Quantitative Nanoparticle Organ Disposition by Gel Permeation Chromatography

Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) also known as size exclusion chromatography (SEC) is a highly valuable tool for the purification, separation, and characterization of synthetic and natural polymers. In this technique, the analyte (usually a polymer) is dissolved in a suitable solvent and is injected into columns made of porous inert material. The columns separate the analyte based on its hydrodynamic size rather than the molecular weight. GPC systems typically have an RI detector, UV detector, or light scattering unit attached to the columns. With advanced detection systems coupled to the GPC, we can obtain important information about polymers including their molecular weight distribution, average molecular mass, degree of branching in the polymers, etc. In addition to the separation of polymers, GPC allows for the separation of enzymes, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and hormones. With regards to nanotoxicity, GPC can be used for the quantitative determination of tissue deposition of polymer nanoparticles after in vivo exposure. Understanding the organ specific exposure to a nanomaterial is helpful in choosing appropriate toxicity assays, interpreting data from other toxicity assessments, and in determining potential risk.