As biotechnology continues to grow, researchers and analysts are always looking for new and better ways to understand and analyze biological samples. Two common analytical techniques in the biotechnology industry are gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC).
Gas Chromatography
GC is a chromatography technique that separates mixtures into individual components by separating each molecule based on the differences in the molecules' vaporization properties. GC can be used to analyze volatile organic compounds, drugs, pesticides, and other organic molecules.
One of the advantages of GC is its high sensitivity and low detection limits. In addition, GC can be used to separate components in complex mixtures, making it an essential technique in the analytical toolset.
On the other hand, GC suffers from a lack of versatility, particularly since it can only separate volatile compounds. It also requires a skilled operator, and the instruments are generally expensive.
Liquid Chromatography
LC, on the other hand, is a chromatography technique that separates molecules based on their affinity to the mobile and stationary phases. In reverse-phase LC, the mobile phase is hydrophobic, and the stationary phase is hydrophilic. In normal-phase LC, the opposite is true.
LC is versatile since it can be used to analyze a wide range of compounds, from small organic molecules to large biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.
One of the advantages of LC is that it can separate non-volatile and polar compounds that cannot be separated by GC. Furthermore, LC's sample preparation is relatively easy compared to GC. Additionally, LC techniques can be automated, which increases output and reduces human error.
However, LC has several disadvantages. For instance, LC is not as sensitive as GC, and its detection limits are higher. Another disadvantage is that the separation process takes longer, requiring more time to separate compounds successfully.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are advantages and disadvantages to both GC and LC techniques. Your analytical needs may determine which instrument you should use. If you are analyzing complex mixtures and need high sensitivity or low detection limits, GC is probably the best choice. In contrast, if you are analyzing biomolecules or non-volatile and polar compounds, LC may be the better choice. It is essential to evaluate each technique thoroughly to ensure that you make the right choice for your analysis project.
References
- "Gas Chromatography (GC)." Chromatography Today, 16 Sept. 2016, chromatographytoday.com/gc.
- "Liquid Chromatography Overview." Prosolia, Inc., prosolia.com/liquid-chromatography/.
- Zarei, Mohsen, et al. "Comparison Between GC and HPLC Techniques for the Analysis of Phytochemicals." Chemistry International, vol. 2, no. 2, 2016, pp. 107–118., doi:10.15171/ci.v2i2.224.