A brief practical review of size exclusion chromatography: Rules of thumb, limitations, and troubleshooting

Through years of research, teaching, troubleshooting, and editing, I have developed a solid working understanding of many aspects of protein purification and protein biochemistry. I have also found that many researchers do not understand the basics, let alone the pitfalls, of the techniques they use. In the case of size exclusion chromatography (SEC), I summarize below some of the rules of thumb, suggestions, limitations and troubleshooting I have found most useful in helping my students and colleagues carry out successful SEC.