Method Transfer between Poroshell and Zorbax HPLC Columns

One of the main advantages of using superficially porous particle (SPP) HPLC columns, compared to fully porous particles, is that they provide the efficiency of sub-2-µm fully porous columns without causing a significant increase in backpressure on the system.

Poroshell Vs. ZORBAX Columns

ZORBAX columns are a well-established brand of HPLC columns in the industry. Agilent has developed a similar line of superficially porous particle (SPP) columns called Poroshell, which features comparable column chemistry. When comparing the chemistries of both lines, you'll find that the results are strikingly similar.

In figure 1 below, you’ll see that you can achieve very similar chromatography with significantly lower pressure when using the Agilent Poroshell 120 EC-C18 in comparison to the Agilent ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 RRHT.

Because of the similarity in chromatography and the benefits of the superficially porous particles, many prefer to transfer their methods from sub-2-µm totally porous particles to the SPP version. Luckily, transferring methods from totally porous sub-2-µm to a SPP column for lower operating pressure is usually done without adjustment, especially when the columns are manufactured to have similar bonding chemistries (as is the case in the example above with Poroshell and ZORBAX HPLC columns).

Why Switch Columns If The Chemistry is So Similar?

When a method is transferred to a superficially porous particle column, the analysts can increase flow rates for higher throughput, or increase column length for enhanced resolution without exceeding the pressure limits. This is advantageous for any lab wishing to increase their throughput or efficiency without totally reinventing a new method for their analysis.

Let’s Take a Look at the Inlet Frit

Another added benefit of Agilent’s Poroshell (SPP) columns is the inlet frit size. Many columns with sub-2-µm particles have very small pore inlet frits, about 0.2-0.5 µm. Unfortunately these small frits lead to plugged columns, which increases pressure easily. However, Agilent’s Poroshell columns come with a 2 µm frit, so the column doesn’t plug as easily, which results in a longer lasting column.

Conclusion

As the chromatography industry trends toward smaller particle size to enhance resolution, Agilent has improved their column technology to achieve the best results possible without the need for ultra-high pressure instrumentation. Transferring your methods to a superficially porous particle HPLC column is usually very easy and does not require much (or any) alteration to the method. For more information on Agilent columns or any other HPLC columns, check out our website or reach out to our team of chromatographers.

Source: Agilent White Paper: Transfer of Methods between Poroshell 120 EC-C18 and ZORBAX Eclipse Plus C18 Columns 5990-6588EN