Product Overview
SHBC HardIEX Q Fine is a high-rigidity, high-resolution strong anion exchange chromatography media designed for intermediate and fine purification of proteins and other biomolecules.
The HardIEX-Fine series uses a fine-particle high-rigidity agarose matrix with an average particle size of approximately 40 μm.
Compared with the standard HardIEX series, the Fine series provides higher chromatographic resolution and is particularly suitable for purification stages requiring improved separation performance.
HardIEX Q Fine uses a Q (quaternary ammonium) functional group and acts as a strong anion exchanger.
Key Features
Fine-particle high-rigidity agarose matrix
Approximately 40 μm average particle size
High-resolution ion exchange chromatography
Strong anion exchange functionality
Q (quaternary ammonium) ligand
≥55 mg/mL dynamic binding capacity for BSA
Recommended flow rate: 90–150 cm/h
Pressure resistance: 0.5 MPa / 5 bar
Working pH range: 2–12
CIP pH range: 2–14
Higher resolution than standard HardIEX media
Suitable for intermediate purification
Suitable for fine purification and polishing
High mechanical stability
Technical Specifications
Parameter | Specification |
|---|
Product Name | HardIEX Q Fine |
Brand | SHBC |
Product Type | High-Resolution Strong Anion Exchange Chromatography Media |
Matrix | Fine-Particle High-Rigidity Agarose |
Ligand | Q (Quaternary Ammonium) |
Ion Exchange Type | Strong Anion Exchanger |
Average Particle Size | Approx. 40 μm |
Dynamic Binding Capacity | ≥55 mg/mL (BSA) |
Recommended Flow Rate | 90–150 cm/h |
Pressure Resistance | 0.5 MPa / 5 bar |
Working pH Range | 2–12 |
CIP pH Range | 2–14 |
Package | 25 mL / 100 mL / 300 mL / 1 L / 5 L / 10 L / 20 L |
SHBC Art.No. | Packaging Specification |
A2131 | 25 mL |
A2132 | 100 mL |
A2133 | 300 mL |
A2134 | 1 L |
A2135 | 5 L |
A2136 | 10 L |
A2137 | 20 L |
High-Rigidity High-Resolution Matrix
HardIEX Q Fine uses a fine-particle high-rigidity agarose matrix.
The HardIEX-Fine series has an average particle size of approximately 40 μm, providing higher chromatographic resolution than the standard HardIEX series.
The Fine platform is specifically positioned for:
This combination of smaller particles and high-rigidity agarose provides a balance between chromatographic resolution and mechanical stability.
Strong Anion Exchange Chromatography
HardIEX Q Fine uses Q (quaternary ammonium) as the functional ligand.
Q is a strong anion exchange ligand that remains positively charged over a broad pH range.
Under appropriate operating conditions, negatively charged biomolecules interact with the Q functional groups on the stationary phase.
After loading and washing, bound molecules can be eluted by adjusting ionic strength or other chromatographic conditions.
High Dynamic Binding Capacity
HardIEX Q Fine provides a specified dynamic binding capacity of:
≥55 mg/mL for BSA
This provides substantial protein loading capability while maintaining the enhanced chromatographic resolution of the Fine series.
40 μm Particle Size for Higher Resolution
The average particle size of HardIEX Q Fine is approximately:
40 μm
The smaller particle size is a defining feature of the Fine series and supports higher separation efficiency compared with the standard HardIEX platform.
This makes HardIEX Q Fine especially suitable for purification stages where resolution is more important than maximum flow rate.
Recommended Flow Rate
The recommended linear flow rate is:
90–150 cm/h
This flow range is designed to balance separation resolution with process throughput.
Compared with the standard HardIEX Q series, the Fine version operates at a lower recommended flow rate because its primary positioning is high-resolution purification.
Pressure Resistance up to 5 Bar
HardIEX Q Fine retains the mechanical advantages of the high-rigidity agarose platform.
