PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COLUMN PACKINGS USED IN THE CHARACTERIZATION OF DEXTRAN BY AQUEOUS GEL-PERMEATION CHROMATOGRAPHY

A number of rigid column packings (Spherosil-Porasil and DuPont SEC) and semi-rigid packings (two types of Spheron gel and Hydrogel) have been used for the molecular-weight characterisation of dextran by aqueous gel permeation chromatography. Our experience with these packings is reported and the various problems encountered, and their possible causes, are discussed. Our criteria for an acceptable packing have been fractionating range, efficiency, short analysis time and, of particular importance, long-term stability. None of the column packings considered was found to be ideal. © 1979.