PREPARATIVE CHROMATOGRAPHY OF BIOMOLECULES

An overview of preparative chromatography is given with a description of both theoretical and practical aspects. Owing to the large-scale production of recombinant proteins in various hosts, the requirements for speed, recovery and purity are ever increasing. The introduction of new gels with higher stability, a better understanding of the adsorption process and significant improvements in equipment such as injectors, pumps, fractionation devices and valves have transformed chromatography from an art to science and technology. The rules for scale-up are well understood (constant height, constant height-to-diameter ratio, dynamic similarity) and theoretical solutions including computer programs are available to minimize experimental work.