Abstract
In this study, sporopollenin microparticles were used as the stationary phase in chromatography for the first time. Sporopollenin microparticles were incorporated into a mixture containing hexyl methacrylate and ethylene dimethacrylate monoliths to enhance the liquid chromatographic separation of different molecules. Five columns with increasing amounts of sporopollenin, from 0 to 3.0 mg mL(-1), were prepared by thermal polymerization in 0.32 mm i.d. x 150 mm fused silica tubing. The morphology of the columns was thoroughly characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The chromatographic properties were investigated and the columns were successfully applied to assess the separation efficiency of different mixtures. The results showed that incorporation of sporopollenin microparticles reduced the retention and enhanced the column efficiency by a factor of up to 5. This effect also corresponded to an improved resolution and a full separation of the solutes.