---
type: "WebPage"
title: "GPC / SEC analysis laboratory for materials and biomolecules"
description: "Your needs: characterize the size of your molecules through GPC or SEC analysis GPC Analysis / SEC Analysis: what is it? La Chromatographie par Perméation de Gel (GPC) est une technique de caractérisation permettant de déterminer les masses moléculaires moyennes..."
resource: "https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/"
tags: ["EN", "pll_610bee14e2f8d", "Chemical analysis", "Materials", "Our advanced techniques", "Thomas ROUSSEAU"]
timestamp: "2026-05-21T12:57:49Z"
published: "2021-08-05T13:56:36Z"
language: "en"
author: "bwa"
---

# GPC / SEC analysis laboratory for materials and biomolecules

## Your needs: characterize the size of your molecules through GPC or SEC analysis

### GPC Analysis / SEC Analysis: what is it?

La [Chromatographie par Perméation de Gel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gel_permeation_chromatography) (GPC) est une technique de caractérisation permettant de déterminer les masses moléculaires moyennes et la distribution des masses molaires. Cette technique est  également appelée Chromatographie d’Exclusion Stérique (SEC) dans le cadre d’une [analyse d’exclusion stérique](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/size-exclusion-analysis.md).

### Principles of the GPC technique

This technique is used to separate molecules according to their size and molecular shape.

The dissolved sample is injected via a mobile phase (or eluent) through a column packed with a controlled-porosity material (known as the stationary phase). FILAB laboratory, an expert in GPC analysis, supports you with your challenges.

## Our solutions: molecular characterization by GPC/SEC analysis to determine the size, purity and distribution of molecules

### Our laboratory services

From analysis to R&D, FILAB laboratory offers multisector expertise for several types of requests related to GPC/SEC technique:

[**Contrôle des masses moléculaires**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-analysis-services/chemical-analysis-laboratory/laboratory-molecular-characterization.md) moyennes et distribution des masses molaires des matériaux polymères et autres substances (Mn, Mw, Mp, indice de polydispersité). Les normes NF T 51-505 et la série ISO 13885 concernent notamment ce type de prestation

**Structural characterization** including the study of macromolecular chain branching (branching analysis, ...)

**Process optimization** of manufacturing processes to validate synthesis, application or crosslinking conditions

[**GPC technical training**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/rd/laboratory-analytical-chemistry-training/training-in-the-gpc-technique-for-laboratories.md)

[**Failure analysis**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-analysis-failures.md) on thermoplastic parts, which may notably be associated with degradation of the polymer fraction (shear of the material causing chain scission)

[**Déformulation**](https://filab.fr/en/our-services/our-expertise-services/laboratory-deformulation-analysis-reverse-engineering.md) de polymères permettant d’accéder à des informations physico-chimiques complémentaires des techniques analytiques de type [IRTF](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md), [ATG](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md), [Py-GCMS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md), [GCMS](https://filab.fr/nos-moyens-techniques/laboratoire-analyses-chromatographie-gazeuse/analyse-tdu-gc-ms/), [LCMS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-uplc.md), …

**Characterization of proteins** and **polysaccharides** (sugars).

## GPC / SEC for polymers and synthetic materials

##

**Plastics and resins**: determination of molar mass to control production quality (e.g. polyethylene, polystyrene, epoxy resins).

**Elastomers and rubber**: monitoring polydispersity to assess mechanical performance.

**Inks, paints, adhesives**: studying molar mass distributions to optimize viscosity and durability.

**Technical and specialty polymers**: characterization of molar masses in the development of new materials (PMMA, polycarbonates, polyurethanes).

## GPC / SEC for biomolecules and biopharmaceuticals

  Services
## Chemical Analysis

 Therapeutic proteins (monoclonal antibodies, enzymes)
Purity verification and aggregate detection.

 Peptides and vaccines
Size and homogeneity control.

 Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA)
Separation and quality control in biotechnology.

 Natural polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, hyaluronan)
Measurement of molar mass distributions.

## What are the application areas of GPC/SEC?

  ![polymeres-rmn-v2](https://filab.fr/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/polymeres-rmn-v2.jpg)
GPC/SEC analysis is an analytical technique used to characterize a wide variety of polymers or other macromolecules in a mixture.

