Turbulent Flow Chromatography: an Evolving Solution for Bioanalysis

Bioanalysis has evolved considerably over the last ten years with the rapid implementation of three key technology levers: robotics for automated sample extraction, fast liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for high throughput trace analysis and finally Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for seamless data processing and data interpretation.

This article describes how Turbulent Flow Chromatography (TFC), by allowing on-line extraction of crude biological matrices, has played an important role in addressing both old and new challenges of modern bioanalysis. After a brief reminder of TFC principles, the authors will focus on describing how the TFC platform has evolved to become the tool of choice for optimal analysis cost, speed and data quality.

Practical considerations such as assay sensitivity and column robustness will be discussed in detail. In addition to some examples of current applications, future technology advances will also be presented as TFC adapts to an evolving Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetic (DMPK) environment.