Gel Filtration

Introduction

Gel filtration is a process in which particles of different sizes are separated using a gel material such as polystyrene or silica. This method is widely used in various fields such as pharmaceuticals, food processing and biotechnology. In this article we will look at the basic principles of gel filtration and its application in laboratory practice.

How does gel filtration work?

The gel filtration process is based on the principle of different particle sizes. The gel material has specific pore sizes that correspond to the size of the molecules of the substance we are filtering. To understand what pore size is suitable for our sample, we need to know the size of the molecules of the substance. To do this, we use the concepts of ultracentrifugation coefficient (using the Mark-Kuhn equation) and the Reismoor number. Using these parameters, the number of gel pores for filtering the sample is calculated.

The filled gel is placed in a small apparatus called a gel-filt column.