Application Compendium - ANALYSIS OF POLYMERS BY GPC/SEC PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Application Compendium

ANALYSIS OF POLYMERS BY GPC/SEC

PHARMACEUTICAL APPLICATIONS

Verified for Agilent
1260 Infinity 

GPC/SEC System

2

Contents                                       

Investigating polymers used by the pharmaceutical industry ..............3 

Binders ...............................................................................................5

Polyvinylpyrrolidone..............................................................................5
Polyethylene glycol ..............................................................................7
Pectin ...................................................................................................9
Chitosan .............................................................................................11

Methyl cellulose .................................................................................12 

Coatings ..........................................................................................13

Gelatin ................................................................................................13

Cellulose acetate ...............................................................................14 

Disintegrants ..................................................................................15

Carboxymethyl cellulose ....................................................................15
Cyclodextrin .......................................................................................16 
Drug delivery ..................................................................................18
Polycaprolactam ................................................................................18
Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) ..................................................................19

Suspending or viscosity-increasing .........................................21

Hydroxyethyl cellulose .......................................................................21
More Agilent solutions for polymer excipients ..................................23
GPC/SEC system configurations ........................................................24

The most important characteristic of a polymer is its molecular weight distribution because this determines how the 

polymer behaves in end use.
GPC/SEC is the only established technique to deliver a comprehensive understanding of a polymers molecular weight 

distribution. Agilent’s rich range of GPC/SEC columns, calibrants, instruments and software characterize all types of 

synthetic and biomolecular polymers, with options for conventional GPC all the way up to complex determinations using 

multicolumn and multidetection methods.

Over 35 years of industry-leading solutions for characterizing 

and separating polymers by GPC/SEC

A comprehensive portfolio of industry-leading columns and 

calibrants

A full lineup of instruments and software, for accurate polymer 

analysis

24/7 worldwide technical support

Unsurpassed global logistics for on-time delivery of critical 

supplies

Providing you access to a full-circle partner 

you can trust, Agilent delivers:

This compendium contains Agilent GPC/SEC applications for the analysis of polymers used in the pharmaceutical 

industry. It covers the analysis of polymers used for binders, coatings, disintegrants, drug delivery, and suspending or 

viscosity-increasing.

3

Polymer excipients are widely used in the manufacture of 

pharmaceuticals because of their recognised value as binders, 

colorants, processing agents, and disintegrants, among others.
Traditionally, these compounds were inactive substances used in 

pharmaceutical and personal care formulations to carry active 

ingredients. At their most basic, polymers were employed to make 

a drug tablet or capsule large enough to be easily handled, because 

the active ingredient was present in small quantities. Thus a common 

painkiller may contain 80 percent or more inert filler. Other drug 

polymers ease the administration or uptake of active ingredients, or 

make them more palatable, or add color to aid identification. As well 

as these patient-friendly attributes, polymer excipients can be used 

during manufacturing to assist handling of the active ingredient, for 

example by preventing it sticking to machinery or degrading during 

processing or storage. Many compound classes are used for these 

functions, including synthetic and natural polymers, saccharides, and 

proteins. However, similar compounds may have different functions 

in different formulations. Thus, carboxymethyl cellulose is used as a 

binder, a suspending agent, and a disintegrant. 
In the past, these pharmacologically inactive compounds were 

thought of as cheap and inert substances whose sole purpose was 

to carry active ingredients. However, it is now recognized that they 

can influence the rate and extent of uptake of actives, and lead to 

adverse or hypersensitive reactions when consumed. Moreover, 

there is a move away from synthetic polymer additives, for which it 

may be problematic to obtain regulatory approval, towards ‘natural’ 

compounds that are potentially less toxic, more easily accessible, 

cheaper, and more acceptable to consumers in this age of health 

scares associated with synthetic products.

The value of polymer excipients has therefore led to extensive 

research by the pharmaceutical industry to improve their efficacy. This 

list shows some of these compounds released since 2006.
•  Modified excipients - Polyplasdone Ultra (ISP), Lμtrol micro 68 

& 127; Kollidon CL-F & CL-SF (all BASF), Swelstar MX 1 (Asahi 

Kasei), GalenIQ 721 (Palatinit)

•  Co-processed excipients - Spectrablend HS (Sensient), Prosolv 

ODT (JRS), Ludiflash (BASF), Aquarius (Ashland), Avicel DG 

(FMC), Sepitrap (Seppic), Starcap 1500 (Colorcon)

•  Novel excipients - Solutol HS 15, Soluplus, Kollicoat Smartseal 

30 D (all BASF), Spress B818 Pregelatinized Corn Starch NF 

(Grain Processing Corporation)

The exact nature and formulation of many additives are trade 

secrets. However, commercial confidentiality has quality implications 

for drug companies when using these compounds, particularly 

because of new regulatory requirements. For example, under ICH 

M4Q (Quality)1, novel excipients now require characterization of 

their functionality (pharmaceutical assessment and drug delivery 

properties) and physicochemistry (physicochemical properties and 

impurities).

1

 The Common Technical Document for the Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use: Quality - M4Q(R1). International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical 

Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use. Geneva, Switzerland.

Investigating polymers used by the pharmaceutical industry

4

Quality by design for pharma
The Quality by Design (QbD) concept was developed by J. M. Juran 

over the past 20 years. Juran’s approach focused on planning 

for quality as part of the manufacturing process, i.e. establishing 

processes at the outset in such a way that quality problems were 

designed out. In effect, product development was based on quality 

risk management. QbD was taken up by the US Food and Drug 

Administration in 20022 and continues to be refined. The ongoing 

need for QbD in the pharmaceutical industry is suggested by a 300 

percent increase in pharma product recalls from 2008 to 2009. 

Some of these recalls may have been caused by problems with 

excipients. However, manufacturers of these compounds may only 

provide material safety data sheets to end users, with no information 

on characterization. This obviously has implications for pharma 

companies using QbD because quality requires a good understanding 

of the characteristics of all the components of a medicine. 

2 

Pharmaceutical Quality for the 21st Century - A Risk-Based Approach. USFDA.

