For over 50 years, Waters has been the market leader in LC-based GPC and SEC analysis, providing the highest quality columns and applications support for both organic- and aqueous-based size separations. The names gel-permeation chromatography (GPC), size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), and gel filtration chromatography (GFC) are commonly used terms to describe a liquid chromatographic technique that separates compounds based on their relative different sizes in solution. This isocratic-based separation is performed by injecting sample onto a carefully packed column(s) containing particles of defined pore size with the larger molecular weight species eluting before those compounds of smaller molecular weight (i.e., larger sized species elute prior to smaller sized compounds). Chromatographers with different backgrounds and application needs tend to refer to these same size-based separations by different terms. In general, the term GPC is used for those analyzing plastics or synthetic polymers (organic or water-soluble) using either organic or aqueous containing eluents. By comparison, SEC is more commonly used to describe size-based separations of biological compounds such as peptides and proteins.
Waters offers a wide range of SEC columns and standards for peptides and proteins (i.e., monoclonal antibodies) characterization.
Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), also known as gel filtration, separates proteins based on their sizes (hydrodynamic radii versus absolute molecular weight) in solution with larger sized species eluting before smaller proteins. The primary driving mechanism for this isocratic based technique is based on the pore size and volume of the SEC particles used in the packed column. As the molecular weight of the proteins of interest increases, SEC columns containing comparatively larger pore size particles are selected. Learn more
Wide offering of GPC columns such as Styragel (ideal for the separation of organic-soluble samples) or Ultrahydrogel (best used to solve your specific problems in aqueous separations).
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) is a chromatographic technique that separates molecules based on their relative size in solution. As such, gel permeation and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) are synonymous terms along with gel-filtration chromatography (GFC) and gel chromatography. However, the terms “gel permeation chromatography” or “GPC” are often used by scientists who analyze polymers (plastics or other synthetic polymers) using either organic or aqueous eluents. In some cases, GFC may be used to refer to GPC analysis for aqueous soluble polymers (e.g., polysaccharides, cationic, anionic, and amphoteric polymers). Waters offers GPC/SEC columns for both organic and aqueous polymer separations, and SEC columns for monoclonal antibodies, proteins, peptides, and other biologics. Learn more
