Macromolecules are found everywhere in our daily lives. They are produced from monomer units, small building blocks that can be polymerized to large molecules with different lengths (and, therefore, molar masses), structures, compositions, and end groups. If a macromolecule is synthesized using only one type of monomer with the same chemical structure, it is considered a homopolymer. If it comprises two different types of monomers, it is called a copolymer. In addition, terpolymers are polymers composed of three different monomers.
Since all technical polymerizations are statistical processes, a common feature of the vast majority of macromolecules is heterogeneity. The molar mass distribution is a well-known heterogeneity, and GPC/SEC is the method of choice to measure it.
In the case of copolymers, chemical composition is an additional heterogeneity that also governs the macroscopic product properties. Not only does the average percentage of comonomers present in the final product affect the material’s properties, but the distribution of the monomers along the chain also affects performance.
Obtaining Allicin from Garlic with High-Speed Counter Current Chromatography
February 14th 2025High-speed counter current chromatography (HSCCC), an advanced liquid-liquid chromatography technique employing both a liquid stationary phase and a liquid mobile phase (effectively eliminating irreversible adsorption), was used to harvest allicin from garlic.
The Next Frontier for Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Ion Utilization
January 20th 2025In this podcast, Daniel DeBord, CTO of MOBILion Systems, describes a new high resolution mass spectrometry approach that promises to increase speed and sensitivity in omics applications. MOBILion recently introduced the PAMAF mode of operation, which stands for parallel accumulation with mobility aligned fragmentation. It substantially increases the fraction of ions used for mass spectrometry analysis by replacing the functionality of the quadrupole with high resolution ion mobility. Listen to learn more about this exciting new development.
Identifying Microplastics in Tap Water with Py-GC/MS
February 12th 2025A pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) methodology has been specifically developed for the identification and quantification of seven polymers commonly found in tap water. The researchers responsible for the approach state that it prioritizes both time and cost efficiency without compromising the thoroughness of marker spectrum detection and confirmation.