Molecular Weight Range Research Articles

Non‐Ionic Fluorosurfactants for Droplet‐Based in vivo Applications

AbstractFluorocarbon oils are uniquely suited for many biomedical applications due to their inert, bioorthogonal properties. In order to interface fluorocarbon oils with biological systems, non‐ionic fluorosurfactants are necessary. However, there is a paucity of non‐ionic fluorosurfactants with low interfacial tension (IFT) to stabilize fluorocarbon phases in aqueous environments (such as oil‐in‐water emulsions). We developed non‐ionic fluorosurfactants composed of a polyethylene glycol (PEG) segment covalently bonded to a flexible perfluoropolyether (PFPE) segment that confer low IFTs between a fluorocarbon oil (HFE‐7700) and water. The synthesis of a panel of surfactants spanning a molecular weight range of 0.64–66 kDa with various hydrophilic‐lipophilic balances allowed for identification of minimal IFTs, ranging from 1.4 to 17.8 mN m−1. The majority of these custom fluorosurfactants display poor solubility in water, allowing their co‐introduction with fluorocarbon oils and minimal leaching. We applied the PEG5PFPE1 surfactant for mechanical force measurements in zebrafish, enabling exceptional sensitivity.

Varying the Core Topology in All-Glycidol Hyperbranched Polyglycerols: Synthesis and Physical Characterization.

In the present study, low molecular weight cyclic polyglycidol is used as a macroinitiator for hypergrafting glycidol and producing cyclic graft hyperbranched polyglycerol (cPG-g-hbPG) in the molecular weight range of 103-106gmol-1. Linear graft hyperbranched polyglycerol (linPG-g-hbPG) and hyperbranched polyglycerol (hbPG) are prepared as reference samples. This creates a family of hbPG structures with cyclic, linear, and star cores, allowing to evaluate their properties in solution and in bulk. The morphology study of the high molecular weight structures using atomic force microscopy revealed a spherical shape for cPG-g-hbPG and hbPG, and a cylindrical shape for linPG-g-hbPG in the nanometric range. Small angle X-ray scattering confirmed the compact particle-like structure of this family of hbPG architectures. Interestingly, the glass transition temperature showed a structure dependence, with cPG-g-hbPG having the highest values and hbPG having the lowest values for the same molecular weight. This study is a step forward in the generation of water-soluble polymers with tailored structure and functionality for advanced applications.

TOF-MS based characterization of polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) samples

Time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS) was used to unravel the composition of commercial polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR) samples, by identifying the various molecular species present. To cover the broad range of molecular weights for the present species, a combination of three ionisation conditions was used. Species exceeding the molecular weight of pentaglycerol hexaricinoleate were difficult to detect. Over 100 molecular species were observed and identified in the analysed samples, including free polyglycerols, ricinoleates, and PGPR-esters. Commercial PGPR samples were shown to be mainly composed of esterification products of di-, tri-, and tetraglycerol, while the esterification degree mainly varied from 1 to 5. The TOF-MS analysis was proven to be reproducible with a relative standard deviation (RSD) below 2.86% for three independent measurements on different days. The method proved to be very suitable to evaluate batch-to-batch variations and to compare the composition of different types of commercial PGPR’s. Moreover, this method can be applied to monitor the quality of PGPR products during the synthesis process. Furthermore, it can also provide fundamental knowledge for optimizing PGPR composition to improve its functionality.

Tuning porosity of macroporous hydrogels enables rapid rates of stress relaxation and promotes cell expansion and migration

Extracellular matrix (ECM) viscoelasticity broadly regulates cell behavior. While hydrogels can approximate the viscoelasticity of native ECM, it remains challenging to recapitulate the rapid stress relaxation observed in many tissues without limiting the mechanical stability of the hydrogel. Here, we develop macroporous alginate hydrogels that have an order of magnitude increase in the rate of stress relaxation as compared to bulk hydrogels. The increased rate of stress relaxation occurs across a wide range of polymer molecular weights (MWs), which enables the use of high MW polymer for improved mechanical stability of the hydrogel. The rate of stress relaxation in macroporous hydrogels depends on the volume fraction of pores and the concentration of bovine serum albumin, which is added to the hydrogels to stabilize the macroporous structure during gelation. Relative to cell spheroids encapsulated in bulk hydrogels, spheroids in macroporous hydrogels have a significantly larger area and smaller circularity because of increased cell migration. A computational model provides a framework for the relationship between the macroporous architecture and morphogenesis of encapsulated spheroids that is consistent with experimental observations. Taken together, these findings elucidate the relationship between macroporous hydrogel architecture and stress relaxation and help to inform the design of macroporous hydrogels for materials-based cell therapies.