Agilent has a long history of involvement in the analysis of 

polymer excipients by gel permeation chromatography (GPC, also 

known as size exclusion chromatography, SEC). Gel permeation 

chromatography is an important technique for assessing the 

molecular weight distribution of polymers, because molecular weight 

influences many of their physical characteristics. Thus a molecular 

weight distribution higher or lower than required suggests that the 

compound will not behave as required in end use.
This publication includes a wide range of applications that illustrate 

the performance of Agilent solutions for polymer excipient analysis. 

Although the main focus is on GPC/SEC, other applications 

highlight HPLC, gradient polymer elution chromatography and liquid 

chromatography under critical conditions.

5

Polyvinylpyrrolidone
Excipient polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) has has been used in more than 

one hundred drugs. It is available in three forms; soluble povidone, 

insoluble crosslinked crospovidone, and copovidone, a water-soluble 

copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone and vinyl acetate. Although povidone is 

mainly used as a tablet binder, it is also employed as a dissolving and 

flow assistant, dispersant, and stabilizer for heat-sensitive actives. 

Crospovidone is a solubilizer with superdisintegrant properties, used 

for dispersing solid oral pharmaceuticals after ingestion to increase 

the rate of absorption. Copovidone is also a tablet binder, used for 

wet and dry granulation.
Povidone is soluble in polar organics and water. In this example, 

dimethyl formamide (DMF) is used with lithium bromide to minimize 

any polyelectrolyte effects. The response in DMF is relatively small 

using an RI detector. Polyvinyl pyrrolidone can be chromatographed 

successfully with Agilent PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B columns (Figure 1).

10

17

min

10                                                                  min                                                          17

Columns:  2 x PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B, 7.5 x 300 mm  

(Part No. PL1110-6100)

Eluent: 

DMF + 0.1% LiBr

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Temp: 

70 °C

System:  

1260 Infinity GPC/SEC System (RI)

Figure 1. Analysis of polyvinylpyrrolidone using Agilent PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B columns

Binders
Polymer binders hold tablets together. They add mechanical strength so that tablets do not 

disintegrate during manufacture, transport, storage or handling. Binders also add bulk to 

low doses of active ingredient.

6

As mentioned on page 5, polyvinylpyrrolidone is soluble in aqueous 

solvents as well as polar organics. Figure 3 shows the distribution of a 
broad distribution sample, as expected with this type of material.

Columns:   Agilent PL aquagel-OH 60 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6860) 

PL aquagel-OH 50 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6850)

Eluent: 

0.2 M NaNO

3 + 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at pH 3

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp:  

50 °C

Detector: RI

0

3

0

1

min

10                                                                  min                                                        30

Figure 3. Raw data chromatogram of a broad-distribution polyvinyl pyrrolidone in an 

aqueous solvent with Agilent PL aquagel-OH columns

Polyvinylpyrrolidone is also used in personal care products. In this 

example, PVP was a constituent of a soap formulation, soluble in the 

polar eluent, dimethylacetamide (DMAc). It was successfully analyzed 

using PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B columns (Figure 2). A broad peak was 

obtained, typical of a polydisperse sample.

Columns:   3 x PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1110-6100)

Eluent:  

DMAc + 0.5 % LiBr

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Loading:   0.2 % w/v, 100 µL

Temp:  

60 °C

System:  

1260 Infinity GPC/SEC System (RI)

15                                                               min                                                            24  

Figure 2. Polyvinylpyrrolidone on an Agilent PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B three-column set

7

Polyethylene glycol is widely used in pharmaceutical and consumer-

care products. Lower-molecular-weight types are employed as 

solvents in liquids and soft capsules. Solid PEGS are used as ointment 

bases, binders, film coatings, and lubricants.
Liquid chromatography under critical conditions (LCCC), or critical 

point chromatography, is a technique used to investigate very small 

differences between the chemical structures of polymers such as 

PEGs. These differences could arise through the use of co-monomers 

or through the introduction of end-group functionality. Traditional 

interactive chromatographic techniques are often insensitive to small 

changes in structure and critical point chromatography has become 

the method of choice for these analyses. 
In gel permeation chromatography, large molecules elute before small 

molecules due to the exclusion from the porous packing material. 

Conversely, in interactive chromatography, large molecules elute 

after small molecules as they interact with the packing material in the 

column to a greater extent. The critical point is defined as the eluent 

conditions that promote a balance between SEC and interactive 

mechanisms such that molecules elute at the same retention time 

regardless of MW. At the critical point small changes in chemistry 

such as type of end-group can cause big changes in elution behavior.
LCCC is useful for the analysis of polyethylene glycol that had been 

modified with amine end groups. The structure of original and 

modified PEG materials is shown in Figure 4.

Polyethylene glycol - by liquid chromatography under critical conditions

Figure 4. Structure of original (upper) and modified (lower) polyethylene glycol

Critical point conditions for PEG were established by analyzing 

a series of PEG narrow standards of different molecular weights 

using different isocratic combinations of acetonitrile and water. The 

analysis of PEG by GPC/SEC is so well understood that it is commonly 

employed as a standard for calibrating the columns used in these 

techniques. Figure 5 shows chromatograms of the standards in SEC 

and reversed phase mode, and at the critical point where elution is 

independent of molecular weight.

0.0 

     0.6 

            1.2                     1.8                       2.4 

         3.0 

ACN/water

PEG 22,800 g/mol

PEG 8,500 g/mol

PEG 960 g/mol

min

SEC     

70% ACN

Critical point 

49% ACN

Reversed-phase 

40% ACN

Figure 5. Polyethylene glycol analyzed by SEC and reversed phase to reveal the 

critical point

8

Before adding the acid, one peak was observed at total permeation 

(corresponding to unmodified PEG) and two peaks were observed 

eluting in interactive mode (after total permeation of the column). The 

two peaks eluting in interactive mode were assigned as the mono- 

and diamine end-group-modified PEGs. Based on the peak areas, the 

ratio of components was assigned as 8% PEG, 45% monoamine and 

47% diamine. Adding hydrochloric acid changed the elution to SEC 

mode (elution before the PEG peak), indicating the sensitivity of the 

chromatography to sample chemistry at critical conditions.

Figure 6 shows a chromatogram of the amine-modified PEG material, 

before and after neutralization of the amine functionality with 

hydrochloric acid. 

