Size-exclusion Chromatography

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is an analytical technique used to separate proteins and other molecules based on their size and/or molecular weight. The method involves the use of a column that is filled with porous particles or beads of uniform size. The molecules are separated based on their size, as larger molecules are unable to penetrate the pores of the beads, whereas smaller molecules can penetrate and move further down the column. SEC is often used in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries to purify and characterize proteins, and it is also useful for monitoring the progress and yield of a reaction. It is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward method and can be used to provide high-resolution separations of proteins. Additionally, SEC can produce detailed and quantitative information regarding the size, structure, and purity of the molecule of interest.