Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC Solutions

Significance of the Topic

Gel permeation chromatography/size-exclusion chromatography (GPC/SEC) is a cornerstone technique for determining molecular weight distributions of polymers and biopolymers. Reliable measurement of polymer size and distribution informs material performance in industries ranging from plastics and coatings to biopharmaceuticals. Advances in instrumentation, column chemistries, detection methods, and software integration are essential to meet growing demands for sensitivity, throughput, and environmental sustainability in macromolecular analysis.

Study Objectives and Overview

This document presents Agilent’s InfinityLab GPC/SEC portfolio as a unified suite addressing diverse macromolecular analysis challenges. It highlights new systems for routine and high-temperature applications, advanced detectors, microscale and biocompatible options, a broad selection of columns and calibration standards, tailored software, and comprehensive service offerings. The goal is to streamline workflows, enhance data quality, and support sustainable laboratory practices.

Methodology

GPC/SEC separates analytes by hydrodynamic volume using columns packed with calibrated porous media. Key methodological components include:

• Isocratic mobile phase delivery with precision pumps ensuring stable flow rates even with high-viscosity and harsh solvents.
• Thermostatted column compartments for tight temperature control and reproducible retention times.
• Detection modalities such as refractive index (RI), ultraviolet (UV), evaporative light scattering (ELSD), multi-angle light scattering (MALS), and viscometry for absolute and relative molecular weight and conformational data.
• Microscale configurations using low-dispersion tubing and micro-volume detectors to reduce run times, solvent use, and sample requirements.
• High-temperature setups for engineering polymers using heated flow paths and sample prep modules to maintain solubility at elevated temperatures.

Instrumentation

Key systems within the InfinityLab portfolio include:

• 1260 Infinity II GPC/SEC System with high-precision pump, column thermostat, and RI detector for routine polymer analyses.
• 1260 Infinity II Multidetector GPC/SEC System combining RI, MALS, and viscometer for detailed macromolecular characterization.
• 1260 Infinity II Bio-SEC System featuring bio-inert flow paths for protein and biopolymer separations.
• 1290 Infinity II GPC/SEC System capable of up to 1,300 bar for analytical and microscale separations with ultralow dispersion.
• 1260 Infinity II High-Temperature GPC System and Sample Prep System for robust analysis of polyolefins at temperatures up to 220 °C, with ELSD and MALS detectors.

Main Results and Discussion

The portfolio demonstrates:

• Exceptional day-to-day retention time precision over 20 days with RSD below 0.1%.
• Baseline stability under high-temperature operation, with RI cell drift below 0.07% RSD.
• Flow precision within ±1% or 10 µL/min using GPC/SEC-Ready Kits in harsh solvents.
• Triple-detector setups yielding stable, low-noise signals for concentration and light scattering analyses.
• Microscale versus conventional RI detection producing consistent molecular weights (ratios near 1.0) while reducing solvent use.
• InfinityLab PlusPore columns achieving linear calibrations and sharp peak shapes, overcoming shear degradation and adsorption effects seen in serial column setups.
• High-temperature ELSD enabling detection of low-concentration UHMW polyolefins with sensitivity up to an order of magnitude greater than RI.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The integrated InfinityLab solution enhances laboratory efficiency by simplifying system setup, calibration, and data processing. High sensitivity and precision detectors extend capabilities to low-level biopolymers and complex engineering materials. Microscale options boost throughput and reduce solvent consumption by up to 70%. High-temperature systems enable safe, reproducible analysis of viscous polymer melts. Comprehensive services and sustainability certifications support long-term productivity and environmental goals.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include further miniaturization and automation for high-throughput screening, deeper integration of advanced detectors (e.g., mass spectrometry), and application of AI-driven data analysis. Continued development of eco-friendly workflows—such as green solvent alternatives and My Green Lab-verified instruments—will be critical to sustainable polymer analytics. Expanding bio-SEC phases and detectors will drive new insights in biologics and advanced materials.

Conclusion

Agilent InfinityLab GPC/SEC solutions provide a fully integrated platform for accurate, reproducible, and efficient macromolecular characterization. The portfolio’s modular design accommodates a wide range of applications, from routine QA/QC to cutting-edge research in polymer science and biopharma. With robust hardware, specialized columns, comprehensive software, and dedicated services, InfinityLab GPC/SEC systems help laboratories optimize performance, reduce costs, and advance sustainable practices.