How does GPC/SEC work?
Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) separates analytes by size using special columns with a porous matrix. The basic separation principle relies on the fact that smaller molecules will be more likely to enter those pores, making their travel through the matrix longer than that of larger molecules. Separations (typically of a mixture of polymers, polysaccharides or biomolecules) are facilitated by choosing optimal particle and pore sizes, as well as column length. GPC/SEC is often used in quality control and R&D.