The specified pressure resistance is:
0.5 MPa / 5 bar
This supports stable packed-bed operation during demanding intermediate and fine purification processes.
Wide pH Stability
HardIEX Q Fine provides:
Working pH: 2–12
CIP pH: 2–14
The broad pH tolerance supports method development, elution optimization and cleaning-in-place procedures.
Applications
SHBC HardIEX Q Fine can be used for:
Protein purification
BSA purification
Recombinant protein purification
Strong anion exchange chromatography
Intermediate purification
Fine purification
Polishing chromatography
Separation of closely related biomolecules
Biopharmaceutical downstream processing
Chromatography method development
Product Advantages
HardIEX Q Fine combines:
High chromatographic resolution
Fine 40 μm particle size
High-rigidity agarose matrix
Strong Q anion exchange functionality
≥55 mg/mL BSA binding capacity
Pressure resistance up to 5 bar
Broad pH stability
High mechanical stability
Suitable for intermediate and fine purification
HardIEX Q Fine vs. HardIEX Q
HardIEX Q Fine and standard HardIEX Q are designed for different purification priorities.
Feature | HardIEX Q Fine | HardIEX Q |
Main Positioning | High Resolution / Fine Purification | High Flow / Process Purification |
Average Particle Size | Approx. 40 μm | Approx. 90 μm |
Matrix | Fine-Particle High-Rigidity Agarose | High-Rigidity Agarose |
Exchange Type | Strong Anion Exchange | Strong Anion Exchange |
Recommended Flow Rate | 90–150 cm/h | 90–500 cm/h |
Pressure Resistance | 0.5 MPa | 0.5 MPa |
Reference Binding Capacity | ≥55 mg/mL BSA | ≥100 mg/mL BSA |
Main Advantage | Higher separation resolution | Higher flow and higher reference capacity |
Choose HardIEX Q Fine when higher resolution and polishing performance are the primary requirements.
Choose standard HardIEX Q when higher throughput and faster flow are more important.
Storage and Handling
Keep the chromatography media in its original container and protect it from contamination during storage and handling.
Before use, equilibrate the packed bed with an appropriate buffer according to the intended purification process.
Sample pH, conductivity, loading amount, flow rate, elution conditions and CIP procedures should be optimized according to the target molecule and required separation performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HardIEX Q Fine?
HardIEX Q Fine is a high-rigidity, high-resolution strong anion exchange chromatography media designed for intermediate and fine purification.
What is the average particle size?
The average particle size is approximately 40 μm.
What ligand is used?
The ligand is Q (quaternary ammonium).
Is HardIEX Q Fine a strong or weak anion exchanger?
It is a strong anion exchange chromatography media.
What is the dynamic binding capacity?
The specified dynamic binding capacity is ≥55 mg/mL for BSA.
Why is the Fine series higher resolution?
The Fine series uses smaller high-rigidity agarose particles, with an average particle size of approximately 40 μm, providing higher chromatographic resolution than the standard HardIEX series.
What is the recommended flow rate?
The recommended flow rate is 90–150 cm/h.
What is the pressure resistance?
The specified pressure resistance is 0.5 MPa / 5 bar.
What is the working pH range?
The working pH range is 2–12.
What is the CIP pH range?
The CIP pH range is 2–14.
When should HardIEX Q Fine be selected instead of HardIEX Q?
HardIEX Q Fine is preferred when higher chromatographic resolution, intermediate purification or fine polishing is required, while standard HardIEX Q is more suitable for high-flow processing.
What package sizes are available?
SHBC offers 25 mL, 100 mL, 300 mL, 1 L, 5 L, 10 L and 20 L packages.
What are the SHBC Art.No. numbers?
The corresponding SHBC Art.No. are A2131, A2132, A2133, A2134, A2135, A2136 and A2137.
What brand is HardIEX Q Fine?
HardIEX Q Fine is supplied under the SHBC brand.