What is the Difference Between Gel Filtration and Gel Permeation Chromatography?

Gel filtration and gel permeation chromatography are both techniques used to separate molecules based on their size, but they differ in the mobile phase used for the separation process.

• Gel Filtration Chromatography: In this technique, an aqueous solution is used as the mobile phase to transport the sample through the column. It is typically applied to separate proteins and other water-soluble molecules.
• Gel Permeation Chromatography: This technique uses an organic solvent as the mobile phase to transport the sample through the column. It is often applied to separate complex molecules, such as polymers, and other organic-soluble materials.

Both gel filtration and gel permeation chromatography fall under the category of size exclusion chromatography, which separates molecules according to their molecular weights. However, the choice of mobile phase (aqueous solution or organic solvent) distinguishes one technique from the other.

Comparative Table: Gel Filtration vs Gel Permeation Chromatography

Here is a table comparing the differences between Gel Filtration and Gel Permeation Chromatography:

Both Gel Filtration and Gel Permeation Chromatography are techniques used to separate molecules based on their size or molecular weight. The key difference between the two lies in the mobile phase used in each technique. The stationary phase in both cases is a porous matrix made up of compounds like cross-linked polystyrene, cross-linked dextrans, polyacrylamide gels, and agarose gels.