Gel Permeation Chromatography Center

— An Ideal Solution for Polymer Structure and Molecular Weight Analysis

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) is a vital technique for the separation and analysis of molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of macromolecular compounds. It is widely used in the analysis of polymeric materials, biological macromolecules, drug delivery systems, and more.

As one of Alfa Chemistry’s core technology platforms, our GPC Center has undertaken numerous high-impact research projects in the polymer field since its establishment. We have accumulated extensive technical expertise and method development capabilities, offering high-quality GPC analytical services to clients around the globe.

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Why Choose Alfa Chemistry

Expert Technical Support

Our team consists of professionals with backgrounds in polymer chemistry, materials science, and biochemistry.

Advanced Instrumentation

Equipped with cutting-edge platforms including GPC-IR and GPC-MS.

Flexible Sample Compatibility

Capable of handling a wide range of sample types, including synthetic polymers, composites, and biological carriers.

Rigorous Quality Control

From sample preparation to report delivery, our procedures comply with international quality standards.

Efficient Workflow

We offer rapid response and fully customized analytical solutions and consultation services.

GPC Analytical Capabilities

Analysis of Polymers

Analysis of Proteins

Analysis of Oligonucleotides

Technology Platforms

Molecular Weight Range: Accurate analysis from a few hundred Daltons to multimillion-Da polymers

GPC-MALS (Multi-Angle Static Light Scattering)

For absolute molecular weight and molecular structure analysis

GPC-IR (Infrared Spectroscopy Coupled GPC)

Enables structural identification and quantification of functional groups in polymers

GPC-MS (Mass Spectrometry Coupled GPC)

Ideal for in-depth analysis of complex components and polymer structures

Typical Applications of GPC

Polymer Molecular Weight & Distribution

Used to analyze polymer molecular weight and its distribution for predicting material performance.

Material Degradation & Stability

Supports evaluation of material stability and degradation under various conditions.

Biomacromolecule & Carrier System Assessment

Assesses quality and consistency of biomacromolecules and delivery carriers.

Controlled-Release System Structure Analysis

Analyzes structure of drug delivery systems to ensure controlled release.

Industrial Product Consistency & Regulatory Support

Provides data for product consistency and compliance with regulatory standards.

Service Workflow

Sample Submission

Confirm testing requirements and sample condition

Method Development

Tailored analytical method based on the sample

Sample Analysis

Data acquisition using the selected GPC platform

Report Delivery

Includes molecular weight data, distribution curves, and structural information

Technical Consultation

Professional interpretation and follow-up experimental advice available

What Success Stories Can We Share?

Discover how our services are applied in real-world scenarios through our case studies.

Case 1: Molecular Weight Distribution Analysis of a Polymer Material – A Biodegradable Plastics Company

Background

The client is a polymer materials company specializing in biodegradable plastics. They developed a new polylactic acid (PLA) composite and required accurate measurement of its molecular weight and distribution to evaluate material properties and degradation behavior.

Solution

Alfa Chemistry’s GPC Center employed advanced GPC-MALS technology to perform multi-angle static light scattering, combined with RI detection for precise molecular weight distribution profiling.

Experimental Data

Weight-average molecular weight (Mw): ~120,000 Da
Number-average molecular weight (Mn): ~85,000 Da
Polydispersity index (PDI): 1.41
Molecular weight distribution range: 5,000 Da to 300,000 Da
Note: Uniform molecular weight distribution, meeting design requirements

Results & Value

Validated the correlation between degradation performance and molecular weight
Optimized production process and enhanced batch-to-batch consistency
Provided data support for environmental certification submissions

Case 2: Protein Aggregation Analysis – A Biopharmaceutical R&D Institute

Background

A biopharmaceutical research lab developing a targeted protein drug needed to evaluate protein aggregation states and purity to ensure product safety and efficacy.

