Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) Columns

Precision Molecular Separation for Proteins, Peptides, Antibodies, LNPs, Nucleic Acids, and Viral Vectors

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), also known as gel filtration, is a chromatographic technique that separates molecules in solution based on size. Unlike other separation modes, SEC doesn’t rely on chemical interactions. Molecules are separated as they travel through a column packed with porous particles. Larger molecules elute faster first, while smaller ones diffuse into the pores and elute later.

YMC’s SEC column technologies are designed for high resolution, low nonspecific adsorption, and reproducibility you can count on, whether you’re analyzing therapeutic antibodies or profiling complex biomolecules.

Compare Our SEC Column Options

YMC offers two powerful product lines for size exclusion chromatography, each designed to deliver precise molecular weight separation with minimal sample interaction. Whether you’re performing general-purpose biomolecule profiling or high-resolution mAb aggregate analysis, our columns provide the reliability and performance needed for both R&D and QC environments. Use the table below to compare specifications and find the best fit for your workflow.

Product Name	Phase	Particle Size (µm)	Pore Size (Å)	USP	pH Range
YMC-Pack Diol & Diol-HG	Dihydroxypropyl	2, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50	60, 120, 200, 300	L20, L33, L59	5-7.5
YMC-SEC MAB	Dihydroxypropyl	3	250	L20, L59	5-7.5

YMC SEC Product Lines

YMC-Pack Diol / Diol-HG

High-performance SEC columns with dihydroxypropyl-bonded silica for a wide molecular weight range

Available in 4 pore sizes: 60 Å to 300 Å
Particle sizes from 2 µm to 50 µm
Molecular weight range: 1,000 to 1,000,000 Da
Excellent for proteins, peptides, oligosaccharides, and antibodies
HG series offers tighter particle/pore distributions and improved mechanical strength

YMC-SEC MAB

Purpose-built for monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and fragment analysis

Silica-based with optimized surface treatment to minimize nonspecific adsorption
Wide MW range: 10 kDa to 700 kDa
Excellent peak shape and aggregate resolution
Trusted in mAb QC workflows for aggregate/fragment separation

How Size Exclusion Chromatography Works

Size exclusion chromatography uses a packed bed of porous silica or polymer particles. Molecules are sorted by how much they interact with the pore network:

Larger molecules such as proteins and mAbs are too big to enter most pores and elute quickly
Intermediate molecules enter some pores and elute in between
Smaller molecules such as most pharma drugs diffuse deeply into the pore structure and elute last

Because SEC operates without ionic or hydrophobic interactions, it’s ideal for sensitive biomolecules and QC environments where sample integrity matters.

When to Use SEC

Size exclusion chromatography is widely used in:

Pharmaceutical QC Bio – Analyze monoclonal antibody monomers, dimers, and aggregates
Protein and Biomolecule Analysis – Assess structural integrity and molecular weight distribution
Aggregate and Fragment Analysis – Detect and quantify high molecular weight aggregates or low molecular weight fragments in biologics
Protein Characterization – Study protein size, complexes, and degradation
Peptide/Oligosaccharide Analysis – Separate by molecular weight without chemical interference
Desalting and Buffer Exchange – Remove small buffer components from larger biomolecules

Why Choose YMC for SEC?

Tailored for Biomolecules

From proteins to antibodies, YMC columns offer size-based separation without unwanted interactions.

Mechanical Strength & Reproducibility

HG-series resins feature narrow pore and particle distributions for reliable scale-up and long life.

Low Non-Specific Adsorption

Especially critical in mAb analysis, YMC-SEC MAB maintains peak integrity without sample loss.

Multiple Particle and Pore Sizes

Fine-tune resolution and flow properties based on your molecule’s weight and sample matrix.

Scalable Options

Available in analytical and preparative formats to support your full workflow.

Size Exclusion Chromatography FAQs

Q: What’s the difference between Diol and Diol-HG columns?

Diol-HG (High Grade) offers improved mechanical stability and tighter particle/pore distribution, resulting in better column performance and longer lifespans.

Q: What is the molecular weight range of YMC’s SEC columns?

YMC-Pack Diol handles molecular weights from 1,000 to 1,000,000 Da. YMC-SEC MAB is optimized for 10 kDa to 700 kDa.

Q: Can these columns be used with buffers?

Yes. YMC SEC columns are compatible with typical aqueous mobile phases used in biomolecule analysis.

Q: Are these columns suitable for analytical QC of biologics?

Yes. YMC-SEC MAB is specifically designed for quality control of therapeutic antibodies and related biomolecules.

Ready to Improve Your SEC Workflow?

Our chromatography specialists can help you choose the best column for your molecule size, method, and resolution goals. Whether you’re analyzing peptides, proteins, or mAbs, YMC offers precision and consistency you can trust.