GPC analysis is particularly well suited to sectors handling complex polymers, multicomponent mixtures, or biomolecules requiring precise separation according to molecular size.

Used in quality control, process optimization (polymerization kinetics, for example), or expert analysis (search for pollution, contamination, etc.), this technique now meets a wide range of industrial needs across various sectors: pharmaceutical industry, plastics processing, chemicals, automotive, food industry, paints, lubricants, adhesives, etc.

It is also used to analyze complex formulations, identify degradation, monitor the stability of finished products, or validate polymerization kinetics.

In short: GPC/SEC is essential for **industrial polymer characterization** as well as for the **quality control of therapeutic biomolecules**.

## Other technical methods

 [### ATG](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/tga-tga-ftir-and-tga-ms-analysis-at-filab-laboratory.md) [### ATG-DSC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-dsc-calorimetric.md) [### DSC- FTIR](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-ftir-spectroscopy.md) [### Py-GC/MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/py-gc-ms-pyrolysis-gc-ms.md) [### GPC RI LS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/laboratory-for-gpc-ri-ls-coupling-analysis-rals-lals.md) [### GPC UV LS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/laboratory-for-gpc-uv-ls-coupling-analysis-rals-lals.md) [### Hot GPC](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/hot-gpc-analysis-in-the-laboratory.md)
For this type of service, FILAB laboratory uses state-of-the-art [analysis techniques](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources.md), such as, of course, Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC/SEC), but also Gas Chromatography coupled with a Mass Spectrometer detector after pyrolysis (Py-GCMS), triple-detection Gas Chromatography with viscometer, Liquid Chromatography (LC-MSMS, HPLC, …) complemented by physical characterization techniques or chemical analysis ([ICP-AES, ICP-MS](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-icp-icp-ms-icp-aes.md), CLI, …).

## Why choose FILAB for your GPC analysis?

An independent laboratory with a team of experienced PhDs and engineers, FILAB guarantees the **reliability of its results**, ensures **fast handling of requests**, and provides **personalized support** to its clients.

Choosing FILAB for your GPC analysis guarantees support from specialists in macromolecular chemistry, in an accredited laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art technologies.

## Working with a GPC SEC laboratory (Gel Permeation Chromatography / Size Exclusion Chromatography)

GPC/SEC analysis is based on one and the same technique: [size exclusion chromatography](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/size-exclusion-analysis.md). The difference between GPC and SEC lies mainly in the **field of application** and the **information sought**:

- **GPC analysis**: this term is mainly used for **synthetic polymers** (plastics, resins, elastomers). The analysis provides the **average molar mass**, the **molar mass distribution** and the **polydispersity**, key data for assessing quality and comparing different batches.
- **SEC analysis**: this term is more commonly used in the field of **proteins and biomolecules**. It provides information on **apparent size**, **purity** and the **aggregation state** (monomers, dimers, complexes), which are essential for quality control and biopharmaceutical development.

## FAQ

 In what situations is gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis essential?
The **GPC analysis** is essential for quality control, process optimization, or failure analysis. It makes it possible to fractionate copolymers, separate oligomers, and ensure the stability of finished products in demanding sectors:

**Plastics & Petrochemicals:** Verification of raw material compliance, degradation monitoring (chain scission), and crude oil analysis.

**Pharmaceuticals & Biotech:** Purity control of biopharmaceuticals, detection of protein aggregates, and vaccine validation.

**Chemicals & Food Processing:** Optimization of polymerization kinetics and precise separation of monomers.

 Which sectors are concerned by gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis?
Gel permeation chromatography analysis is widely used in various industries, including biopharmaceutical, food and beverage, petrochemical, and polymer industries. It is particularly useful for analyzing proteins or other biomolecules for pharmaceutical development or quality control purposes. Gel permeation chromatography can also be used to monitor process-related changes in polymers such as those found in adhesives and coatings. This technique can be used in the food industry to analyze additives and stabilizers or to monitor product shelf life. In the petrochemical industry, gel permeation chromatography is commonly used for oil analysis, fuel quality assessment, or oil spill detection. Finally, gel permeation chromatography can help researchers gain insights into product quality in the polymer industry.

