Ultra-high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (UP-SEC)

Ultra-high-performance size-exclusion chromatography (UP-SEC) is a variation of the more established HP-SEC technique.

In principle, an UP-SEC system works just like a HP-SEC instrument, however, under much increased system pressures of up to 1,000 bar. This allows for reduced analysis times, requiring lower sample and mobile phase volumes and delivering better resolution.

The high pressures inside a UP-SEC system demands an advanced column set-up with specially designed beads. Thus, this technique is not as versatile as HP-SEC due to the limited availability of different columns. UP-SEC can be employed in all stages of research and development of biopharmaceuticals, as well as for lot release testing. If the increased sample throughput or better resolution is not required, HP-SEC is preferred as it is a more established technology.