Diamine

Mono amine

Critical point for

PEG

PEG-amine

PEG-amine HCI 

salt

HCI

SEC mode

PEG 

(8%)

Mono amine (45%)

Diamine (47%)

0 

     2 

            4                     6                          8 

          10 

min

Figure 6. Amine-modified polyethylene glycol before (lower) and after (upper) 

neutralization with hydrochloric acid

Column: 

Agilent PLRP-S 100Å 5 µm, 4.6 x 150 mm 

(Part No. PL111-3500)

Eluent: 

49% Acetonitrile in water

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Inj Vol:  

20 µL

Detector:   1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector

The Agilent 1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (left) and 1290 Infinity 

Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (right)

9

Pectin
Pectin is a natural product used for coating capsules. It is produced 

from plant raw materials such as apple, citrus and beet. The extracts 

are processed to derive pectins with specific properties. Although 

pectin chemical composition is key to its application, rheological 

behavior is critical to performance, and determination of the 

molecular weight distribution can help to predict rheological behavior. 

Size exclusion chromatography and Agilent PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 

8 µm columns are ideal for resolving pectins. With their wide 

molecular weight resolving range (up to 10 million g/mol relative to 

PEO/PEG) and high efficiency (>35,000 plates/meter), PL aquagel-

OH MIXED-H 8 µm are the columns of choice for this application. 
Pectin samples were prepared at 2 mg/mL, left to fully dissolve 

overnight and filtered through a 0.45 µm membrane. The column 

set was calibrated with narrow pullulan standards and, therefore, all 

molecular weight values quoted are relative to these. The calibration 

curve is shown is Figure 7. 

Log M

11.7                                                        min                                                   17.6

Mp 1,600,000

Mp 788,000

Mp 212,000

Mp 47,300

Mp 11,800

Mp 667

Figure 7. Pullulan standard calibration curve for the Agilent PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 

8 µm column

Columns:  2 x PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6800)  

Eluent: 

0.2 M NaNO

3 + 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at pH 7

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp:  

50 °C

Detector: RI

D

C

B

A

5                                                                    min                                                         20

Figure 8. Chromatograms of four pectin samples on Agilent PL aquagel-OH MIXED 

columns

Raw-data chromatograms for the pectin samples are illustrated in 

Figure 8.

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10

Overlaid molecular weight distribution plots are shown in Figure 9.

dw/dlogM

2                                                            log M                                                        8

A

B C D

Figure 9. Molecular weight distributions of four pectins

Columns:  2 x PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6800)  

Eluent: 

0.2 M NaNO

3 + 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at pH 7

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp:  

50 °C

Detector: RI

Unlike the other samples, sample D exhibits a strong, positive peak 

around total permeation. This sample is a slow-setting grade and 

contains buffer salts added to modify its properties.  Molecular 

weight averages for the samples are given in Table 1. 

Sample Molecular weight average

Polydispersity (Mw/Mn)

Mn

Mw

A

6,520

17,560

2.7

B

21,720

88,480

4.1

C

67,980

243,120

3.6

D

128,360

459,990

3.6

Table 1. Molecular weight averages and polydispersity for four pectin samples

The samples vary in molecular weight and in polydispersity (Mw/

Mn).
The wide molecular weight operating range of PL aquagel-OH 

MIXED-H 8 µm columns makes them particularly suited to the 

analysis of water soluble polymers with intermediate to high 

molecular weight. The use of a simple buffer solution as the eluent 

for the analysis of pectins reduces interaction between the sample 

and the columns, ensuring that good chromatography is obtained.

11

Chitosan
Chitosan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide made by alkaline 

N-deacetylation of chitin, which is believed to be the second most 

abundant biomaterial after cellulose. The term chitosan does not refer 

to a uniquely defined compound, but just to a family of copolymers 

with various fractions of acetylated units containing chitin and 

chitosan monomers. The main interest in chitosan derives from its 

cationic nature in acidic solutions, which provides unique properties 

relative to other polysaccharides that are usually neutral or negatively 

charged. Pharmaceutical applications of chitosan include tablet 

compression, disintegration, and dissolution, and as a controlled 

release agent.
GPC/SEC can be used as a quality control tool for the determination 

of Mw and molecular weight distribution of chitosan, and so three 

grades of chitosan were analyzed using a column set comprising 2 x 

Agilent PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 8 µm columns. Due to the cationic 

nature of the samples, they were prepared in strong acid and allowed 

to stand overnight to aid dissolution. The samples were then analyzed 

in 0.5 M sodium nitrate buffer and at low pH. The system was 

calibrated with narrow pullulan polysaccharide standards, also from 

Agilent Technologies.
An example calibration curve for the PL aquagel-OH MIXED 8 µm 

columns using pullulan standards is shown in Figure 7 (page 9).
Raw-data chromatograms and weight average molecular weight 

values (Mw) for the three chitosan samples are shown in Figure 10. 

Marked imbalance peaks (unequal positive and negative peaks) were 

observed on the RI due to the fact that the samples were prepared in 

strong acid for dissolution. 
The subtle differences in molecular weight revealed in this analysis 

are sufficient to change the behavior of the three chitosan samples in 

end-use application.

Columns:  2 x PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6800)

Eluent: 

0.5 M NaNO

3 + 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at pH 2

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Temp:  

50 °C

Detector: RI

A (Mw 367,600)

B (Mw 385,800)

C (Mw 449,350)

5                                                                   min                                                          20

Imbalance peaks on DRI as samples are 

prepared in strong acid for dissolution

Figure 10. Raw-data chromatograms and molecular weight averages of three 

chitosan samples

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12

This polymer is a cellulose derivative used as a dry binder, added 

during direct powder compression or after wet granulation. Methyl 

cellulose is also employed as a treatment for constipation. Two 

samples of methyl cellulose were analyzed by SEC using PL aquagel-

OH columns. The calculated molecular weight averages were 

compared with manufacturers’ viscosity values. Calibration was done 

using Agilent pullulan polysaccharide standards. Figure 11 shows 

the raw-data chromatograms for the two methyl celluloses. A good 

correlation between viscosity and molecular weight averages was 

obtained, as shown in Table 2. 

