Adsorption kinetics and equilibria of bovine serum albumin on rigid ion-exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography matrices in a stirred cell

Rigid adsorbents have advantages over soft gel media for downstream processing of proteins. The adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) has been investigated on a rigid adsorbent based on a wide-pore, hydrophilically coated, silica-gel matrix. The effects of surface chemistry (weak anion exchanger and hydrophobic interaction chromatography) and particle size have been studied on the physical properties of the adsorbent and on the adsorption equilibria and adsorption kinetics. The rates of adsorption of BSA have been measured in a stirred cell and are found to be satisfactorily described by a two-step theoretical model, in which the mass transfer involves a pore diffusion resistance and an extra-particle film resistance. On the anion exchanger, the effective pore diffusivity decreases substantially with increasing protein concentration, approximately halving as the initial concentration rises from 0.7 to 2g/l. In the hydrophobic interaction chromatography medium, the pore diffusivity is less sensitive to protein concentration and is also reduced by a factor of about 4 by aggregation of the protein. Effective pore diffusivities with the "wide-pore" silica adsorbents in anion-exchange form are 36-94 times lower than the diffusivity in free solution and are comparable with the lower of the wide range of values published for soft gels.     

Lumped parameter model for prediction of initial breakthrough profiles for the chromatographic capture of antibodies from a complex feedstock

A simple mathematical model to predict initial breakthrough profiles from preparative chromatographic separations of biological macromolecules has been developed. A lumped parameter approach was applied, employing Langmuirian adsorption kinetics to describe the rate of mass transfer (MT) from the bulk liquid in the column to the bound state. Equilibrium and kinetic adsorption data were determined for six different packed bed chromatographic adsorbents: two derivatised with rProtein A; and four functionalised with synthetic low molecular weight ligands. All adsorption isotherms were well described by the Langmuir model, whereas the data fitting to kinetic batch experiments showed that the model was inadequate after the first approximately 25 min of adsorption for four of the six adsorbents. The model underestimated the dynamic Ig breakthough on packed beds of rProtein A Sepharose FF, MabSelect, MBI HyperCel, and MabSorbent A1P, applying a feedstock of 20-100% (v/v) clarified rabbit antiserum. However, when employing a maximum adsorption capacity 25% greater than that determined in batch binding studies, excellent agreement was obtained at all antiserum strengths for most adsorbents. Useful insights into scale-up and process design can be obtained by applying the model, without determining tentative parameters specific for each adsorbent and target protein concentration. However, the model parameters are solvent dependent so a prerequisite for its true applicability is that binding is both Langmuirian and essentially independent of the ionic strength of the feedstock applied.     

Optimization of affinity and ion-exchange chromatographic processes for the purification of proteins

This study documents several alternative approaches for the optimization of the ion-exchange and affinity chromatographic purification of proteins. In these approaches, the chromatographic process has been treated as a four-stage (adsorption, washing, elution, and regeneration) operation. Central to these investigations has been the elaboration of practical iterative procedures based on the use of theoretical models describing each of these stages. Predictions derived from these models have then been evaluated in terms of experimental data obtained using batch adsorption measurements in finite bath configurations and frontal breakthrough measurements with packed beds of different dimensions, containing nonporous and porous adsorbents of different selectivities and capacities for proteins. Commencing with the kinetic and distribution parameters derived from batch equilibrium measurements, the effect of the initial concentration of the target protein, the solid-liquid volume ratio, the superficial velocity and the column dimensions on the pressure drop, production rate, concentration profile, column utilization, and yield have been determined with packed beds. The potential of these iterative approaches to simplify the determination of key mass transfer and interaction parameters required for scale-up and economic optimization of chromatographic purifications of proteins has been examined using ion exchange, immobilized metal ion affinity, and triazine dye pseudo-affinity adsorbents of different selectivity and adsorption capacities. (c) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Characterization of a continuous supermacroporous monolithic matrix for chromatographic separation of large bioparticles

A continuous supermacroporous monolithic chromatographic matrix has been characterized using a capillary model, experimental breakthrough curves, and pressure drop experiments. The model describes the convective flow and its dispersive mixing effects, mass transfer resistance, pore size distribution, and the adsorption behavior of the monolithic matrix. It is possible to determine an effective pore size distribution by fitting the capillary model to experimental breakthrough curves and pressure drop experiments. The model is able to describe the flow rate dependence of the experimental breakthrough curves. Mass transport resistance was due to: (i) dispersive mixing effects in the convective flow in the pores; and (ii) slow diffusion in the stagnant film covering the surface within each pore, under adsorption conditions. The monolithic matrix can be described by a very narrow pore size distribution, illustrating one of the advantages of the gel. A broader pore size distribution results in increased band broadening. This can be studied easily using the model developed in this investigation.     

