Methods for determining the molecular weight distribution in a sample of an anionic polysaccharide is provided. The methods generally include: providing a sample of an anionic polysaccharide with an average molecular eight in the range of from 0.05 to 10 MDa; applying the sample to an anion-exchange chromatography column so as to immobilize the polysaccharide to the column; eluting the immobilized polysaccharide while recording a chromatogram of the amount of polysaccharide eluted as a function of time; and determining the molecular weight distribution in the polysaccharide sample through analysis of the chromatogram. Also provided is use of anion-exchange chromatography for the determination of molecular weight distribution in a sample of an anionic polysaccharide with an average molecular weight in the range of from 0.05 to 10 MDa.
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