Identification of Giant Isoforms of Obscurin in Rat Striated Muscles Using Polyclonal Antibodies.

Using produced polyclonal antibodies specific to the N-terminal sequence (residues 61-298) of rat obscurin, we investigated the isoform composition of this protein in 4 striated muscles: myocardium of the left ventricle, diaphragm, skeletal m. gastrocnemius (containing mainly fast fibers), and m. soleus (containing mainly slow fibers). The m. gastrocnemius, m. soleus, and diaphragm were found to have 2 giant isoforms of obscurin: a smaller A-isoform and a larger B-isoform. Their molecular weights were ~870 and ~1150 kDa in the diaphragm and m. gastrocnemius and ~880 and ~1130 kDa in m. soleus, respectively. The B-isoform to A-isoform ratio was 1:3 in the diaphragm and m. soleus and 1:4 in the m. gastrocnemius. In the left-ventricular myocardium, A-isoform of obscurin with a molecular weight of ~880 kDa was found. No other obscurin isoforms or their fragments within the molecular weight range of 10 up to ~800 kDa were revealed in the investigated rat striated muscles. The antibodies produced are recommended for research into qualitative and quantitative changes of giant obscurin isoforms in rat striated muscles in the norm and during the development of pathological processes.

Immunomodulatory, Anticancer, and Antioxidative Activities of Bioactive Peptide Fractions from Enzymatically Hydrolyzed White Jellyfish (Lobonema smithii).

This study aimed to develop bioactive protein hydrolysates from low-value edible jellyfish obtained from local fisheries using enzymatic hydrolysis. Fresh white jellyfish were hydrolyzed using several commercial proteases, including alcalase (WJH-Al), flavourzyme (WJH-Fl), and papain (WJH-Pa). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anticancer activities of these white jellyfish hydrolysates (WJH) were investigated. The results demonstrated that the crude WJH exhibited strong antioxidant properties, including DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities, as well as ferric-reducing antioxidant power. Additionally, the hydrolysates showed notable immunomodulatory activity. However, all WJH samples displayed relatively low ability to inhibit HepG2 cell proliferation at the tested concentrations. Among the hydrolysates, WJH-Pa demonstrated the highest antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities and was therefore selected for further bioactive peptide isolation and characterization. Ultrafiltration membranes with three molecular weight (MW) cut-offs (1, 3, 10 kDa) were used for peptide fractionation from WJH-Pa. Six potential peptides were identified with the MW range of 1049-1292 Da, comprising 9-12 residues, which exhibited strong antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities.

SMCVdb: a database of experimental cellular toxicity information for drug candidate molecules.

Many drug discovery exercises fail because small molecules that are effective inhibitors of target proteins exhibit high cellular toxicity. Early and effective assessment of toxicity and pharmacokinetics is essential to accelerate the drug discovery process. Conventional methods for toxicity profiling, including in vitro and in vivo assays, are laborious and resource-intensive. In response, we introduce the Small Molecule Cell Viability Database (SMCVdb), a comprehensive resource containing toxicity data for over 24 000 compounds obtained through high-content imaging (HCI). SMCVdb seamlessly integrates chemical descriptions and molecular weight data, offering researchers a holistic platform for toxicity data aiding compound prioritization and selection based on biological and economic considerations. Data collection for SMCVdb involved a systematic approach combining HCI toxicity profiling with chemical information and quality control measures ensured data accuracy and consistency. The user-friendly web interface of SMCVdb provides multiple search and filter options, allowing users to query the database based on compound name, molecular weight range, or viability percentage. SMCVdb empowers users to access toxicity profiles, molecular weights, compound names, and chemical descriptions, facilitating the exploration of relationships between compound properties and their effects on cell viability. In summary, the database provides experimentally derived cellular toxicity information for over 24 000 drug candidate molecules to academic researchers, and pharmaceutical companies. The SMCVdb will keep growing and will prove to be a pivotal resource to expedite research in drug discovery and compound evaluation. Database URL: http://smcvdb.rcb.ac.in:4321/.

