Molecular Exclusion Chromatography

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Molecular Exclusion Chromatography Definition: Molecular Exclusion Chromatography also called Size Exclusion Chromatography brings 4 words to mind - hopefully. They are Chromatography, Separation (Exclusion), Molecule and Size. Putting them all together we can say that molecular exclusion chromatography (MEC) is a chromatographic method that involves the separation of molecules by size, i.e. larger molecules are separated from smaller ones. These molecules are in solution. Uses: MEC is used * For the separation of proteins, other water-soluble polymers and biological molecules of different sizes. * For the molecular weight determination of polysaccharides. * To determine molecular weights and molecular weight distributions of polymers. Proteins are extracted from animals and humans as a mixture in a serum of body fluids. When immunologists want to study a specific protein, like an antibody, hormone, or enzyme, they need to separate it from the mixture. The technique is used for the separation of sugar, Polypeptides, Proteins, Polystyrenes, Silicones, Liquids, Butyl rubbers and polyethylenes. Types: MEC is a one of several types of HPLC. There are basically two types of MEC. When an organic solvent is used as a mobile phase, it is called gel permeation chromatography. When an aqueous solution is used to transport the sample through the column, the technique is known as gel-filtration chromatography. Principle: MEC uses a stationary phase of porous particles to separate molecules of different sizes. Particles prepared from organic polymers have traditionally been the most widely used packing materials for molecular-exclusion chromatography (MEC) The MEC column is packed with porous material, such as polyacrylamide and sephadex. These are supplied in the dehydrated form and soaked in the solvent. A slurry is formed. When this slurry is

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