Abstract

A REVIEW ON GEL FILTRATION CHROMATOGRAPHY

Rajeev Krishnan B.*, Sangeetha S., Athira A. S. and Dr. Prasobh G. R.

ABSTRACT

Gel filtration chromatography, also known as size-exclusion chromatography, is a method used to separate molecules based on their size. It utilizes a porous gel as the stationary phase, allowing smaller molecules to enter the pores and elute later, while larger molecules are excluded and elute faster. This technique is particularly useful for separating proteins, peptides, and other biomolecules. The process involves the passage of a sample through a column packed with porous beads, typically made of dextran, agarose, or polyacrylamide. Smaller molecules enter the pores of the beads and are delayed in their elution, while larger molecules are excluded from the pores and elute more quickly. This technique is widely employed in the purification and analysis of proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides. Gel filtration offers advantages such as mild separation conditions, preservation of biological activity, and the ability to estimate molecular weights. It is commonly used in biochemical research, particularly for desalting, buffer exchange, and determining the quaternary structure of proteins.

Keywords: This technique is particularly useful for separating proteins, peptides, and other biomolecules.