Purification Processes for Generating Cationic Lignin-Acrylamide Polymers.

Purification is an essential step in many polymerization processes for fabricating highly pure polymers. This study considered various purification methods for purifying the product of lignin, acrylamide (AM), and diallyl dimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) copolymerization reactions at a laboratory scale. The charge density, yield, molecular weight, and solubility analyses confirmed that ethanol extraction and membrane filtration were the most effective processes for producing lignin-p(AM)-p(DADMAC). The 1H NMR analysis revealed that the membrane dialysis effectively removed unreacted AM and DADMAC monomers from the reaction medium. The produced samples of the ethanol-extraction and dialysis processes had higher solubility and yield compared to the product of the acidification process. Thermogravimetric studies confirmed that the ethanol-extracted and dialyzed samples had a degradation temperature (220 °C) higher than that of the acidified samples (160 °C). The rheological studies confirmed that the viscosities of the polymer solutions were influenced more by the solubility than by the molecular weight of the generated polymers within the molecular weight range examined in this study. The flocculation studies confirmed that the ethanol-extracted and dialyzed polymers were more effective flocculants than the acidified samples for the particles of a kaolinite suspension. Based on the above results, membrane filtration with a larger pore size could be an environmentally friendly method for effectively purifying lignin-p(AM)-p(DADMAC).

Mechanism of nanofiltration fouling in high hardness and dissolved organic carbon surface water based on chemical characterization of foulant

Nanofiltration (NF) membranes purifying high hardness and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) surface water are prone to much more severe fouling than those supplied by waters of better quality. We conducted analyses on an ultrafiltration/nanofiltration pilot plant supplied by high hardness and DOC water to investigate the NF foulant chemical composition and fouling mechanism. NF foulant was primarily organic (97 %). Analyses of the physically (PRF) and chemically (CRF) removable foulant components unveiled their different compositions. CRF, i.e., the fouling substances directly adsorbed on the nanofilter surface and pores, mainly comprised hydrophobic and low molecular weight & building blocks of humic substances. PRF, i.e., the gel-layer formed by the substances continuous deposition, contained more compounds with hydrophilic character and a wide range of molecular weights, from low molecular weight & building blocks (<1 kDa) to humic substances (1 – 20 kDa) and biopolymers (>20 kDa), showing a more uniform distribution of those features. Calcium and magnesium may have promoted the bridging of the organics with the NF membrane, and between the organics, strengthening the foulant structure. The presence of a humic- and EPS-conditioning film may have interfered with or contributed to bacterial adhesion, respectively, forming biofilm patches.

Efficient removal of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) from stored rainwater by composite metal salt /polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride coagulants

Stored rainwater, the primary source of drinking water in the villages and towns of the Loess Plateau in northwest China, has been found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and lacks necessary treatment measures. Coagulation is a common water treatment process, and enhancing its efficacy in removing PFASs can significantly improve treatment efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize the environmental and health risks associated with perfluorinated compounds. This study investigated the removal efficiency of perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA), perfluorobutanesulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) using inorganic salt coagulants alone and in combination with polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride (PDMDAAC). The results indicated that the removal efficiencies of the four PFASs by polyferric chloride (PFCl) and polyaluminum chloride (PACl) increased with alkalinity. PDMDAAC significantly enhanced the coagulation removal efficiency of the four PFASs. The removal efficiency of the four PFASs was highest when the raw water pH was near 7. Within the molecular weight range of 0–500,000 for PDMDAAC, the removal efficiency of the four PFASs increased with increasing molecular weight. Charge neutralization is the primary coagulation mechanism for the removal of anionic PFASs. Therefore, this study provides guidance for selecting coagulants to remove PFASs from stored rainwater.

