We provide professional SEC/GPC (Size Exclusion Chromatography/Gel Permeation Chromatography) testing services, covering comprehensive molecular weight and molecular weight distribution analysis for proteins, polysaccharides, and polymer materials. Leveraging advanced instrumentation and an experienced technical team, we deliver highly accurate and reproducible results, with customizable analysis solutions to meet diverse client needs. Over the years, we have supplied reliable data to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and materials research companies, earning widespread client acclaim. By choosing us, clients gain efficient, scientifically rigorous, and attentive SEC/GPC testing solutions.
SEC/GPC Testing is a liquid chromatography technique used to analyze macromolecules, such as polymers, biopolymers, and proteins. This method separates molecules based on their size, enabling the determination of molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and structural information.
The core principle of SEC/GPC relies on the interaction between a porous stationary phase (e.g., silica or polymer-based materials) and the mobile phase (aqueous or organic). Larger molecules cannot enter the pores of the stationary phase and therefore elute first, while smaller molecules penetrate the pores and elute later. SEC/GPC is widely applied in the characterization of polymers and biopolymers (such as proteins and polysaccharides), molecular weight determination, molecular weight distribution analysis, purification, and quality control.
Our RI (Refractive Index) SEC/GPC Testing provides universal detection for polymers and biomolecules without requiring chromophores. This method is widely used for determining relative molecular weight and distribution, making it an essential option for routine polymer characterization. It is particularly effective for synthetic polymers, polysaccharides, and other non-UV absorbing compounds, offering robust and reproducible results.
UV Detector SEC/GPC Testing targets analytes with chromophoric groups, enabling selective and sensitive monitoring of biomolecules and polymers containing aromatic rings or conjugated structures. This service is highly suitable for proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and specialty polymers with UV absorbance. By combining specificity and quantitative capability, it ensures reliable profiling of complex molecular systems.
MALS (Multi-Angle Light Scattering) SEC/GPC Testing provides absolute molecular weight and radius of gyration measurements independent of calibration standards. This technique is particularly valuable for biologics, conjugates, and branched polymers, where conventional calibration may be inaccurate. With advanced light scattering technology, it delivers comprehensive insight into molecular size, aggregation, and structural conformation.
ELSD (Evaporative Light Scattering Detector) SEC/GPC Testing enables detection of non-UV-absorbing compounds, such as carbohydrates, lipids, and neutral polymers. This technique is particularly useful for samples lacking chromophores, providing reliable quantification and concentration profiling. By converting analytes into light-scattering particles, ELSD delivers sensitive, reproducible detection, complementing traditional RI or UV analysis for comprehensive molecular characterization.
Our Viscometer Detector SEC/GPC Testing assesses intrinsic viscosity alongside molecular weight information. This enables the evaluation of molecular conformation, branching, and structural heterogeneity. It is frequently applied in polymer research, quality assessment, and materials development to guide formulation strategies and optimize performance.
Multi-Detector SEC/GPC Testing integrates RI, UV, MALS, and viscometry into a single analysis workflow, offering unparalleled detail about molecular weight, size, distribution, and structure. This holistic approach is ideal for complex biomolecules, copolymers, and advanced materials where multiple structural attributes must be considered simultaneously. It is the most comprehensive solution for high-value research and industrial projects.
Don't see the SEC/GPC Testing service that fits your specific project needs? Contact our scientific team to design a customized analytical solution and receive a detailed quotation tailored to your samples and objectives.
We accept a wide variety of samples for SEC/GPC analysis, including:
Please provide your sample name, type, physical form, quantity, solubility, any special requirements, and your preferred report format. Our team will review your submission and provide a personalized testing plan and quotation promptly.
Our laboratory provides detailed SEC/GPC testing reports designed to give actionable insights for polymer and biomolecule research, material characterization, and quality control. Reports typically include the following sections:
Polymer manufacturers require precise control over molecular weight and distribution to ensure material performance and processability. Our SEC/GPC testing provides accurate Mn, Mw, Mp, Mz, and PDI measurements, with optional multi-detector analysis for branching and absolute molecular weight. Traceable reports support quality assurance, production optimization, and material development.
Biotechnology and protein research labs need reliable characterization of protein, peptide, and polysaccharide size and heterogeneity. Our SEC/GPC services deliver high-resolution chromatograms, molecular weight distribution, and multi-detector analysis (MALS, UV, RI) to assess sample integrity and aggregation, supporting research, formulation, and stability studies.
Materials and nanotechnology researchers require detailed insight into polymer blends, copolymers, and nanoparticle dispersions. Our SEC/GPC testing enables separation by size, detection of polydispersity, and multi-detector analysis for structural characterization, providing actionable data for formulation optimization and material innovation.
Academic and industrial R&D projects require reproducible, high-quality molecular weight data for fundamental studies and product development. Our SEC/GPC analysis offers customized column selection, solvent systems, and reporting, enabling accurate polymer characterization, comparative studies, and data-driven decision-making.
Clients provide sample type, quantity, solubility, and analysis requirements; our laboratory evaluates and provides a personalized testing plan.
Samples are dissolved in the appropriate mobile phase, filtered to remove impurities, ensuring column safety and optimal detector performance.
Samples are separated through the chromatography column, using RI, UV, MALS, or viscometer detectors to obtain molecular weight distribution.
Mn, Mw, Mp, Mz, and PDI are calculated; multi-detector data are processed and baseline stability, peak shape, and reproducibility are verified.
Comprehensive reports, including chromatograms, molecular weight tables, and raw records, are provided in PDF or Excel for client use.
