Polyacrylamide using Acclaim SEC-300 vs. Acclaim SEC-1000

Significance of the topic

The analysis of polymeric thickeners and antimicrobial surfactants is essential for quality control in pharmaceutical and personal care industries. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) provides precise molecular weight distribution and purity assessment, supporting the development and manufacturing of safe, effective consumer products.

Objectives and Overview of the study

This application note demonstrates and compares the performance of two SEC columns, Acclaim SEC-300 (4.6 × 300 mm, 3 μm) and Acclaim SEC-1000 (3.0 × 150 mm, 3 μm), for simultaneous separation of a 10 kDa polyacrylamide polymer and cetylpyridinium surfactant. Key goals include evaluating resolution, sensitivity, and compatibility with conductivity detection using Acclaim Surfactant Plus chemistry.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employed a Thermo Scientific Dionex ICS-3000 ion chromatography system configured with Acclaim Surfactant Plus columns. Instrument and method parameters included:

• Columns: Acclaim SEC-300 (4.6 × 300 mm, 3 μm) and Acclaim SEC-1000 (3.0 × 150 mm, 3 μm)
• Mobile phases: A – Acetonitrile; B – 100 mM formic acid; C – water
• Flow rate: 0.35 mL/min (SEC-300) or 0.50 mL/min (SEC-1000)
• Column temperature: 30 °C (SEC-300) or 25 °C (SEC-1000)
• Injection volume: 5 μL
• Detection: UV absorbance at 220 nm and suppressed conductivity (Dionex CSRS 300 suppressor, external water 1.0 mL/min, 8 mA)

Main Results and Discussion

Both columns achieved clear separation of polyacrylamide (MW 10,000 Da) and cetylpyridinium with sharp peaks and minimal interference. The SEC-300 column offered broader separation range and improved polymer resolution, while the SEC-1000 column provided faster analysis time with comparable peak quality. Conductivity detection with blank subtraction enhanced sensitivity toward the cationic surfactant.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This SEC method enables simultaneous quality control of polymeric thickeners and antimicrobial agents in formulations such as mouthwash and contact lens solutions. The robust peak shapes and interference-free detection support routine analytics in R&D and QC laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

Advancements may include coupling SEC with high-resolution mass spectrometry for structural characterization and adopting monolithic or core–shell columns to reduce analysis time. Integration with automated workflows and microfluidic platforms could further enhance throughput and sample economy.

Conclusion

The comparison of Acclaim SEC-300 and SEC-1000 columns demonstrates versatile and reliable SEC methods for polymer and surfactant analysis. The use of Acclaim Surfactant Plus chemistry with conductivity suppression delivers high sensitivity and resolution, catering to diverse analytical needs in quality control.

References

Thermo Fisher Scientific PB20627_E 10/12 and PB20713_E 01/13