Adsorptive separation of fructose and glucose from an agroindustrial waste of cashew industry

Nearly all agroindustrial wastes have appreciable sugar content including cashew apples (Anacardium occidentale, L.), which are an important sub-utilized biomass source in Northeastern Brazil. Adsorption in fixed bed, both in batch and continuous modes, is a low-cost separation technique, which has been widely used in the concentration, separation and purification of bioproducts, such as sugars. The present work is an experimental study aimed at measuring responses in fixed bed, needed for design purposes. Two commercial ion-exchange resins were studied: DOWEX Monosphere 99/Ca and DIAION UBK555. The adsorbents showed linear isotherms for both sugars with marked selectivity for fructose (2.2 for DOWEX and 1.5 for DIAION). A mathematical model was used to estimate kinetic parameters and predict breakthrough behaviour of binary solutions and complex feeds. The kinetics of mass transfer was well described by a linear driving force approximation (LDF) and estimated kinetic constants were around 1 min(-1). The results indicate that the use of independent experiments with synthetic monocomponent solutions leads to reliable parameters, and the model is capable to foresee reasonably well the breakthrough curve of the sugars present in the juice, under different purification conditions. The use of complex feeds led to overshoot behaviour, possibly due to the irreversible adsorption of oligosaccharides.     

Use of adsorbents for optimizing the process of isolating nisin from the culture broth

The results of the study on optimization of the process of nisin isolation from the cultural liquid are presented. Different adsorbents, streptococcal cells, medium solid particles (biomass fermentalysates) and silica gel, were used for antibiotic adsorption.     

Rapid method for the isolation of hydroxylysylpyridinoline and lysylpyridinoline from concentrated bone hydrolysates by liquid chromatographic techniques

A rapid method for the isolation of hydroxylysylpyridinoline and lysylridinoline from bone by liquid chromatographic methods is described. Decalcified bone is hydrolysed in 7 M hydrochloric acid. After evaporation of the acid, the high molecular mass dark coloured degradation products are removed by adsorption on non-polar adsorbents. The pyridinolines are separated from the majority of the amino acids by adsorption on cellulose. Separation of HP and LP is performed either by cation-exchange chromatography or by reversed-phase ion-pari chromatography. The pyridinoline containing fractions are desalted by size-exclusion chromatography. The progress of the hydrolytic cleavage of collagen and the optimal parameters for purification and separation were examined. As a result the existing method allows the isolation of high amounts of pyridinolines with low amounts of adsorbents and chemical within a short time.     

In situ and Ex situ adsorption and recovery of betalains from hairy root cultures of Beta vulgaris

