Jorgenson's research group is focused on utilizing analytical separation techniques to solve research problems in complex mixture analysis. The group currently focuses on ultra-high pressure capillary liquid chromatography combined with mass spectrometry (MS).
Jorgenson's research group is best known for their breakthrough in the field of separation sciences, the invention of capillary electrophoresis (CE).[6][7] He began his research at UNC Chapel Hill studying electro-osmotically driven chromatography. The development of CE has aided in the advancement of many fields of science, including DNA sequencing, forensic DNA analysis and analysis of intact proteins. CE technology enabled completion of the sequencing of the human genome far ahead of the expected schedule and far below anticipated cost.[8]
Jorgenson's research group is also notable for some of the earliest demonstrations of the analysis of the contents of single cells,[9][10] comprehensive two-dimensional separations,[11][12] and the invention of ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography.[13] His publications in separation methods have been extensively cited.[14]
Jorgenson retired in 2019 from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.[15] He was awarded the American Chemical Society Award in Separations Science and Technology.[16]
^Grinias, James P.; Kennedy, Robert T. (November 2017). "Pushing the boundaries of chromatography and electrophoresis—Honoring James Jorgenson on his 65th birthday". Journal of Chromatography A. 1523: 1–2. doi:10.1016/j.chroma.2017.08.027. ISSN0021-9673. PMID28823782.
^Zone Electrophoresis in Open-Tubular Glass Capillaries, J.W. Jorgenson, and K.D. Lukacs, Analytical Chemistry, 53, 1298-1302 (1981).
^Capillary Zone Electrophoresis, J.W. Jorgenson, and K.D. Lukacs, Science, 222, 266-272 (1983).
^Chemical Analysis of Single Neurons by Open Tubular Liquid Chromatography, R.T. Kennedy, R.L. St Claire III, J.G. White, and J.W. Jorgenson, Microchimica Acta, 1987 (II), 37-45 (1988).
^Quantitative Analysis of Individual Neurons by Open Tubular Liquid Chromatography with Voltammetric detection, R.T. Kennedy and J.W. Jorgenson, Anal. Chem., 61, 436-441 (1989).
^Automated Instrument for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional High- Performance Liquid Chromatography of Proteins, M.M. Bushey and J.W. Jorgenson, Anal. Chem., 62, 161-167 (1990).
^Automated Instrument for Comprehensive Two-Dimensional High Performance Liquid Chromatography-Capillary Zone Electrophoresis, M.M. Bushey and J.W. Jorgenson, Anal. Chem., 62, 978-984 (1990).
^Ultra High Pressure Reversed Phase Liquid Chromatography in Packed Capillary Columns, J.E. MacNair, K.C. Lewis, and J.W. Jorgenson, Anal. Chem., 69, 983-989 (1997).