Methyl cellulose

Columns:  PL aquagel-OH 60 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6860) 

PL aquagel-OH 40 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6840)

Eluent: 

0.05 M NaH

2PO4 + 0.25 M NaCl at pH 7

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp:  

50 °C

Detector: RI

Methyl cellulose sample
A

B

Viscosity range (cps)

85 to 115

4,000 to 6,000

Mn

131,000

484,000

Mw

369,000

1,023,000

Mz

691,000

1,884,000

Table 2. Viscosity and molecular weight ranges of two samples of methyl cellulose

dw/dlogM

  4                                                             log M                                       6

0.5

0.0

Figure 11. Raw-data chromatograms for two methyl celluloses on an 

Agilent PL aquagel-OH column set 

13

Gelatin
Size exclusion chromatography of gelatin yields critical molecular 

weight information upon which the physical properties of the polymer 

(such as the setting properties) depend. Linear PL aquagel-OH 

MIXED-H 8 µm columns were used in this investigation. The use of a 

simple buffer solution as the eluent for the analysis of gelatins reduces 

interaction between the sample and the columns, ensuring that good 

chromatography is obtained.
Light scattering was used for detection because the technique 

provides absolute molecular weight without the need for column 

calibration.
The eluent was prepared as a buffer with its pH adjusted by the 

addition of 0.1 M NaOH. The sample was accurately prepared as 

1.0 mg/mL solutions in the eluent. The light scattering detector was 

first calibrated using an Agilent pullulan polysaccharide standard. The 

standard was Mp 186,000, prepared at 1.0 mg/mL. From the known 

concentration, Mp and dn/dc of the calibrant, the detector constants 

and inter-detector volume for the system were calculated.
From the refractive index chromatogram, dn/dc could be calculated 

as the gelatin sample was prepared at known concentration. This 

value of dn/dc was then used to calculate a bulk Mw value from the 

90° to the 15° light scattering data. 
The RI and light scattering data was also used to perform an SEC 

slice-by-slice molecular weight calculation for the gelatin sample 

using both LS signals. The bulk Mw values were 174,000 (90°), 

189,850 (15°) and 184,800 (SEC). 
Figure 12 shows the RI and the 90° and 15° light scattering data for 

the gelatin. 

Columns:    2 x PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

  (Part No. PL1149-6800)

Eluent: 

  Water + 0.2 M NaNO

3 + 0.01 M NaH2PO4 at pH 7 

Flow Rate:     1.0 mL/min 

Instrument:     1260 Infinity Multi-Detector GPC/SEC System, isocratic pump, manual  

                       injector, with dual-angle light scattering detector, DRI

0                                                          min                                               22 

-2                                                        

18                                                       

index of refraction (mv)

Dual-angle light scattering 

response

Differential refractive 

index response

Figure 12. Refractive index, and 90° and 15° light scattering data for gelatin, on an 

Agilent PL aquagel-OH MIXED-H two-column set

Coatings
Solid-dose pharmaceuticals are often coated with thin layers of polymer to protect the 

drug, prevent premature disintegration of the tablet, modify release of the active ingredient, 

or even to provide a substrate for product labelling or identification. Gelatin is one of the 

oldest and most commonly used coatings.

Light scattering detection is more sensitive to higher molecular 

weight species and so the 90° and 15° light scattering 

chromatograms placed more emphasis on high molecular weight 

material than the RI chromatogram. The RI chromatogram also 

contained a negative peak due to compositional differences between 

the sample, solvent and eluent, which was not observed by light 

scattering.
 

14

Cellulose acetate
Cellulose is esterified with acetyl, butyryl or phthalate radicals to form 

a mixed ester that is used as a slow-release coating for capsules and 

tablets. Cellulose acetate is soluble in a limited number of solvents. 

Here, dissolution was achieved in dimethylacetamide after gentle 

heating and stirring of the sample solution. 

Columns:   3 x PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1110-6100)

Eluent:  

DMAc + 0.5 % LiBr

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Loading:   0.2 % w/v, 100 µL

Temp: 

60 °C

System: 

1260 Infinity GPC/SEC System (RI)

15

25

min

15                                                                min                                                            25

Figure 13. Analysis of cellulose acetate using Agilent PLgel 10 µm MIXED-B columns

The Agilent 1260 Infinity GPC/SEC System

15

Carboxymethyl cellulose
Size exclusion chromatography can be used to reveal slight 

differences in the molecular size profiles of water soluble 

polymers that are within the same viscosity grade. Polymers such 

as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) may have different physical 

characteristics due to the variation in the molecular weight of the 

material. Agilent PL aquagel-OH 40 8 µm and  PL aquagel-OH 60 

8 µm columns are ideal for distinguishing fine variations in CMC 

molecular weights, because they combine low exclusion limit, high 

pore volume and high column efficiency (>35,000 plates/meter) for 

maximum resolution. 
In this case, two different versions of PL aquagel-OH were connected 

in series to cover a molecular weight range from 104 to 107. Column 

calibration was achieved using pullulan standards, also from Agilent.
Figure 14 shows the slight differences in molecular weights of three 

carboxymethyl celluloses that lie within the same viscosity range.

Columns:  PL aquagel-OH 60 8 μm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6860)

1 x PL aquagel-OH 40 8 μm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6840)

Eluent: 

0.5 M Na

2SO4

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Detector: RI

                                5                             log M                                           7 

0.0                                            

0.3

dw/dlogM

Figure 14. Raw-data chromatograms produced by Agilent PL aquagel-OH columns, 

showing slight differences in the Mw of three carboxymethyl celluloses lying within the 

same viscosity range

Disintegrants
Disintegrants such as carboxymethyl cellulose expand and dissolve when wet, causing 

tablets to break apart and release the active ingredient. Disintegrants can be modified, or 

different disintegrants combined, so that the tablet dissolves over a period of time to deliver 

slow release of the active ingredient.

16

Cyclodextrins - by reversed-phase HPLC
Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides, typically composed 

of 6, 7 or 8 glucose units, or α-, β- or γ-cyclodextrin, respectively. 

