A mathematical model is developed for fixed-beds packed with inert core adsorbents. New analytical solutions to predict breakthrough and elution curves are derived for linear adsorption systems coupled with axial dispersion, film mass transfer and intraparticle mass transfer. New approximate solutions are also obtained based on the assumptions of parabolic concentration profile in the adsorbent shell and the quasi-lognormal distribution for the impulse response in order to predict breakthrough and elution curves. The applicability of these approximate solutions is suggested by comparison with the new analytical solutions. The effects of the size of inert core, sample input mode, axial dispersion, film mass transfer resistance and intraparticle diffusion resistance, on the breakthrough and elution curves are discussed. The decrease of the intraparticle mass transfer resistance by using inert core adsorbents is quantitatively analyzed by introducing the parameter 1/Theta. Furthermore, an analytical expression for the resolution of two components is derived based on the quasi-lognormal distribution approximate solution; the resolution of two components is improved with the inert core adsorbent when compared with the conventional adsorbent, especially for biomacromolecules where the intraparticle diffusion rate is slow. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.