A physical comparison of low molecular weight heparins prepared by different methods

Using a method previously developed for determination of molecular weight distribution data, MSD, the distribution was determined on samples of low molecular weight heparin, approximate average molecular weight of 5000 daltons. The samples were prepared using the two available methods, namely, gel permeation chromatography or depolymerization with nitrous acid. The results showed that contrary to reported differences in the end, groups of the molecules prepared by the different methods the MSDs were very similar. The reproducibility of the depolymerization process was checked by MSD determinations and showed the method to be practical for production methodologies. Even at very low average molecular weights heparin preparations are still polydispersed.