zeefchromatografie

Zeefchromatografie, also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC) or gel permeation chromatography (GPC), is a chromatographic technique that separates molecules based on their size. It is commonly used for the analysis and purification of polymers, proteins, and other macromolecules. In zeefchromatografie, a stationary phase consisting of porous beads is used. The mobile phase, which carries the sample, flows through a column packed with these beads. Larger molecules, unable to enter the pores of the beads, pass through the column more quickly and elute first. Smaller molecules, which can enter the pores, have a longer path through the column and therefore elute later. The separation is based on the hydrodynamic volume of the molecules, which is related to their size and shape. The pore size of the stationary phase is carefully chosen to achieve the desired separation range. Zeefchromatografie is a gentle technique, as it does not involve any chemical interactions between the sample and the stationary phase, making it suitable for preserving the integrity of sensitive biomolecules. It is often used to determine molecular weight distributions, detect aggregates, or purify samples. Calibration with known standards is typically performed to relate elution volume to molecular weight.