Microplate evaluation of process adsorbents

A microplate-based assay to rapidly identify adsorbents suitable for removing process impurities is described. A solution containing both product and impurity is added to a number of wells, each containing a small amount of a candidate adsorbent. After equilibration, analysis of the supernatant solution allows one to determine the extent of adsorption of both product and impurity. Fast analysis techniques such as flow injection analysis LC-MS or the use of colorimetric indicators allows rapid identification of the most selective adsorbents for a given separation problem.