Development of DNA and RNA Chromatography

While ion-pairing reverse-phase chromatography is the primary separation method described in this chapter, many different types of chromatographic methods have been used to separate nucleic acid. These include gel filtration, afHnity and ion exchange [1-13]. In particular, ion-exchange chromatographic separations of nucleic acids performed on nonporous anion exchangers can be extremely rapid and useful [14-17]. 

Thompson and coworkers published many excellent papers in the form of both review articles [18-23] and research papers [24-26]. The review articles published in 1986 and 1987 are a series of six publications, each dealing with some aspect of nucleic acid separation. Taken together, the six review articles present a comprehensive description of the different chromatographic methods for nucleic acid separations. 

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Several column types have been used to separate nucleic acids. A discussion of the historical development of DNA and RNA chromatography is followed by a brief description of the column development that has led to the modern use of ion-pairing chromatography. 

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