What are the applications of ion exchange chromatography?

There are various applications of ion exchange chromatography. One application is protein purification. By selecting the right conditions, specific proteins can be separated with high purity and yield. Another application is nucleic acid separation. Ion exchange chromatography is crucial in separating DNA and RNA fragments based on their charge, facilitating molecular biology research and genetic analysis. It also plays a role in environmental monitoring. This technique aids in water and soil analysis by separating and quantifying ions, pollutants, and heavy metals. In drug development, ion exchange chromatography ensures the purification of active pharmaceutical ingredients, maintaining the quality and safety of medications. In biotechnology, ion exchange chromatography is used in downstream processing to isolate and purify biomolecules like enzymes, hormones and antibodies. In nutrition research, scientists use ion exchange chromatography to isolate proteins from foods, aiming to study how individual food components affect health.