Gel Filtration/SEC

Gel Filtration (Size Exclusion Chromatography, SEC) is a simple and reliable technique for separation of molecular components according to their size. The technique relies on a separation media of porous beads, packed closely together in a column. The column is flushed through with a usually aqueous buffer, also known as the mobile phase, and then the sample is loaded.

The larger molecules of the sample are too big to enter the pores so they flow quickly down the column via the spaces around the beads and elute first. Medium-sized molecules are able to enter the pores but their relative size means that the speed in which they move into and out of the pores is fairly rapid. Consequently they elute next. The smaller-sized molecules are able to easily enter the pores and pass through the interior of the beads. This slower progress results in elution nearer the end of the procedure. The larger the molecule the faster it generally will tend to pass through the column.