ABSTRACT
Monolithic columns can be divided into two main groups: polymeric monoliths and silica-based sol-gel monoliths. In this chapter, we describe some applications of polymeric monolithic columns in proteomic research. Polymeric rigid monoliths molded in situ were introduced by Svec et al. in 1992.11 Polymeric monolithic columns are rigid organic polymer-based porous rods that can be prepared from polyacrylates,11 polymethacrylates,5,15 polyacrylamides,16 and polystyrenes.4,14,17 The porous structure is resulted from phase separation, which occurs during the free radical polymerization when appropriate amounts of inert porogenic solvents are present.4,18 Typically, the mold (tube, capillary, channel, etc.) is fi lled with a mixture of monomer(s), crosslinker, porogenic solvent(s), and free radical initiator. Then, the mold is sealed, and polymerization occurs at carefully controlled conditions.18,19 The seals then are replaced with fi ttings if necessary. The columns are fl ushed from remaining components of polymerization mixture with the stream of compressed gas and (or) suitable solvents and grafted with chemicals, altering chromatographic surface with specifi c functional groups if necessary. Then, the monoliths are ready to use.