Various adsorbents were screened for in situ recovery of betalain pigments effluxed from hairy root cultures of red beet, Beta vulgaris. Alumina/silica (1:1) appeared ideal, showing in situ adsorption of 97% in a unit time of 30 min accounting for in situ recovery of 71.39% of the total betalaine effluxed. Other adsorbents such as Amberlite series (XAD-2 and -4), cyclodextrin, maltodextrin, dextrin white, and starches such as wheat starch and corn starch exhibited very poor in situ adsorption properties. Pretreatment of adsorbents with methanol significantly improved the adsorption capacities of some of the adsorbents, with a highest adsorption of 97.2% for alumina followed by alumina/silica (1:1) and higher adsorption by XAD-2 and -4. Complete in situ adsorption equilibrium was reached in 20 min for a solution containing 2.5 mg mL(-)(1) of betalain in adsorbents alumina, silica, and a mixture of alumina and silica. In situ betalain adsorption parameters for alumina/silica were determined using the Langmuir isotherm model where the adsorption capacity was found to be 0.174 mg g(-)(1) and the adsorption energy was 0.9 at pH 5.5 and 25 degrees C. Desorption of pigments from the adsorbents was invariably highest in poor adsorbents, indicating their poor adsorption energy for betalaines. Similarly, recovery by desorption was low in those adsorbents having high adsorption capacity, indicating that adsorbents such as activated ones with highest adsorption capacity with zero desorption property were unsuitable for the recovery of effluxed pigments. Ex situ recovery of betalain done using various combinations of alumina/silica and processed sand and different column geometries indicated that alumina with processed sand at a 2:1 ratio (w/w) and a minimum column material of 2 cm height and 2 cm diameter was good enough to cause 97% pigment adsorption from a solution containing 1.6 mg mL(-)(1). Desorption and recovery of pigments ex situ from columns were affected by various elution mixtures, where a gradient elution with ascending levels of HCl/ethanol in water resulted in 100% recovery of adsorbed pigments in a significantly lesser volume of eluent in a short period of 1 h. Different pigment flow rates of 0.2, 0.3, and 3.1 mL s(-)(1) through a column of alumina/processed sand indicated that a pigment equilibrium concentration of 0.18 mg mL(-)(1) at flow rates of 0.02 and 0.3 mL s(-)(1) resulted in a breakthrough at 110 and 14 min adsorbing 16.9 and 16.91 mg g(-)(1) betalain, respectively. From the breakthrough curves, the column capacities for respective flow rates were calculated as 8.86 and 9.6 mg g(-)(1), and the higher flow rates resulted in earlier breakthrough with lower capacity. Observations made in the present study are useful to develop a process for the on-line recovery of betalains effluxed from hairy roots.     

Ion-electron recombination on silica gel surfaces: experiment and modelling.

Kinetics on silica gel and other solid, porous surfaces are often complex. In this paper we have studied the decay kinetics of radical cations produced following multiphoton ionisation on silica gel, and have characterised these using an empirical model. Trends in kinetics have been observed both as a function of concentration and of temperature. Concentration dependent studies suggest heterogeneity of surface adsorption, both in terms of the nature of adsorption sites and aggregation effects. Temperature dependent studies show that the activation energies for surface diffusion correlate with the size of the radical cation, suggesting that its movement rather than that of the electron dominates the observed kinetics. Monte Carlo simulations have been shown to give useful qualitative insights into the interpretation of the extracted parameters, in particular into how apparent distributions of rate constants can arise as a result of low surface dimensionality.     

Preparative isolation of polyphosphoinositides and other anionic phospholipids from natural sources using chromatography on adsorbents containing primary amino groups.

A new method for the preparative isolation of anionic phospholipids with the use of chromatography on adsorbents containing primary amino groups has been developed. The method combines elements of bioaffinity and ion-exchange chromatography. Synthesis of adsorbents based on Spheron and silica supports with immobilized neomycin, L-lysine, or aminoalkyl groups was carried out. Optimal conditions for the separation of phospholipid mixtures on aminosorbents were determined. Separation of rat brain bis- and trisphosphoinositides and preparative isolation of bovine heart cardiolipin and baker's yeast phosphatidylinositol are described. The chromatographic behavior of anionic phospholipids on three types of adsorbent was studied. The contribution of biospecific interactions to the adsorption of polyphosphoinositides on aminosorbents is noted.     

