Kd is the ratio of inner volume available for an analyte and it is independent to the column geometry or length. As per relationship given in Eq 32.3, three different type of analytes are possible:

1. Analyte with Kd=0 , or Ve=Vo, these analytes will be completely excluded from the column.

2. Analyte with Kd=1 or Ve=Vo+Vi, these analytes will be completely in the pore of the column.

3. Analyte with Kd>1 , in this situation analyte will adsorb to the column matrix.

 

Figure 32.3: A typical Gel Filtration Chromatogram.

Choice of matrix for gel filtration chromatography- The choice of the column depends on the range of molecular weight and the pressure limit of the operating equipment. A list of popular gel filtration column matrix with the fractionation range are given in Table 32.1.