Synthesis and chemical recycling investigations of polythioureas

There is currently intensive research on the development of biobased polymers as potential alternatives to the environmentally hazardous isocyanate-based polyurethanes. In this context, polythioureas (PTUs) form a particularly attractive target because they can be synthesized by using isothiocyanates, a class of molecules that can be found in nature with expected low toxicity. Herein, a series of 16 PTUs with varied chemical structures, mostly being new polymers, have been synthesized and their possible chemical recycling pathways via thermally induced and acid-catalyzed depolymerizations have been investigated. The obtained PTUs showed a varied range of molecular weights (up to Mn ∼ 69.5 kDa), intrinsic viscosity (up to ∼6 dL/g), and glass transition temperatures (Tg ∼ 59–128 °C). Notably, we observed that the presence of aromatic segments lowered the thermal stability of the polymers, so they were generally easier to depolymerize (compared to those without aromatic groups), forming oligomers with controlled end-groups (i.e. telechelic polymers) that could be repolymerized. The obtained aliphatic PTUs were generally resistant against thermochemical depolymerizations, but they could be effectively depolymerized by sulfuric acid. The repolymerization methods depended on the end groups of the depolymerized products, which in this work included direct repolymerization of polythioureas (if the end groups contain ∼1:1 of isothiocyanates and amines) and copolymerizations with another monomer terephthaldehyde (if the end groups contain only amines). Our results provided a first comprehensive molecular insight into the synthetic and recycling possibilities of using isothiocyanates and polythioureas in the exploration of potential alternatives for isocyanates and polyurethanes.

A miniaturized microfluidic nanoplasmonic sensor with cavity reflection enhancement for ultrasensitive molecular interaction analysis

Molecular binding kinetics quantification is pivotal in the design of antibodies, small-molecule drugs, and early diagnosis of complex disease. This study presents a portable microfluidic system, featuring a nanoplasmonic sensor with cavity reflection enhancement (NSCRE), designed for the ultrasensitive detection and analysis of molecular interactions. This device comprises liquid flow paths, generic fiber spectrometers, a versatile NSCRE sensor chip, and a novel data analysis system. Furthermore, a neural network data processing system is developed based on a deep learning model to decrease significant data fluctuations caused by air segments. This “all-in-one” platform, integrating multifunctional, easy-to-use, and renewable NSCRE biosensors, boasts detection capabilities for both slow and rapid kinetics. It can automatically monitor interactions between molecules across a broad range of molecular weights (0.259–150 kDa), allowing for real-time, ultra-sensitive, and highly selective analysis. In addition, the platform with CRE effect facilitates a 7.2-fold increase in reflection intensity signals compared to that of a sensor without CRE. The immunoglobulin G detection with a limit of detection of 73 pM based on this device, showing a 50-fold increase in sensitivity compared to previously reported values. The miniaturized automatic detection system paves a new path for the use of molecular interaction analysis in life science research, drug discovery, early diagnosis, and other fields.

Polysaccharides from Inonotus obliquus employing subcritical water extraction: Extraction optimization, physiochemical properties and bioactivities analysis

As one of the main components in Inonotus obliquus, polysaccharides was potentially to be developed for the special physiochemical properties and bioactivity. However, the low extraction efficiency of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharides (IOP) significantly hindered the in-depth research and development. To achieve a higher extraction yield of IOP, subcritical water was selected and optimized by Box-Behnken Design (BBD) with a more reasonable yield investigation method in the present study. In addition, for the comparative analysis, the physiochemical properties and bioactivity of the subcritical water extracted polysaccharides (IOP-S), purified polysaccharides (IOP-P) and hot water extracted polysaccharides (IOP-W) were all investigated and analyzed. The results showed that the optimal extraction conditions were 200°C, 13.24 min and 30:1 (mL/g), which corresponded to a polysaccharide yield of 14.14±0.17 %. With simple purified process, the IOP-P with high purity (total sugar content of 87.55 %) was suitable for the further study. Compared to IOP-W, a wider molecular weight range (3.4–98 kDa) of polysaccharide was found in IOP-S, as well as higher sugar and polyphenol content, which might be the main reason for the well antioxidant and digestion enzyme inhibition activity. There were also various differences in the monosaccharide composition, micro-morphology and other physiochemical properties, which all suggested that the subcritical water could efficiently extract a special IOP for the fourthly study and development. In summary, the present study proved that subcritical water extraction could significantly improve the extraction efficiency of IOP, and the basic information in physiochemical properties and bioactivities of IOP would promote the development of IOP in the future.

