HIC Columns and Accessories - YMC-BioPro HIC
High-Performance Columns for Protein Separation Based on Hydrophobicity
Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography (HIC) separates biomolecules based on differences in surface hydrophobicity under mild, non-denaturing conditions. This technique is particularly valuable for the purification and characterization of proteins, antibodies, fragments, and variants, maintaining biological activity throughout the process.
In HIC, target molecules bind to mildly hydrophobic ligands on the stationary phase in the presence of high salt concentrations. As the salt concentration is gradually decreased, bound molecules elute according to their degree of hydrophobicity, offering a selective, scalable approach for biopharmaceutical purification.
YMC’s BioPro HIC series delivers exceptional resolution, recovery, and reproducibility across analytical and preparative workflows.

Specifications
| BioPro HIC HT | BioPro HIC BF | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Particle | hydrophilic polymer (polymethacrylate) | hydrophilic polymer (polymethacrylate) |
| Particle Size (µm) | 2.3 | 4 |
| Pore | non-porous | non-porous |
| Functional Group | butyl | butyl |
| pH Range | 2-12 | 2-12 |
| Pressure Limit | 40 MPa (5,800 psi) | 20 MPa (2,900 psi) |
| Temperature Range | 10 – 60° C | 10 – 60° C |
LC Columns & Accessories
| Product | Phase / Type | Separation Mode(s) | Pore Sizes | Particle Sizes | pH Range | Available Formats | Link to Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| YMC-BioPro HIC | C4 | Hydrophobic Interaction (HIC) | Non-Porous | 4 µm2.3 µm | Analytical (1 - 8 mm ID) |
When to Use Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography
HIC is Ideal When:
- You need to separate proteins or biomolecules with subtle differences in hydrophobicity
- Purification under non-denaturing conditions is required to maintain biological activity
- You are polishing monoclonal antibodies or recombinant proteins after ion exchange or affinity steps
- You need orthogonal selectivity to complement ion exchange or size-exclusion chromatography in downstream workflows
Why Choose YMC BioPro HIC Columns?
High Recovery and Resolution
BioPro HIC media features optimized hydrophobic ligands and uniform pore structure to maximize recovery and resolution, even for closely related protein variants.
Gentle Separation Conditions
Operate under physiological-like, non-denaturing conditions, ideal for sensitive biomolecules, preserving protein structure and activity.
Process-Ready Performance
BioPro HIC columns are available in analytical and preparative formats, supporting seamless method transfer from discovery through manufacturing scale.
Consistent and Scalable
Manufactured using high-purity polymeric resins and precise surface modification, BioPro HIC ensures reproducibility, low backpressure, and lot-to-lot consistency across scales.
Versatile Selectivity Options
Available with butyl, phenyl, or mixed-mode ligands, YMC BioPro HIC enables tailored selectivity for diverse proteins and process optimization strategies.
Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography FAQs
Q: What is the principle of hydrophobic interaction chromatography?
HIC separates proteins based on hydrophobicity. Molecules bind to hydrophobic ligands at high salt concentrations and elute as ionic strength is gradually reduced.
Q: What types of ligands are available in YMC BioPro HIC media?
YMC offers butyl, phenyl, and butyl/phenyl mixed-mode ligands to optimize selectivity for specific protein classes or hydrophobic interactions.
Q: Can BioPro HIC be used in process-scale purification?
Yes. BioPro HIC resins are available in preparative formats suitable for pilot and full-scale bioprocessing applications.
Q: How does HIC complement other chromatographic techniques?
HIC provides an orthogonal separation mechanism to ion exchange and affinity chromatography, making it ideal for polishing steps in protein purification workflows.
Need Help Choosing the Right HIC Column?
Our technical team can help you identify the optimal BioPro HIC chemistry and gradient conditions for your target protein.
YMC also offers custom resin evaluation, pre-packed MiniChrom columns, and scale-up consulting for streamlined process development.
Contact us today or browse our selection of columns.