Reports provide Mn, Mw, Mp, and PDI values, enabling companies and researchers to assess batch consistency, stability, and processability of polymers or biomolecules.
By revealing molecular weight distribution and structural features, reports guide new material formulation, polymer modification, and protein/polysaccharide derivative development, supporting process optimization.
Comparing molecular weight across batches or pre/post-use samples helps identify degradation, cracking, or performance issues, providing data-driven insights for troubleshooting and improvement.
Using MALS, UV, RI, or Viscometer detectors, reports offer absolute molecular weight, radius of gyration (Rg), branching degree, and specific component concentration, supporting deeper structural analysis and research decisions.
Access essential chromatography resources, including guidance on column selection, mobile phase optimization, method setup, data interpretation, and detector usage tips.
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Client: A leading polymer manufacturer in North America
Challenge: The client required precise molecular weight distribution analysis of newly synthesized high molecular weight polymers to ensure consistency in mechanical properties and batch-to-batch reproducibility. Conventional testing methods failed to resolve ultra-high molecular weight fractions accurately.
Solution: BOC Sciences employed advanced SEC systems with multi-angle light scattering (MALS) and refractive index (RI) detectors. Our team optimized column selection, mobile phase composition, and flow rates for accurate separation of high molecular weight species. Detailed reports included molecular weight averages (Mw, Mn) and polydispersity indices (PDI), enabling clear assessment of polymer uniformity.
Outcome: The client achieved highly reproducible molecular weight measurements, streamlined quality control processes, and gained confidence in product consistency across production batches.
Client: A biotech startup developing biodegradable polymers for medical devices
Challenge: The client needed to characterize the molecular weight distribution and structural properties of sensitive biopolymers, which degrade under harsh analytical conditions, to support product development and formulation optimization.
Solution: BOC Sciences implemented GPC analysis with gentle solvent systems and temperature-controlled columns, coupled with RI and UV detection. Our experts customized sample preparation protocols to prevent polymer degradation and ensured high-resolution separation. Quantitative analysis provided molecular weight profiles and PDI with robust reproducibility.
Outcome: The client successfully characterized delicate biopolymers, accelerated formulation optimization, and minimized sample loss, enhancing R&D efficiency and supporting comprehensive documentation.
Client: A multinational pharmaceutical excipient supplier
Challenge: The client required routine SEC testing for batch release of excipients with varying molecular weight distributions, ensuring product performance in downstream formulations. The key requirement was rapid turnaround without compromising accuracy.
Solution: BOC Sciences deployed high-throughput SEC systems with automated sample handling, RI detection, and data processing software for batch analysis. Columns and solvents were tailored for different excipient chemistries, providing reliable separation of molecular weight fractions and enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple samples.
Outcome: The client reduced analysis time by 40%, maintained rigorous quality control standards, and achieved consistent excipient performance across global production lines.
GPC (Gel Permeation Chromatography) is fundamentally a chromatographic technique that separates components based on molecular weight through a column. If a sample has poor solubility, it must be filtered before testing, and the molecular weight of insoluble components cannot be measured. Moreover, poorly soluble samples may precipitate inside the column, potentially damaging it.
First, GPC testing relies on a calibration curve established with a standard for each mobile phase. The sample's results are compared against this curve, so most results reflect the relative molecular weight. If the sample differs greatly from the standard, the measured value may deviate from the true molecular weight. Second, GPC usually tests polymers, and the expected molecular weight is only a design reference, so occasional deviations from actual values are normal.
First, the testing principles differ: relative molecular weight is determined by comparing the sample to a standard curve of known substances, while absolute molecular weight is calculated using a triple detector system, mainly relying on laser scattering at different angles on the sample particles. Second, detectors differ: relative molecular weight primarily uses a refractive index detector, whereas absolute molecular weight requires a triple detector (refractive index, viscometer, light scattering). Third, the detectable molecular weight ranges differ: relative molecular weight can measure smaller molecules, while absolute molecular weight is generally suitable for molecules above tens of thousands.
The relative molecular weight distribution (polydispersity index, PDI) significantly influences polymer properties. As PDI has become a key focus, traditional methods cannot simultaneously measure both the relative molecular weight and its distribution. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) overcomes these limitations, providing a method to measure polymers' relative molecular weight and distribution simultaneously. This makes GPC the most common, rapid, and effective technique for determining polymer molecular weight characteristics.
The turnaround time depends on sample type, complexity, and detector choice. We aim to provide results efficiently while ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
BOC Sciences' SEC/GPC testing provides exceptionally reliable molecular weight profiles. Their team's expertise in column selection and method optimization ensures accurate characterization of complex polymer samples. This consistency has become a cornerstone for our material development projects.
— Dr. S., Senior R&D Scientist, Specialty Polymers Company
The SEC/GPC analysis from BOC Sciences not only delivers high-quality data but also comes with outstanding technical support. Their proactive guidance on sample preparation and method adjustments has significantly improved our workflow efficiency.
— Ms. K., Head of Analytical Development, Biopolymer Startup
BOC Sciences' GPC services offer comprehensive insights into polymer structure and distribution. The detailed reports, including molecular weight averages and polydispersity indices, have greatly enhanced our understanding of product performance.
— Mr. T., Product Development Manager, Industrial Polymer Manufacturer
With BOC Sciences' SEC/GPC testing, we consistently obtain high-resolution and reproducible results for both synthetic and natural polymers. Their meticulous attention to method validation and system optimization ensures confidence in every dataset we receive.
— Dr. R., Senior Scientist, Advanced Materials Lab
