Visualization of size-selective protein separations on spherical mesoporous silicates

The visualization of a protein-protein separation by a mesoporous molecular sieve on spherical SBA-15 particles suitable for chromatographic use, was presented. The dense and uniform pore structure of SBA-15 underlies the rapid uptake of protein and complete penetration of the particle by the adsorbate. The separation was recorded using a confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) and these measurements were combined with flow microcalorimetry (FMC) to interpret the separation mechanism. For the largest pore material, where pore adsorption dominates, the specific coverage is ≊ 0.5 mg m-2. The results show that decrease in specific coverage leads to decrease in repulsive electrostatic interactions between proteins.