The separation is based on a combined technique that combines size-exclusion and ligand-exchange types of chromatography:
- For the separation of oligosaccharides, the priority is the separation of molecules by size. The low degree of crosslinking allows carbohydrates to penetrate into the carrier, which ensures separation;
- For the analysis of monosaccharides, the separation is based on the ligand exchange mechanism, which is the binding of hydroxyl groups of sugars with counterions immobilized on the surface of the carrier. The exchange of ligands depends both on the nature of the counterion and on the orientation of the hydroxyl group of the saccharide (separation of isomers).
- Minimal sample preparation (filtration through a 0.45 µm filter is sufficient);
- High pressure resistance of Aminex media, wide range of pH stability, high separation efficiency and selectivity;
- High selectivity of separation of both individual carbohydrates and their classes;
- The separation time is from 3 to 20 minutes, depending on the length of the column.