What is affinity chromatography and when is it advantageous?

What is affinity chromatography and when is it advantageous?

• A. Affinity chromatography uses random adsorption to remove impurities; advantageous for impure samples.
• B. Affinity chromatography uses a specific ligand on the stationary phase to bind the target analyte; provides high selectivity and purity; advantageous when target binds strongly to a known ligand; requires careful elution conditions to release analyte without denaturing it.
• C. Affinity chromatography relies on size-based separation; advantageous for large proteins.
• D. Affinity chromatography uses temperature gradients to separate metabolites; advantageous for volatile compounds.

Answer: (B)