Gel Permeation Chromatography Systems

Gel permeation chromatography systems are used to analyze a sample based on the size (MW) of its components in solution. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is also known as gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC), so products may reflect these synonyms (as GPC systems, GFC systems, or SEC systems).

Pharmaceutical and biotech companies use gel permeation chromatography to analyze products for purity and stability. GPC systems are comprised of several parts: There is a porous column that the sample is flushed through, using an eluent that is constantly pumped through the column, and a detector that measures what components are coming out of the column at what time. The smaller particles in the sample will get stuck in the pores of the chromatography column and therefore have a longer elution time than larger particles.

Features that vary from one gel permeation chromatography system to another include:

• Flow rates
• Detector type (e.g., differential refractometer, UV detector, photodiode array detector)
• Number of detectors

Choosing suitable solvents, and matching the sample with a gel column that has the appropriate size pores is important for accurate results.