 What are the benefits of the GPC / SEC method for your industrial projects?
The**GPC analysis or SEC analysis** delivers fast, reproducible results and unmatched precision for size resolution. It requires minimal sample preparation and adapts to a wide variety of matrices (crude oils, adhesives, paints, therapeutic proteins). It is a versatile and cost-effective method for monitoring critical quality attributes (CQA) in the plastics, pharmaceutical and petrochemical industries.

 Molecular mass by GPC, in a few words...
The **GPC molecular weight** is analyzed using **Steric Exclusion Chromatography**, which separates polymers according to their hydrodynamic size. This technique makes it possible to determine the **average molecular weight** and the **molecular weight distribution (PDI)** with precision. This is why, in chemistry, **GPC** remains a key technical method for characterizing polymers and optimizing their properties.

 What is the difference between GPC chromatography and standard HPLC?
Unlike HPLC analysis (High Performance Liquid Chromatography), which separates according to chemical interactions, GPC (or SEC) analysis separates solely based on molecule size. There is no interaction between the sample and the column.

 What is the difference between GPC analysis and SEC analysis?
**GPC and SEC actually refer to the same technology: steric exclusion chromatography.**The term **GPC** is more commonly used when **analyzing synthetic polymers** (plastics, resins, elastomers), and **SEC** when focusing on **proteins or biomolecules**. In both cases, the goal is to separate molecules according to their size in order to obtain reliable, tailored characterization, whether for polymers or biomolecules.

 What is the principle of gel exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC)?
Molecules are separated according to their size: the largest travel faster because they do not enter the gel pores, while the smallest penetrate these pores and take longer to elute.

 What is GPC / SEC analysis and what is its principle?
The **GPC analysis** and **SEC analysis** are based on a separation technique for molecules according to their hydrodynamic size. Unlike conventional methods, the **principle of the GPC method** consists of passing the sample through a porous stationary phase: large molecules are excluded from the pores and elute first, while smaller ones are slowed down as they pass through the porous network.

This technique is the benchmark for measuring molar mass distribution.

****

 What is the GPC method?
A chromatographic technique that separates molecules according to their size.

 What is SEC?
The same principle as GPC, but mainly applied to proteins and biomolecules.

 Why perform GPC / SEC analysis to characterize a material?
This analytical technique accurately determines the **average molecular weight** and the **polydispersity index (PDI)**, key data for validating a material's mechanical properties.

By coupling the analysis with a series of detectors (RI/UV concentration, RALS/LALS light scattering and viscometer), the FILAB laboratory makes it possible to access intrinsic viscosity as well as the branched structure of macromolecules.

 Why perform GPC analysis for your polymers?
A material's performance depends directly on its molecular structure. GPC analysis is an ideal analytical technique for controlling the mechanical and thermal properties of your polymers.

- Validate compliance: Check the average molar mass and polydispersity index (PDI) of your raw material batches.
- Understand failures: Identify the causes of premature breakage or brittleness (chain degradation, presence of oligomers).
- Optimize processing: Anticipate how the material will behave during injection molding or extrusion based on its molecular distribution.

FILAB expertise: Thanks to our high-performance analytical equipment, we carry out your GPC analysis across a wide range of solvents (aqueous or organic) to characterize your most advanced resins, elastomers and thermoplastics.

 Why perform SEC analysis for your biomolecules?
Essential for quality control and R&D, the [SEC analysis](https://filab.fr/en/our-technical-resources/laboratory-analysis-gpc-sec/size-exclusion-analysis.md) (Size Exclusion Chromatography) addresses three key challenges:

- **Purity control** : Identify and quantify the presence of monomers, dimers, or aggregates in your formulations.
- **Protein stability** : Evaluate the behavior of your biomolecules (antibodies, enzymes, peptides) over time, temperature, or pH.
- **Size determination**: Measure the hydrodynamic radius and molecular weight distribution with precision.

The FILAB advantage: Our experts combine SEC analysis with state-of-the-art detectors (UV, RI, light scattering) for absolute characterization, even on the most complex matrices.