Their shape resembles a shortened cone with a relatively hydrophobic 

cavity and a hydrophilic exterior. The structure of cyclodextrins allows 

them to interact with appropriately sized molecules to form inclusion 

complexes. Such behavior has been recognized by the pharmaceutical 

industry, where CDs are used in drug delivery to modify the 

physiochemical properties of the target drug.
Cyclodextrins are commonly used with hydrophobic drug molecules 

to improve the target compound’s solubility, stability, bioavailability 

and dissolution. The type of cyclodextrin determines the extent of 

modification to the molecule’s properties. In addition, the choice 

of the cyclodextrin used will depend on the requirements of the 

dosage form, and route of delivery, as well as the solubilizing capacity 

needed to carry the drug load. The use of cyclodextrins to facilitate 

the dissolution of hydrophobic drugs provides a drug delivery system 

capable of enabling the development of drugs otherwise discounted 

from development due to their insolubility. Consequently, their 

characterization is of great importance within the pharmaceutical 

sector.
HPLC analysis of cyclodextrins is difficult because they do not possess 

a UV chromophore, and gradient elution is often required, making RI 

detection impractical. Evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) 

provides a beneficial alternative for the determination of cyclodextrins 

because it is not dependent on a compound’s optical properties. For 

this reason ELSD is often referred to as a ‘universal’ detector. 
The ability of the 1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector 

to detect any compound that is less volatile than the mobile 

phase facilitates the detection of components of pharmaceutical 

formulations in a single chromatogram. The Agilent ELSD is also 

capable of operating at the low temperatures typically required for 

pharmaceutical compounds, because its operating temperature is 

independent of the mobile phase.
The benefits of ELS detection are highlighted in Figure 15 for the 

analysis of a pharmaceutical formulation containing cyclodextrins and 

an active drug compound, ibuprofen. 

Column: 

C18 5 µm, 4.6 x 150 mm 

Eluent A:   Water

Eluent B:   Acetonitrile

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Inj Vol: 

20 µL

Gradient:   50 to 95% B in 5 min

Detector:   1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (neb=30 °C,                     

                     evap=50 °C, gas=1.0 SLM)

0                                                                    min                                                          12 

1

2

3

Agilent ELSD

UV, 221 nm

Figure 15. The presence of cyclodextrins revealed by Agilent ELS detection

Peak identification

1. α-Cyclodextrin

2. β-Cyclodextrin

3. Ibuprofen

17

The low temperature advantage of the Agilent ELSD is demonstrated 

in Figure 16 with the same formulation. Operating the instrument at 

30 °C provides the true composition of the sample mixture. However, 

at a temperature of 50 °C, loss of the semi-volatile ibuprofen occurs, 

which underestimates the concentration of the active drug. Therefore, 

the Agilent ELSD can provide the true composition of pharmaceutical 

formulations in a single chromatogram. 

Column: 

C18 5 µm, 4.6 x 150 mm 

Eluent A:   Water

Eluent B:   Acetonitrile

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Inj Vol: 

20 µL

Gradient:   50 to 95% B in 5 min

Detector:   1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector (neb=30 °C,                     

                     evap=50 °C, gas=1.0 SLM)

1 2

3

0                                                                   min                                                           12

50 °C

30 °C

Figure 16. Low temperature operation of the Agilent ELSD shows the true 

concentration of a pharmaceutical formulation

The Agilent ELSD reveals the true composition of cyclodextrin and 

ibuprofen due to its sensitivity to compounds that possess weak or 

no UV chromophores. The instrument surpasses other ELSDs for low 

temperature HPLC applications with semivolatile compounds. Its 

innovative design represents the next generation of ELSD technology, 

providing optimum performance across a diverse range of HPLC 

applications.

Peak identification

1. α-Cyclodextrin

2. β-Cyclodextrin

3. Ibuprofen

18

Polycaprolactam
Polycaprolactam is a well-known polymer that biodegrades by 

enzymatic cleavage of ester bonds under conditions found within 

the human body. Introducing an active drug contained in a matrix of 

polycaprolactam into the body leads to the steady release of drug 

as the polymer matrix degrades. The chromatogram in Figure 17 

shows polycaprolactam obtained in THF using two Agilent PLgel 5 

µm MIXED-C columns. The polymer eluted as a broad peak with an 

average molecular weight of 80,000 g/mol and a polydispersity of 

2.5.
A large set of positive and negative system peaks was observed 

after the broad polymer peak. This is common with refractive index 

detectors and is an artifact.

Columns:  2 x PLgel 5 µm MIXED-C, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1110-6500)

Eluent: 

THF (stabilized)

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Inj Vol: 

200 µL

Detector: RI

0                                                                   min                                                           22

Figure 17. The broad molecular weight distribution of a polycaprolactam revealed by 

gel permeation chromatography with Agilent PLgel MIXED-C columns (system peak has 

been cut)

Drug delivery
Traditional drug delivery systems such as the oral contraceptive pill have a major 

disadvantage - the release of the active species is very nonlinear, with typically a high 

dosage at the time of introduction followed by a steady decline as the drug is metabolized. 

A release profile of this kind is inefficient and potentially ineffective. Ideally, the dosage 

of the active compound into the body should remain at a constant level during treatment. 

The controlled delivery of drugs in vitro to produce linear dosing regimes is a major goal of 

therapeutic research. Controlled delivery can be provided by polymers.

~

19

Polylactide and its copolymers with glycolide were originally 

designed for biodegradable sutures. However, they found wider use 

as components of drug delivery systems because of their ability to 

modify the pharmacokinetics of the active ingredient and protect 

them from degradation in the body.
This example describes the compositional analysis of a random 

