What are the applications of size-exclusion chromatography?

The primary application of size-exclusion chromatography is to purify biological macromolecules. Viruses, enzymes, proteins, antibodies, nucleic acids, and hormones are all able to be separated and purified when using this technique. It is also used for the separation between large molecules from small molecules. Additionally, SEC can be used to determine the MW and MW distribution of natural and synthetic polymers. SEC can also be used to separate folded, from non-folded macromolecules. Additionally, it is generally used for the separation of molecules between 0.5 and 1000 kDa in size, but larger molecules may also be separated using this method.