RESOLUTION AND OPTIMIZATION IN GEL FILTRATION AND PERMEATION CHROMATOGRAPHY

Here we present a theoretical study of resolution in exclusion chromatography and the factors which influence it. Optimum parameters are suggested on the basis of general chromatographic theory and a recent entropy-based formulation for partition coefficients. It is concluded that highest resolution and speed will be associated with long, narrow columns with fine particles and high pressure drops. Temperature and solvent should be chosen to minimize viscosity. Pores should be relatively small, leading to early elution, and their total volume should be large. Grounds are presented for optimizing pore shape as well as size. Finally, these results are used to predict the size and molecular weight increments needed for satisfactory resolution in columns of different efficiencies. © 1968, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.