Solution

Using GPC-IR coupled technology, Alfa Chemistry performed structural identification via infrared spectroscopy alongside GPC-based quantitative aggregation analysis. The method effectively differentiated between monomer, dimer, and higher-order aggregates—avoiding misinterpretation common in traditional single-detection approaches.

Experimental Data

Dimer peak area: ~5.8%
Higher-order aggregates: ~1.7%
Detection wavelength: 280 nm (protein absorbance)
IR absorption peak: 1650 cm-1 (C=O stretching, confirms secondary structure)

Results & Value

Accurately quantified protein aggregation, improving quality control
Supported drug registration with a compliant quality documentation system
Shortened development time and reduced experimental repetition costs

Case 3: Purity and Molecular Weight Analysis of Oligonucleotides – A Gene Synthesis Company

Background

A gene synthesis and nucleic acid drug developer required molecular weight distribution and purity analysis of synthesized oligonucleotides to ensure their suitability for downstream applications.

Solution

Alfa Chemistry’s GPC Center utilized GPC-MS technology, combining chromatography and mass spectrometry to confirm oligonucleotide structure and accurately determine molecular weight while identifying impurities and degradation fragments.

Experimental Data

Purity (by peak area): >98.2%
Target molecular weight: ~7,500 Da
Impurity peaks: ~1.8%
m/z of main ion peak matched theoretical value (error < 5 ppm)

Results & Value

Delivered precise assessment of purity and molecular weight
Optimized synthetic process and ensured lot-to-lot consistency
Provided reliable analytical data for nucleic acid drug development

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What types of samples and molecular weight ranges does Alfa Chemistry’s GPC service support?

We support a wide range of sample types, including thermoplastic polymers, biomacromolecules (e.g., proteins, polysaccharides), oligonucleotides, and drug delivery materials. Our molecular weight detection range spans from several hundred Daltons to over a million, providing precise analysis for both small molecules and high molecular weight materials.

Q2: What are the main differences and application scenarios for the three GPC platforms: GPC-MALS, GPC-IR, and GPC-MS?

GPC-MALS focuses on determining absolute molecular weight and structural information through multi-angle light scattering, suitable for high molecular weight polymers.
GPC-IR combines infrared spectroscopy to identify and quantify functional groups in polymers and proteins, ideal for polymer functional group analysis and protein structure confirmation.
GPC-MS integrates mass spectrometry, enabling precise molecular weight determination and structural analysis of complex sample components, ideal for oligonucleotides and complex mixtures.

Q3: What conditions must a sample meet to undergo GPC analysis? Are there any specific sample preparation requirements?

Samples should be soluble in the selected mobile phase and free from particulates to avoid clogging the chromatographic columns. We recommend submitting purified liquid samples. The sample concentration and solvent selection should be assessed by our experts based on the sample properties. Some special samples may require pretreatment or a custom solvent system, and we encourage you to consult with our technical team for advice.

Q4: What key data is included in the GPC report? Does the report provide detailed molecular weight distribution curves and the polydispersity index (PDI)?

The standard GPC report generally includes weight-average molecular weight (Mw), number-average molecular weight (Mn), polydispersity index (PDI), molecular weight distribution curves, and corresponding spectral data. For hyphenated techniques, additional structural or mass spectrometry data may be provided. We can customize the report format based on customer requirements.

Q5: What is the typical turnaround time for GPC analysis? Is expedited service available?

The standard turnaround time is typically 5–10 business days, depending on the sample complexity and service type. For urgent projects, we offer expedited services that can complete the analysis within 3 business days. Please contact our customer service for details and scheduling.

Latest Updates

Stay informed with the latest updates from our company, where we continually innovate and enhance our services to meet your needs.

Blog

The Use of Gel Permeation Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GPC-MS) for Polymer Analysis

Blog

Introduction to the GPC-IR Platform: A Perfect Marriage of Gel Permeation Chromatography and Infrared Spectroscopy

Blog

Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) Technology: Principles, Applications, and Common Issues

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