Oxygen-containing compounds in polydimethylsilanes and -carbosilanes

An analysis of fractions extracted from polydimethylsilanes, as well as distillates obtained during the synthesis of poly(oligo)carbosilanes was carried out. By the methods of gel permeation chromatography and chromatography-mass spectrometry, the range of molecular weights in extracts and distillates, the composition and structure of compounds, as well as the sequence of their retention times on the chromatographic column were determined. It was established that the compounds extracted from polydimethylsilanes are low molecular weight cycles containing methylsilane and/or methylsiloxane units. In distillates, compared with extracts, the number of low molecular weight compounds containing individual or mixed methylsilane, carbosilane and siloxane units increases.

Molecular weight and spinnability of polyacrylonitrile: control with water and 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene during anionic polymerization in dimethyl sulfoxide

A series of linear high molecular weight acrylonitrile homopolymers have been synthesized using controlled anionic polymerization. The possibility of producing polyacrylonitrile with a wide range of molecular weights by controlling the concentrations of metal-free initiator and water has been demonstrated. The resulting homopolymers exhibit excellent spinnability.

Molecular evaluation of several wheat varieties of Triticum aestivum L.

This study was carried out with the aim of determining the extent of genetic variation among 10 varieties of wheat. In this work, 5 primers were used to do the PCR to detect the band patterns of ISSR markers. Within the molecular weight range of 100-1500 bp, the 5 primers combined to generate 42 bands, at a rate of 8 bands per primer. Polymorphic bands accounted for 37 of the totals and the ratio of polymorphic bands was 87.97 %. The highest percentage of divergent bands reached 88.88 %, shown by primers HPS13, 842F and HBG20. The starters 1955A recorded a lower rate of efficiency and distinctive ability of the starter reaching 16.22 %. According to the UPGMA method, a phylogenetic tree of the genetic affinity between the varieties was obtained, varieties were separated into 2 major groups: There were 2 varieties in the first major group, namely S7 and S6, 2 minor groups were formed from the division of the second major group. The S3 variant made up the first secondary group, as opposed to the second secondary group. Additionally, it was split into 2 sub-secondary groups: classes S5, S10, S9, S8 and S1 made up the first sub-secondary group and classes S4 and S2 made up the second. Based on the Nei and Li coefficient, the values of genetic similarity between the varieties were estimated, because the S6 variety and the S3 variety had the largest genetic divergence (lowest genetic similarity), with a value of 0.7073 and with the S4 variety, its value was 0.6829, while the highest genetic similarity was (least genetic divergence) between variety S9 and variety S8, where its value reached 0.9268. The findings of this study showed the high efficiency of ISSR makers in detecting genetic variation among several wheat varieties.

ExpoNano: A Strategy Based on Hyper-Cross-Linked Polymers Achieves Urinary Exposome Assessment for Biomonitoring.

Urinary analysis of exogenous and endogenous molecules constitutes an efficient, noninvasive approach to evaluate human health status. However, the exposome characterization of urinary molecules remains extremely challenging with current techniques. Herein, we develop an ExpoNano strategy based on hyper-cross-linked polymers (HCPs) to achieve ultrahigh-throughput measurement of exo/endogenous molecules in urine. The strategy includes a simple trapping-detrapping procedure (15 min) with HCPs in enzymatically treated urine, followed by mass spectrometer determination. Molecules that can be determined by ExpoNano have a wide range of molecular weight (75-837 Da) and Log Kow (octanol-water partition coefficient; -9.86 to 10.56). The HCPs can be repeatedly used five times without decreasing the trapping efficiency. Application of ExpoNano in a biomonitoring study revealed a total of 63 environmental chemicals detected in >50% of the urine pools collected from Chinese adults living in 13 cities, with a median concentration of 0.026-47 ng/mL, while nontargeted analysis detected an additional 243 exogenous molecules. Targeted and nontargeted analysis also detected 926 endogenous molecules in pooled urine. Collectively, the ExpoNano strategy demonstrates unique advantages over traditional urine analysis approaches, including a wide range of analytes, satisfactory trapping efficiency, high simplicity and reusability, and extremely reduced time demand and financial cost.

