Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC)

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is a chemical analysis process that divides dissolved macromolecules by size according to how they pass through columns containing a porous gel. To perform a GPC evaluation, a sample is first dissolved or diluted in a neutral solvent. The solvent is then inserted into a flow of solvent. This "mobile phase" passes through millions of extremely permeable, firm “solid phase” particles that are tightly bundled together inside a column. The pore dimensions of these particles are predetermined and available in an array of sizes. Molecules of different dimensions elute out of the column at various rates. The column keeps lighter material longer, allowing it to separate out from heavier materials.