Comparative study on the separation behavior of monolithic columns prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization and via electron beam irradiation triggered free radical polymerization for proteins.

Monolithic columns have been prepared via ring-opening metathesis polymerization using different monomers and crosslinkers, i.e. norborn-2-ene, 1,4,4a,5,8,8a-hexahydro-1,4,5,8-exo,endo-dimethanonaphthalene, cyclooctene and tris(cyclooct-4-en-1-yloxy)methylsilane. 2-Propanol and toluene were used as macro- and microporogens. Alternatively, monolithic supports were realized via electron beam triggered free radical polymerization using trimethylolpropane triacrylate and ethylmethacrylate. Here, 2-propanol, 1-dodecanol and toluene were used as porogens. The three monolithic supports were structurally characterized by inverse size exclusion chromatography and investigated for their separation capabilities for a series of proteins. Separation efficiencies are discussed within the context of the different structural features of the monolithic supports and are compared to the separation data obtained on a commercial silica-based Chromolith RP-18e column.