Use of p-methoxy cinnamaldehyde in label-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LALDI-MS) for detection of different classes of primary amines, amino acids and neurotransmitters

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), useful for the detection of macromolecules, is generally not suitable for recording the mass spectrum of small molecules, especially within the range of m/z 500, because of the appearance of matrix cluster peaks in the small molecular weight range. To circumvent this problem, a matrix-free variant of MALDI-MS, namely Label-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (LALDI-MS) has been developed in recent years where analytes get covalently attached to a laser absorbing label which induces the desorption/ionization process thus facilitating the recording the mass spectra and avoiding the problem of formation of cluster peaks. In general, the probes used for such detections are all pyrene-based scaffolds which despite being a good laser-active chromophore have both reactivity and solubility problems. Inspired by the right chromophoric nature, we have undertaken a systematic study to design and optimize cinnamaldehyde derivatives and have found that p-methoxy cinnamaldehyde (PMC) as a simpler, cost-effective, less hydrophobic laser-active label, which can detect a series of primary amines, including the neurotransmitters and amino acids. The label PMC can also discriminate between aliphatic and aromatic primary amines.

Measuring Erosion of Biodegradable Polymers in Brimonidine Drug Delivery Implants by Quantitative Proton NMR Spectroscopy (q-HNMR)

Erosion of biodegradable polymeric excipients, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polylactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), is generally characterized by microbalance for the remaining mass of PLA and/or PLGA and Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) for molecular weight (MW) decrease. For polymer erosion studies of intravitreal sustained release brimonidine implants, however, both microbalance and GPC present several challenges. Mass loss measurement by microbalance does not have specificity for excipient polymers and drug substances. Accuracy of the remaining mass by weighing could also be low due to sample mass loss through retrieval-drying steps, especially at later drug release (DR) time points. When measuring the decrease of polymer MW by GPC, trace amounts of polymeric degradants (oligomers and/or monomers) trapped inside the implants during DR tests may not be measurable due to sensitivity limitations of the GPC detector and column MW range. Previous efforts to measure remained PLGA weight of dexamethasone micro-implants using qNMR with external calibration have been performed, however, these measurements do not account for chemical structure changes (i.e. LA to GA ratio changes from time zero) of PLGA implants during drug release tests. Here, a qNMR method with an internal standard was developed to monitor the following changes in micro-implants during drug release tests: 1. The remaining overall PLA/PLGA mass. 2. The remaining lactic acid (LA), glycolic acid (GA) unit and PLGA's lauryl ester end group percentages. 3. The trace content of PLA/PLGA oligomers as degradants retained in the implants. Unlike microbalance analysis, qNMR has both specificity for drug substance, excipient polymer, and accuracy due to minimal implant loss during sample preparation. Compared to the overall PLA/PLGA remaining mass generally monitored in erosion studies, the percentage of remaining LA, GA, and the ester end group provide more information about the microstructure change (such as hydrophobicity) of PLA/PLGA. Additionally, the qNMR method can complement GPC methods by measuring the change of remaining PLA and PLGA oligomer concentrations in brimonidine implants, with tenfold less sample and no MW cutoff. The qNMR method can be used as a sensitive tool for both polymer excipient characterization and kinetics studies of brimonidine implant erosion.

Development of a comprehensive normal-phase liquid chromatography × size-exclusion chromatography platform with ultraviolet spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry detection for the chemical characterization of complex polyesters

BackgroundPolyesters are applied in high-end products in many industrial applications, including resins and powder-coating applications. The characterization of the chemical heterogeneities within a polyester is of utmost interest to develop new products or improve existing applications. Unfortunately, characterization is a difficult task, as polyesters may feature distributions in end-group functionality, molecular weight, chemical composition, and degree of branching. Currently, no analytical method can characterize all these interdependent distributions in a single analysis. ResultsWe report the use of comprehensive normal-phase liquid chromatography × size-exclusion chromatography hyphenated with ultraviolet-light spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry in parallel (NPLC × SEC–UV/HRMS) to characterize polyesters according to their end-group-functionality and molecular-weight distributions. The chemical composition can be measured with HRMS, while relative quantitation can be performed with UV detection. A supercharging agent was used during ionization allowing to extend the molecular-weight range of the detected chemical species. SignificanceThe presented platform allows characterization of polyesters with varying fractions of carboxyl or hydroxyl end-group functionalities and varying distributions of molecular weight, degree of branching, and chemical compositions. The number-average and weight-average molar masses are obtained in the same analysis. This information cannot be obtained by any one-dimensional technique. The developed NPLC × SEC–UV/HRMS platform is a valuable tool for characterizing polyesters in an industrial setting.