Ionizable Modifier Chromatographic Materials for pH Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current chromatographic materials, such as silica and hybrid materials, face issues with poor peak shape for bases at low pH and low ionic strength, and changes in analyte retention times when exposed to repeated pH changes, affecting loadability and peak capacity.

Innovation Solution

Development of high purity chromatographic materials with a hydrophobic surface group and ionizable modifiers, specifically designed to include carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, or boronic acid groups, and dual charge ionizable modifiers, which are integrated into the chromatographic surface to enhance stability and selectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If silica or hybrid materials are used as chromatographic packing materials, then high efficiency and mechanical stability are achieved, but poor peak shape for bases occurs at low pH and low ionic strength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepeak shapeVSAvoidchromatographic performance at low pH
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the surface chemistry parameters of the chromatographic material by introducing ionizable modifier groups (carboxylic acid, sulfonic acid, boronic acid) that can change their charge state based on pH conditions. This allows the material to adapt its surface properties dynamically, improving peak shape for bases at low pH while maintaining high efficiency and mechanical stability of the silica core.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite chromatographic material combining silica base material with organic ionizable modifier groups. This composite structure integrates the mechanical strength and efficiency of silica with the pH-adaptive surface chemistry of organic modifiers, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and chromatographic performance at varying pH levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If silica or hybrid materials are used as chromatographic packing materials, then high efficiency is achieved, but retention time drift occurs after repeated pH changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretention time stabilityVSAvoidchromatographic performance stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The ionizable modifier groups on the chromatographic surface change their ionization state in response to pH changes, creating a buffering effect that stabilizes the overall surface charge and interaction characteristics. This dynamic parameter adjustment prevents retention time drift even after repeated pH cycling, while maintaining the high efficiency of the silica-based structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If organic chromatographic materials are used, then chemical stability against strongly alkaline and acidic mobile phases is achieved, but low efficiency and mechanical weakness occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidchromatographic efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a composite material where silica provides the mechanical strength and chromatographic efficiency, while organic ionizable modifiers provide chemical stability against extreme pH conditions. This composite structure combines the advantages of both material types, achieving high efficiency like silica with enhanced chemical stability similar to organic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The new materials provide improved peak shape and reduced retention time drift, leading to enhanced chromatographic performance and stability across varying pH conditions.

Implementation Method 1

the chromatographic surface comprises a hydrophobic surface group and one or more ionizable modifiers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon exchange: Ion Exchange

Implementation Method 2

the chromatographic surface comprises a hydrophobic surface group

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophobic effect: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentUS10974167B2High purity chromatographic materials comprising an ionizable modifier
Publication Date: 2021.04.13 WATERS TECHNOLOGY CORP
  • US10974167B2 patent drawing
  • US10974167B2 patent drawing
  • US10974167B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides novel chromatographic materials, e.g., for chromatographic separations, processes for its preparation and separations devices containing the chromatographic material; separations devices, chromatographic columns and kits comprising the same; and methods for the preparation thereof. The chromatographic materials of the invention are high purity chromatographic materials comprising a chromatographic surface wherein the chromatographic surface comprises a hydrophobic surface group and one or more ionizable modifier.