Applications, Advantages & Disadvantages of Gel chromatography

Applications:

• Gel chromatography has a wide range of applications, particularly in the pharmaceutical industry:

1. Protein Purification:

• Gel chromatography is widely used to purify proteins based on size, making it crucial in biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, especially in the production of therapeutic proteins.

2. Determination of Molecular Weight:

• By comparing the elution volume of an unknown molecule with a calibration curve created using standards of known molecular weight, one can determine the molecular weight of unknown samples.

3. Nucleic Acid Separation:

• It's utilized for the separation and purification of nucleic acids, including both DNA and RNA.

4. Polysaccharide Analysis:

• Useful in separating and analyzing complex carbohydrates, which can be used in drug formulations or as drug entities themselves.

5. Desalting:

• Quickly remove small ions from a sample, like when exchanging buffers or removing excess salt from a protein solution.

6. Drug Delivery Research:

• In studying nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, gel chromatography can be used to determine particle size and distribution.

7. Fragmentation Studies:

• To study the degradation or fragmentation of larger molecules, especially biopolymers like proteins or nucleic acids.

Here's a diagram illustrating the applications of Gel Chromatography:

Advantages:

1. Mild Conditions:

• Works under non-denaturing conditions, preserving the biological activity of sensitive molecules like enzymes or proteins.

2. Versatility:

• Can be used for a wide range of molecules from small ions to large proteins or nucleic acids.

3. High Resolution:

• Can effectively separate molecules with minor size differences.

4. Desalting Capability

• Efficient in removing small molecules like salts from larger ones in a sample.

Here's a diagram illustrating the advantages of Gel Chromatography:

Disadvantages:

1. Limited Range:

• Each column has a specific molecular weight range. Molecules outside this range might not be separated efficiently.

2. Bead Degradation:

• Over time, or under harsh conditions, the beads can degrade or shrink.

3. Limited Chemical Compatibility:

• Some gels can be incompatible with certain solvents or conditions.

4. Sample Recovery:

• Sometimes, the sample might interact non-specifically with the matrix, leading to reduced recovery.

Here's a diagram illustrating the disadvantages of Gel Chromatography: