Methods in Studying Proteins
Adsorption Chromatography
Generally speaking, chromatography is a technique that separates samples through two phases - the stationary phase (usually silica gel) and the mobile phase (usually the solvent). The stationary phase usually acts as the deterrent to the mobility of the samples, while the mobile phase is usually a gas or liquid solvent that contains the sample which passes through the stationary phase.
We are specifically focusing on adsorption chromatography, which acts on the basis of surface interactions between the sample and the stationary phase. It is through this adsorption that the samples are deterred from easily passing through the stationary phase. Because the interactions are on the surface, the interactions can be reversed hence releasing the samples eventually. Thus, the rate at which the samples are released depend on the strength of their interactions with the stationary phase, which basically means weaker interactions release the samples faster, where as stronger interactions take a longer time to release the samples. In this way, the samples are separated from each other. This process of removing the adsorbed components is called elution; the verb is "to elute" the substance out of the column.
The eluent is the solution that contains the samples that is introduced in the chromatographic column.
The eluate is the solution that comes out of the chromatographic column.