copolymer of lactide and glycolide using gradient polymer elution 

chromatography (GPEC). GPEC is a generic term that describes 

the analysis of polymers under chromatographic conditions where 

a gradient is applied between two solvents. A GPEC analysis can 

be used to separate a series of polymers on the basis of molecular 

weight, but is more usually applied to separate polymers on the 

basis of chemical composition. Typically, distributions in chemical 

composition result from heterogeneities in the polymerization reaction 

or from the copolymerization of monomers to form random or block 

copolymers. 
The equipment used in a GPEC experiment is identical to that used 

in traditional gradient LC techniques; a binary gradient pump, an 

injection valve, a reversed or normal phase HPLC column (although 

GPEC has been performed on totally inert substrates) and a detector 

insensitive to eluent composition, typically, an evaporative light 

scattering detector. The gradient used in the analysis is typically 

a binary system consisting of a thermodynamically good solvent 

and a thermodynamically poor solvent for the polymer. Initially, the 

thermodynamically poor solvent is introduced to the system. A sample 

of polymer under investigation is dissolved in the good solvent and 

injected onto the column, and a gradient is then initiated which 

moves from the poor solvent to the thermodynamically good solvent 

for the polymer. Poor solvent conditions prevail at the start of the 

analysis and the polymer precipitates from solution. As the gradient 

progresses, thermodynamically favorable conditions are achieved 

Poly(lactide-co-glycolide) - by gradient polymer elution chromatography

resulting in the polymer re-dissolving. When the polymer is in 

solution, interactions with the surface of the media in the column can 

occur, the mechanism of the interaction dependent on the column 

and eluent selected. These interactions are dominated by either a 

reversed/normal phase mechanism or a size exclusion mechanism 

that results in retention or acceleration of the polymer relative to the 

solvent front, respectively. The nature of the interactions with the 

column determines which parameters control the separation. If the 

polymer is retained on the column relative to the solvent front, the 

polymer remains in the zone of good solubility and the separation is 

controlled by molecular weight (as in a typical reversed or normal 

phase HPLC experiment). However, if the polymer is accelerated 

relative to the good solvent front, the sample enters the zone of poor 

solubility and re-precipitation occurs. The solvent front continues 

down the column and so good solvent conditions are re-established 

and the polymer re-dissolves. Under these conditions, this process 

occurs many times and successive precipitation/dissolution steps 

continue until the polymer elutes from the column. Elution of the 

sample is controlled by the relative solubility of polymer components 

in the two eluents and so a compositional separation is obtained. 
Figure 18 shows a generic structure for the copolymers. For this 

analysis, tetrahydrofuran was selected as the thermodynamically 

good solvent while methanol was selected as the poor solvent.

Figure 18. Structure of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) random copolymers

20

Figure 20 displays a correlation of the percent glycolide content 

and the molecular weight of the samples as a function of the 

observed retention time. Clearly, there was no correlation between 

the molecular weight of the copolymers and the retention times. 

However, a linear relationship was apparent between percent 

glycolide in the copolymers and the retention time, demonstrating that 

a compositional separation had been obtained.

7.5                                                       Rt/min                                             12.5

% glycolide

% glycolide
log Mn

0

50

log Mn

4.7

5.0

Figure 20. Correlation of percent glycolide content and the molecular weight of the 

samples as a function of the observed retention time

R2 = 0.9927

GPEC is thus a powerful analytical tool for probing the molecular 

structure of polymers, as composition and molecular weight sensitive 

separations can be performed by careful selection of eluents and 

columns. The disadvantage of this sensitivity to the analysis conditions 

is that to get the most from a GPEC experiment, the analysis 

conditions must be specifically designed to suit individual applications.

Figure 19 shows chromatograms of the copolymers obtained using a 

gradient consisting of a 2 minute hold in 99% methanol followed by 

1% to 99% tetrahydrofuran in 10 minutes.

Column: 

Agilent PLRP-S 100Å 5 µm, 4.6 x 150 mm 

(Part No. PL111-3500)

Eluent: 

THF and methanol

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Inj Vol: 

20 µL

Temp:  

Ambient

Detector:  1260 Infinity Evaporative Light Scattering Detector

System: 

1260 Infinity Modules 

1.0                                                             min                                                          16.2

% glycolide content

0%

15%

25%

35%

50%

Figure 19. Chromatograms of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) copolymers at different 

concentrations of tetrahydrofuran

21

Hydroxyethyl cellulose in organic eluent 
Hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is widely used by the cosmetic 

and pharmaceutical industries, for example, as a carrier gel for 

microbiocides. It is a nonionic polymer with many useful properties 

as a thickening agent, stabilizer, emulsifier or dipersant, and it easily 

dissolves in hot and cold water.
HECs can be analyzed by aqueous GPC but very often they are 

soluble in polar organic solvents, such as dimethyl formamide (DMF). 

PLgel 5 µm MIXED-C columns are well suited to the analysis of these 

celluloses. LiBr modifier is added to minimize sample aggregation as 

some of these materials are ionic (Figure 21). PEO/PEG standards 

are used as calibrants; polystyrene is soluble in DMF, but some 

adsorption is apparent. Table 3 shows the dispersity and molecular 

weight averages of three samples of hydroxyethyl cellulose.

Suspending and/or viscosity increasing agents
Suspension and viscosity-increasing polymer excipients such as hydroxyethyl cellulose are 

used to uniformly disperse other ingredients throughout a formulation, and maintain their 

suspension so that actives do not precipitate or settle under gravity. This is particularly 

valuable for liquid formulations, during and after manufacture.

Sample

Molecular weight average

Polydispersity

(Mw/Mn)

Mn

Mw

Mp

A

27,000

140,000

80,000

5.2

B

30,000

159,000

102,000

5.2

C

39,000

345,000

190,000

8.9

Table 3. Molecular weight averages and dispersity of three hydroxyethyl celluloses

Columns:  PLgel 5 µm MIXED-C, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1110-6500)

Eluent:  

DMF + 0.1% LiBr

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp: 

50 °C

Detector:   RI

1K                                                     molecular weight                                        10M

dw/dlogM

A

B

C

Figure 21. Analysis of three samples of hydroxyethyl cellulose using Agilent PLgel 5 

µm MIXED-C columns

These three materials were quite different in molecular weight, 

indicating potential performance differences in end-use.

22

Hydroxyethyl cellulose in aqueous eluent
Three samples of hydroxyethyl cellulose were analyzed by size 

exclusion chromatography using PL aquagel-OH columns. The 

calculated molecular weight averages were compared with 

manufacturers’ quoted viscosity values. Calibration was done using 

pullulan polysaccharide standards, also from Agilent. Figure 22 shows 

the raw-data chromatograms for a mixture of hydroxyethyl celluloses. 

A good correlation between viscosity and molecular weight averages 

was obtained, as can be seen in Table 4. 

