Recent Advances in Supramolecular Affinity Separations

Affinity chromatography is a technique that uses a stationary phase based on the supramolecular interactions that occur in biological systems or mimics of these systems. This method has long been a popular tool for the isolation, measurement, and characterization of specific targets in complex samples. This review discusses the basic concepts of this method and examines recent developments in affinity chromatography and related supramolecular separation methods. Topics that are examined include advances that have occurred in the types of supports, approaches to immobilization, and binding agents that are employed in this method. New developments in the applications of affinity chromatography are also summarized, including an overview on the use of this method for biochemical purification, sample preparation or analysis, chiral separations, and biointeraction studies.