Rapid molecular size characterization of heparins by high pressure liquid chromatography

Extremely fast molecular size separations of heparins have been demonstrated using modern high pressure liquid chromatography technology. Commercial USP grade heparins of beef and porcine origin were characterized within 7 minutes. Their molecular size distribution characteristics and molecular weight relative to nonionic dextrans were obtained and found to exhibit a higher molecular weight for porcine and a lower molecular weight for beef heparin. The molecular weight profiles of low potency heparins showed either lower or higher average molecular weights than normal with a wider peak shape. As little a 5 mug of heparin can be detected by this procedure, and as much as 10 mg could be handled preparatively by these systems. High pressure liquid chromatography is a powerful tool for characterization of heparin and other acidic mucopolysaccharides when used in conjunction with other analytical and biological methods.