied to the column
The specfic conditions under which solutes bind to the revesed phase medium dis ed in the appropriate sections in greater detail Ionic binding may sometimes occur due to ionically charged impurities immobilised on the reversed phase chromatographic medium.The combination of hydrophobic and ionic binding effects is referred to as mixed-mode retention behaviour.Ionic interactions can be minimised by judiciously selecting mobile phase conditions and by choosing reversed phase media which are commercially produced with high batch-to-batch reproducibility and stringent quality control methods. The matrix Critical parameters that describe reversed phase media are the chemical composition of the base matrix.particle size of the bead,the type of immobilised ligand.the ligand density on the surface of the bead,the capping chemistry used (if any)and the pore size of the bead. A reversed phase chromatography medium consists of hydrophobic ligands chemically grafted to a p ous.insoluble beaded matrix.The matrix must be both chemically and mechanically stable.The base matrix for the commercially available eversed pha organi ner su ows as silica surface with hydrophobic lands -Si-OH Residual silanol group Ether;source of silanols CH3 -(CH2)17-CH3 Octadecyl group CH3 CH3 -Si-CH2-CH3 C2 capping group CH3
9 The specific conditions under which solutes bind to the reversed phase medium will be discussed in the appropriate sections in greater detail. Ionic binding may sometimes occur due to ionically charged impurities immobilised on the reversed phase chromatographic medium. The combination of hydrophobic and ionic binding effects is referred to as mixed-mode retention behaviour. Ionic interactions can be minimised by judiciously selecting mobile phase conditions and by choosing reversed phase media which are commercially produced with high batch-to-batch reproducibility and stringent quality control methods. The matrix Critical parameters that describe reversed phase media are the chemical composition of the base matrix, particle size of the bead, the type of immobilised ligand, the ligand density on the surface of the bead, the capping chemistry used (if any) and the pore size of the bead. A reversed phase chromatography medium consists of hydrophobic ligands chemically grafted to a porous, insoluble beaded matrix. The matrix must be both chemically and mechanically stable. The base matrix for the commercially available reversed phase media is generally composed of silica or a synthetic organic polymer such as polystyrene. Figure 3 shows a silica surface with hydrophobic ligands. Fig. 3. Some typical structures on the surface of a silica-based reversed phase medium. The hydrophobic octadecyl group is one of the most common ligands. —Si—OH —Si —Si — —O —Si—O—Si—(CH2)17—CH3 CH3 CH3 — — CH3 —Si—O—Si—CH2—CH3 CH3 — — Residual silanol group Ether; source of silanols Octadecyl group C2 capping group
chr evers and then late y de eloped for the purification of all organic mole cules a for the purification of low molecul ar weight,chemically synthesised peptides.Silica is produced as porous beads which are chemically stable at low pH and in the organic solvents typically used for reversed phase chromatography.The combination of porosity and physical stability is important since it allows media to be prepared which have useful loading capacities and high efficiencies.It is worth noting that,although the selectivity of silica-based media is largely controlled by the properties of the ligand and the mobile phase composition,different processes for producing silica-based matrices will also give media with different patterns of separation. The chemistry of the silica gel allows simple derivatisation with ligands of various chain ler arbon conte t,and the su rface density and obilised ligan e synthesis disadvantage of silica as a base matrix for rev sed phase media is its ility in aque outions at high pH.The silica gel matrix can actually dissolve at high pH. and d most silica gels are not recommended for prolonged exposure above pH 7.5. Synthetic organic polymers.e.g.beaded polystyrene,are also available as reversed phase media.Polystyrene has traditionally found uses as a solid support in peptide synthesis and as a base matrix for cation exchange media used for separation of amino acids in automated analysers.The greatest advantage of polystyrene media is their excellent chemical stability.particularly under strongly basic Unike silica gels polystyrene is stable at all pH values in the range of 1 to 12.Reversed phase eparations using polystyrene-based edia e th n selectivity can be achie re.gre s more control over t ionisation -CH2- -CH2-CH-CH2CH-CH2-CHCH2-CH -CH2-C H-CHz-CH-CHz-CH-CH2-CH-CHz-CH 何 O -CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH O o O -CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH O -CHz-CH-CHz-CH-CHz-CH-CH2-CH-CH2-CH o O Fig.4.Partial structure of a polystyrene-based reversed phase medium. 10
10 Silica was the first polymer used as the base matrix for reversed phase chromatography media. Reversed phase media were originally developed for the purification of small organic molecules and then later for the purification of low molecular weight, chemically synthesised peptides. Silica is produced as porous beads which are chemically stable at low pH and in the organic solvents typically used for reversed phase chromatography. The combination of porosity and physical stability is important since it allows media to be prepared which have useful loading capacities and high efficiencies. It is worth noting that, although the selectivity of silica-based media is largely controlled by the properties of the ligand and the mobile phase composition, different processes for producing silica-based matrices will also give media with different patterns of separation. The chemistry of the silica gel allows simple derivatisation with ligands of various carbon chain lengths. The carbon content, and the surface density and distribution of the immobilised ligands can be controlled during the synthesis. The primary disadvantage of silica as a base matrix for reversed phase media is its chemical instability in aqueous solutions at high pH. The silica gel matrix can actually dissolve at high pH, and most silica gels are not recommended for prolonged exposure above pH 7.5. Synthetic organic polymers, e.g. beaded polystyrene, are also available as reversed phase media. Polystyrene has traditionally found uses as a solid support in peptide synthesis and as a base matrix for cation exchange media used for separation of amino acids in automated analysers. The greatest advantage of polystyrene media is their excellent chemical stability, particularly under strongly acidic or basic conditions. Unlike silica gels, polystyrene is stable at all pH values in the range of 1 to 12. Reversed phase separations using polystyrene-based media can be performed above pH 7.5 and, therefore, greater retention selectivity can be achieved as there is more control over the degree of solute ionisation. —CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH —CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH —CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH —CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH —CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH—CH2—CH Fig. 4. Partial structure of a polystyrene-based reversed phase medium