Sample

Molecular weight average

Viscosity range

(cps)

Mn

Mw

Mz

A

60,300

179,000

139,000

75 to 112

B

413,000

849,000

1,552,000

250 to 324

C

914,000

2,016,000

3,422,000

1,500 to 2,500

Table 4. Molecular weight averages and viscosity ranges of three hydroxyethyl 

celloloses

Columns:  PL aquagel-OH 60 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6860) 

PL aquagel-OH 40 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6840) 

Eluent: 

0.05 M NaH

2PO4 + 0.25 M NaCl at pH 7

Flow Rate:  1.0 mL/min

Temp: 

50 °C

Detector: RI

4.0                                                log M                                                 7.0

dw/dlogM

A

B

C

0.0

0.5

Figure 22. Raw-data chromatograms for a mixture of hydroxyethyl celluloses on 

Agilent PL aquagel-OH columns

Modified hydroxyethyl cellulose
Modifying the hydrophobicity of HEC alters the molecular weight, 

and such changes can be assessed by size exclusion chromatography 

with PL aquagel-OH 40 and PL aquagel-OH 60 8 µm columns from 

Agilent. 
In this case, two different PL aquagel-OH columns were connected 

in series to cover a molecular weight range from 104 to 107. Column 

calibration was achieved using Agilent pullulan standards.
Figure 23 shows overlaid molecular weight distributions of a sample 

of HEC before and after modification to its hydrophobicity. Sample A 

is HEC. Sample B is Sample A after hydrophobic modification.

Samples:  Hydroxyethyl cellulose before and after modification

Columns:   PL aquagel-OH 60 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6860) 

PL aquagel-OH 40 8 µm, 7.5 x 300 mm 

(Part No. PL1149-6840)

Eluent:  

0.05 M NaH

2PO4 + 0.25 M NaCl at pH 7

Flow Rate:   1.0 mL/min

Temp: 

50 °C

Detector: RI

dw/dlogM

0.0

0.4

A

B

Figure 23. Overlaid molecular weight distributions of a sample of hydroxyethyl 

cellulose before and after modification

23

GPC-FTIR
Interfacing chromatographic methods with other analytical techniques 

can significantly increase the amount of information available for 

polymer characterization. Agilent offers two innovative interfaces to 

couple gel permeation chromatography (GPC) with Fourier transform 

infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), enabling rapid determination of 

compositional heterogeneity and its relationship to molecular weight 

from a single measurement.

GC/MS
For volatile impurities and residual impurities, Agilent provides 

the broadest selection of gas chromatography (GC) and gas 

chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) systems, support, 

and supplies in the industry. So whether you need flexible, reliable 

hardware and software for complex research; simple, robust systems 

for routine production environments; or fast, rugged portable 

solutions for real-time measurements in the plant or in the field, 

we have a GC or GC/MS to meet your analytical and business 

challenges.

ICP-MS
For heavy metals impurities, the Agilent 7700x ICP-MS is configured 

for routine analysis of high-matrix samples, and features Agilent’s 

unique high-matrix interface (HMI), and ORS3 cell. With its high-

temperature plasma (resulting in low oxide interferences), matrix 

tolerant interface and 9 orders dynamic range, the 7700x provides 

the ideal combination of robustness, sensitivity and analytical range 

required from a workhorse instrument while retaining the flexibility to 

handle more advanced research applications. 

Dissolution testing
For Apparatus 1, 2, 5 and 6 requirements use the Agilent 708-DS 

Dissolution Apparatus and for Apparatus 3 the Agilent BIO-DIS 

Reciprocating Cylinder Apparatus. We recommend the Agilent 

Reciprocating Holder Apparatus 7 for Apparatus 7 use, with the 

Agilent 400-DS Apparatus 7 for small volume formulations.  

LC and LC/MS
These are ideal techniques for assessing semi-volatile impurities 

in polymer excipients. For basic analysis or confirmation (confirm 

by known molecular weights) use the Agilent 6100B Series Single 

Quadrupole, or Agilent 6200 Accurate-Mass TOF LC/MS systems 

with Easy Access software. For more complex structural analysis 

of unknown polymers the Agilent 6500 Accurate-Mass Q-TOF LC/

MS systems provide superior data quality and advanced analytical 

capabilities to profile, identify, characterize, and quantify polymer 

excipients. Couple with MassHunter software tools for complete 

confidence.
Agilent Poroshell 120 columns provide rugged, high resolution 

separations within the pressure range of any mainstream LC, making 

the benefits of sub-2 µm performance available with existing LCs. 

Poroshell columns can achieve high resolution and high speed 

separation on current instruments, and higher resolution and speed 

on new high-pressure LC and LC/MS systems. 

More Agilent solutions for polymer excipients
Agilent offers an extensive toolkit for all aspects of polymer analysis of value to the 

pharmaceutical industry. For physicochemical characterization, look to spectroscopic 

techniques such as NMR, FTIR, and mass spec. For chromatographic characterization 

we recommend HPLC, GC/MS and SEC. If you want to assess impurities then AAS, GC/

MS and UV-Vis methods are appropriate. To measure physicochemical properties use 

dissolution testing and refractive index detection.

Agilent Poroshell 120 columns

24

GPC/SEC system configurations
The following Tables (5 to 13) will assist you in selecting the right system for your
application. They show which components are required, and which are optional.

Agilent 1260 Infinity GPC/SEC System
Table 5. Sample delivery module requirements by application, for the Agilent 1260 Infinity GPC/SEC system.

Sample Delivery Modules
G1310B

25

Table 6. Detector and software requirements by application, for the Agilent 1260 Infinity GPC/SEC system

Detectors

Control, Collection and Analysis 

Software

G1362A

G1314F

G7850AA

G7854AA

1260 Infinity  Refractive  

Index Detector

1260 Infinity Variable 

Wavelength Detector  

or

Agilent GPC/SEC 

Software

Agilent GPC/SEC 

Instrument Drivers

G1365D
1260 Infinity Multiple 

Wavelength Detector

Includes 8 µL flow cell 

and LAN interface

For single or multi-

wavelength analysis

Standalone 

software dedicated 

to GPC calculations

Provides instrument 

control and data 

collection

Application

Binders

e.g. Polyvinyl 

pyrrolidone, polyethylene 

glycol (PEG), pectin, 

chitosan, methyl 

cellulose, starches









Coatings

e.g. Gelatin, 

cellulose acetate, 

polyethylene glycol 

(PEG), hydroxypropyl 

methylcellulose (HPMC), 

polyvinyl acetate 

phthalate (PVAP)









Disintegrants

e.g. Carboxymethyl 

cellulose (CMC), 

cyclodextrin, starches









Drug delivery

e.g. Polycaprolactam, 

poly(lactide-co-

glycolide), ethyl 

cellulose, methacrylate 

copolymers









Viscosity 

increasing

e.g. Hydroxyethyl 

cellulose (HEC)









