From designing more robust chromatographic materials to tackling persistent environmental contaminants, Luis Colón’s research sits at the heart of modern separation science. 

Ahead of HPLC 2026, he discusses his latest work on silica-based stationary phases, the ongoing challenge of PFAS analysis, and why sustainability is becoming an increasingly important driver of innovation in the field.

What will you be presenting at HPLC 2026?

We have been tinkering with silica materials for some time. At HPLC 2026 in Indianapolis, I will present our latest research on silica-based stationary phases. The talk will provide an overview of these materials, with a focus on our recent efforts to synthesize polyphenylene-like stationary phases using diazonium chemistry, as well as azide-organo silica hybrids in a fibrous format that enable adsorbent anchoring via “click chemistry.” I will discuss the physicochemical properties of these materials and explore their potential applications in solid-phase extraction (SPE), HPLC, and SFC, with particular emphasis on PFAS analysis.

Can you give an overview of your work and explain its significance for advancing chromatographic separations?

My research involves the development of chromatographic materials for chemical analysis via HPLC, SFC, and solid phase extraction. As the cliché goes, the column (i.e., chromatographic material) is the “heart” of a separation system, and therefore resilient column materials are necessary to analyze complex sample mixtures. We have had a strong interest in hydrolytically stable materials for use in HPLC columns, which has led to our work on hybrid silica adsorptive materials as well as new approaches to silica modification. Stable chromatographic materials are important because they allow the exploration of separations at different pH values, which can be beneficial for tuning selectivity. Nowadays, for example, many HPLC analyses are performed at low pH, for which durable columns are necessary. Further, the fabrication of columns with desired selectivity, in a relatively straightforward way, is also sought to separate complex mixtures. In our research, therefore, we explore the development of new strategies to separate and analyze complex chemical or biochemical sample mixtures, such as biofluids and environmental samples.

The development of new column technology remains important as new analytical challenges emerge with specific performance requirements that enable new analytical capabilities. One example, among many, is the separation of short-chain PFAS in environmental samples. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they are highly persistent in the environment, and even minute quantities have been linked to adverse health effects. The polar, short-chain PFAS have been notoriously difficult to analyze using traditional HPLC columns, and new column chemistries are being sought to address this challenge. In our research, we are exploring column materials suitable for the separation of PFAS, particularly polar short-chain PFAS.

Since we are interested in decreasing the footprint generated by organic solvent waste, we are also developing methodologies based on supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC). This offers the advantage of being more environmentally sustainable. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used as the mobile phase, and although it is typically modified with additives such as alcohols, CO₂ remains the main component and is recycled back into the environment from where it was collected. This is more environmentally friendly than disposing of the organic solvents used in HPLC. Additionally, SFC offers rapid separations, which is highly beneficial. It is exciting to be working in a field that increasingly emphasizes sustainable chromatographic methods.

Why are conferences like HPLC 2026 important for the field?

HPLC 2026 is the premier forum to discuss advances in HPLC and related separation techniques. Given the nature of my research, this is a conference I attend whenever I have the opportunity. This year, I have been invited to give a plenary lecture on the latest advances from my research group. In addition to presenting our work, I will have the opportunity to exchange ideas with other experts in the field who are also sharing their latest findings. The opportunity to engage in many discussions about what is at the forefront of the field is unique and very exciting. I enjoy forming connections, and an in-person conference provides the ideal environment to do so. After a long day of sessions, attendees often gather for dinner, engaging in stimulating conversations about science and other topics. These discussions, both during and outside the formal program, attract many scientists and can spark new discoveries.

Students and young scientists attending the conference benefit tremendously. In addition to learning about the most recent advances and the state of the art in the field, they are inspired by the work presented and, importantly, benefit from networking with their peers as they build their careers and establish scientific connections. The conference is also a means to maintain such connections and contribute in a meaningful way.

It is satisfying to see former students participating and presenting their work at the conference; many have also taken on leadership roles. For example, one of the HPLC 2026 conference co-chairs (Todd Maloney) completed his PhD in my laboratory.

Some meetings have transitioned to a hybrid format, allowing remote access. While this has value for communicating science, it cannot substitute for relationship-building – the human aspect that can only be achieved in person. This meeting provides that opportunity.

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