Characterization of pore structure of chromatographic adsorbents employed in separation of monoclonal antibodies using size-exclusion techniques

Structural properties of commercial chromatographic adsorbents designated for separation of monoclonal antibodies were investigated using size-exclusion techniques. A batch technique provided the specific pore volumes distributed among small, medium and large pores. Inverse size-exclusion chromatography yielded the partition coefficients of dextran solute probes in medium pores. These data were fitted with one- and two-parametric models corresponding to different pore-size distribution functions and the suitability of the individual models for the characterization of the examined materials was then assessed. The reliability of estimation of the parameters of log-normal distribution of cylindrical pores was investigated. Large uncertainties and a strong correlation of the mean pore diameter and width of distribution function were observed.