Key

 Required

 Optional

For the best results, use Agilent supplies
Agilent HPLC supplies have been rigorously designed, tested, and manufactured for longevity, ease 

of use, and enhanced productivity. This means your LC or LC/MS system will deliver fast, superior 

qualitative and quantitative results, consistent reproducibility and reliability, and ultra high-sensitivity 

detection. 
For the major brands of instruments in your lab, Agilent offers the CrossLab portfolio of high-quality 

supplies for your HPLC and GC instrument. CrossLab works with Bruker/Varian, CTC, PerkinElmer, 

Shimadzu, Thermo/Dionex, Waters and more. CrossLab supplies deliver the same commitment to quality 

inherent in all Agilent products – all with our risk-free, 90-day, money-back guarantee.
agilent.com/chem/LCsupplies

26

Agilent 1260 Infinity Multi-Detector GPC/SEC System
Table 7. Sample delivery module requirements by application, for the Agilent 1260 Infinity Mulit-Detector GPC/SEC System

Sample Delivery Modules
G1310B

27

Table 8. Detector requirements by application, for the Agilent 1260 Infinity Multi-Detector GPC/SEC System

Detectors
G7800A

G7801A

G7802A

G7803A

G1314F

1260 Infinity 

Multi-Detector 

Suite

1260 Infinity  

MDS Refractive 

Index Detector

1260 Infinity  

MDS  Viscometer

1260 Infinity   

MDS Dual Angle 

Light Scattering 

Detector

1260 Infinity Variable 

Wavelength Detector
or

G1365D
1260 Infinity Multiple 

Wavelength Detector

Includes 

integrated 

control module 

for data 

collection and 

manual control

Refractive index 

detector, most 

common detector 

for GPC

Viscometer, for 

conformational 

information

Dual angle 

light scattering 

detector, 15° and 

90°, for absolute 

Mw

For single or multi-

wavelength analysis, 

only one channel 

collected

Application

Binders

e.g. Polyvinyl 

pyrrolidone, polyethylene 

glycol (PEG), pectin, 

chitosan, methyl 

cellulose, starches











Coatings

e.g. Gelatin, 

cellulose acetate, 

polyethylene glycol 

(PEG), hydroxypropyl 

methylcellulose (HPMC), 

polyvinyl acetate 

phthalate (PVAP)











Disintegrants

e.g. Carboxymethyl 

cellulose (CMC), 

cyclodextrin, starches











Drug delivery

e.g. Polycaprolactam, 

poly(lactide-co-

glycolide), ethyl 

cellulose, methacrylate 

copolymers











Viscosity 

increasing

e.g. Hydroxyethyl 

cellulose (HEC)











Key

 Required

 Optional

28

Table 9. Software requirements by application, for the Agilent 1260 Infinity Multi-Detector GPC/SEC System

Control, Collection and Analysis Software
G7850AA

G7852AA

G7854AA

Agilent GPC/SEC Software

Agilent GPC/SEC Multi-

Detector upgrade*

Agilent GPC/SEC Instrument 

Drivers

Standalone software dedicated 

to GPC calculations 

Upgrade to Agilent GPC/SEC 

software dedicated to multi-

detector GPC calculations

Provides instrument control and 

data collection 

Application

Binders

e.g. Polyvinyl 

pyrrolidone, polyethylene 

glycol (PEG), pectin, 

chitosan, methyl 

cellulose, starches







Coatings

e.g. Gelatin, 

cellulose acetate, 

polyethylene glycol 

(PEG), hydroxypropyl 

methylcellulose (HPMC), 

polyvinyl acetate 

phthalate (PVAP)







Disintegrants

e.g. Carboxymethyl 

cellulose (CMC), 

cyclodextrin, starches







Drug delivery

e.g. Polycaprolactam, 

poly(lactide-co-

glycolide), ethyl 

cellulose, methacrylate 

copolymers







Viscosity 

increasing

e.g. Hydroxyethyl 

cellulose (HEC)







Key

 Required

 Optional

* Required if 1260 Infinity MDS Viscometer and/or 1260 Infinity MDS Dual Angle Light Scattering Detector selected.

29

Agilent PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC/SEC System
Table 10. Sample delivery module requirements by application, for the Agilent PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC/SEC System

Sample Delivery Modules
G7810A

30

Table 11. Detector and software requirements by application, for the Agilent PL-GPC 50 Integrated GPC/SEC System

Additional Detectors

Control, Collection and Analysis Software

G7811A

G7812A

G7850AA

G7852AA

G7854AA

PL-GPC 50 Viscometer PL-GPC 50 Dual 

Angle Light 

Scattering 

Detector

Agilent GPC/

SEC Software

Agilent GPC/SEC 

Multi-Detector 

upgrade*

Agilent GPC/

SEC Instrument 

Drivers

Viscometer, used to 

generate the Universal 

Calibration. Housed 

within PL-GPC 50 unit

Dual angle 

light scattering 

detector, 15° and 

90°, for absolute 

Mw. Housed within 

PL-GPC 50 unit

Standalone 

software 

dedicated 

to GPC 

calculations

Upgrade to 

Agilent GPC/

SEC software 

dedicated to 

multi-detector 

GPC calculations

Provides 

instrument 

control and data 

collection 

Application

Binders

e.g. Polyvinyl 

pyrrolidone, 

polyethylene glycol 

(PEG), pectin, 

chitosan, methyl 

cellulose, starches











Coatings

e.g. Gelatin, 

cellulose acetate, 

polyethylene glycol 

(PEG), hydroxypropyl 

methylcellulose 

(HPMC), polyvinyl 

acetate phthalate 

(PVAP)











Disintegrants

e.g. Carboxymethyl 

cellulose (CMC), 

cyclodextrin, starches











Drug delivery

e.g. Polycaprolactam, 

poly(lactide-

co-glycolide), 

ethyl cellulose, 

methacrylate 

copolymers











Viscosity 

increasing

e.g. Hydroxyethyl 

cellulose (HEC)











Key

 Required

 Optional

* Required if PL-GPC 50 Viscometer and/or PL-GPC 50 Dual Angle Light Scattering Detector selected.

31

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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2015
Published in UK, April 30, 2015
5991-2519EN

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