The Key Challenges in Macromolecular Separations

At Pittcon 2026, LCGC International spoke with André Striegel, the recipient of the Dal Nogare Award, which is presented by the Chromatography Forum of the Delaware Valley.¹ The award recognizes scientists who have made notable contributions to advancing the fundamental understanding of chromatographic processes. Selection is based specifically on the impact of an individual’s work on the theoretical and mechanistic aspects of chromatography.

In this interview clip, Striegel addressed the following question:

• Macromolecular characterization presents unique separation challenges compared to small molecules. What do you see as the most significant hurdles in macromolecular separations today, and how can chromatographers address them?

Striegel earned his bachelor’s degree in analytical chemistry in 1991 and his Ph.D. in 1996 from the University of New Orleans. He subsequently completed postdoctoral research from 1996 to 1998 at the US Department of Agriculture’s National Center for Agricultural Utilization and Research. From 1998 to 2004, he worked at Solutia, Inc. (now part of Eastman Chemical), where he advanced to the position of research specialist.

After leaving industry, Striegel joined the faculty at Florida State University as a tenure-track assistant professor, serving from 2004 to 2011. There, he taught courses in analytical and polymer science and played a key role in establishing the university’s materials chemistry program. In 2011, he moved to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where he currently serves as scientific advisor in the Chemical Sciences Division of the Material Measurement Laboratory.

Striegel is the author of nearly 100 peer-reviewed publications, with much of his work centered on macromolecular separation science. He edited the volume Multiple Detection in Size-Exclusion Chromatography and served as lead author for the second edition of Modern Size-Exclusion Liquid Chromatography. He is also the author of the forthcoming book Macromolecular Separation Science.

His honors include the inaugural ACS Division of Analytical Chemistry Award for Young Investigators in Separation Science, the Eli Lilly Analytical Chemistry Grantee Award, a Florida State University First-Year Assistant Professor Award, and a Solutia Technical Achievement Award recognizing his work in industry. He also served as the inaugural Professor in Residence for Preservation Research and Testing at the US Library of Congress.

Striegel’s primary research interests lie in both the applied and fundamental aspects of macromolecular separation science. He is a frequent lecturer and instructor of short courses in this area at scientific meetings around the world. In addition, he is a regular contributor to The LCGC Blog.²

References

1. Dal Nogare Award Presented by the Chromatography Forum of Delaware Valley. Presented at Pittcon 2026, in San Antonio, Texas. Available at: https://app.swapcard.com/event/pittcon-2026/planning/UGxhbm5pbmdfNDMwMzQzNw== (accessed 2026-04-13).
2. Striegel, A. M. The LCGC Blog: Where Do Macromolecular Separation Scientists Meet? https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/the-lcgc-blog-where-do-macromolecular-separation-scientists-meet- (accessed 2026-04-13).