Expanded and packed bed albumin adsorption on fluoride modified zirconia

The expanded bed characteristics of 75-103microm fluoride-modified zirconia (FmZr) particles synthesized by a fed batch oil emulsion process were investigated. These particles are distinguished from commercially available expanded-bed adsorbents by virtue of their high density (2.8 g/cc) and the mixed mode protein retention mechanism which allows for the retention of both cationic and anionic proteins. The linear velocity versus bed porosity data agree with the Richardson-Zaki relationship with the terminal velocity in infinite medium of 2858.4 cm/h and a bed expansion index of 5.1. Residence time distribution (RTD) studies and bovine serum albumin (BSA) adsorption studies were performed as a function of the height of the settled bed to the column diameter (H:D) ratio and degree of bed expansion with superficial velocities of 440 to 870 cm/h. The settled bed, a 2x expanded bed, and a 3x expanded bed were studied for the H:D ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1. The dynamic binding capacity (DBC) at 5% breakthrough was low (2-8 mg BSA/mL settled bed) and was independent of the H:D ratio or the degree of bed expansion. The saturation DBC was 32.3 +/- 7.0 mg BSA/mL settled bed. The adsorption-desorption kinetics and intraparticle diffusion for protein adsorption on FmZr (38-75 micrometer) were investigated by studying the packed bed RTD and BSA adsorption as a function of temperature and flow rate. The data show that the adsorption-desorption kinetics along with intraparticle diffusion significantly influence protein adsorption on FmZr. Low residence times ( approximately 0.8 min) of BSA result in a DBC at 5% breakthrough which is 3.5-fold lower compared to that at 6-fold higher protein residence time. At low linear velocity (45 cm/h) the breakthrough curve is nearly symmetrical and becomes asymmetrical and more dispersed at higher linear velocity (270 cm/h) due to the influence of slow adsorption-desorption kinetics and intraparticle diffusion.Copyright 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Bioeng 60: 333-340, 1998.     

Biospecific adsorption of lysozyme onto monoclonal antibody ligand immobilized on nonporous silica particles

It is very important to understand the equilibrium and dynamic characteristics of biospecific adsorption (affinity chromatography) for both scientific and application purposes. Experimental equilibrium and dynamic column data are presented on the adsorption of lysozyme onto antibody immobilized on nonporous silica particles. The Langmuir model is found to represent the equilibrium experimental data satisfactorily, and the equilibrium association constants and heats of adsorption have been estimated for two systems with different ligand densities. The effects of nonspecific interactions are more pronounced in the system with low-density ligand. The dynamic interaction kinetic parameters are estimated by matching the predictions of a fixed-bed model with the experimental breakthrough curves. The agreement between theory and experiment is good for the initial phases of breakthrough, where the mechanism of biospecific adsorption is dominant. In the later phase (saturation neighborhood) of breakthrough, the effects of nonspecific interactions appear to be greater in the low-density ligand system. The kinetics of the nonspecific interactions were estimated from the data of the later phase of breakthrough and were found to be considerably slower than those attributed to biospecific adsorption.     

Activated carbons from waste biomass by sulfuric acid activation and their use on methylene blue adsorption

Preparation of the activated carbons from sunflower oil cake by sulphuric acid activation with different impregnation ratios was carried out. Laboratory prepared activated carbons were used as adsorbents for the removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. Liquid-phase adsorption experiments were conducted and the maximum adsorption capacity of each activated carbon was determined. The effects of various process parameters i.e., temperature, pH, initial methylene blue concentration, contact time on the adsorption capacity of each activated carbon were investigated. The kinetic models for MB adsorption onto the activated carbons were studied. Langmuir isotherm showed better fit than Freundlich isotherm for all activated carbon samples. The rates of adsorption were found to conform to the pseudo-second-order kinetics with good correlation. The separation factor (R(L)) revealed the favorable nature of the isotherm of the MB activated carbon system.     

Protein loading,elution, and resolution behavior in a novel device that integrates ultrafiltration and chromatographic separation

Hollow fiber membranes and chromatographic resin beads are commonly employed in a variety of bioseparation processes. A new class of integrated separation devices is being studied in which the shell side of a hollow fiber device is filled with adsorbents/chromatographic resin beads. Such devices and the corresponding separation methods integrate feed broth clarification by the microfiltration/ultrafiltration membrane with bioproduct purification by the shell-side resin beads either as an adsorbent or as beads in elution chromatography. A mathematical model has been developed for the prediction of the chromatographic behavior of such an integrated device. Simulations have been done to study the effects of axial dispersion, feed flow rate, water permeation rate, fiber packing density, and void fraction. Numerical solutions were obtained by solving the governing equations. This model can reasonably describe the concentration profiles as well as the breakthrough and elution behaviors in the integrated device.     

Effect of adsorbents on degradation of toxic organic compounds by coimmobilized systems

The use of coimmobilized systems for treatment of toxic organic compounds has been proposed. The proposed approach combines the use of adsorbents and laboratory identified microorganisms immobilized in a protective permeable barrier to achieve a greater degree of control over the remediation process. This study was launched to understand the effect of adsorbents and changes in adsorption on the degradation of toxic compounds by coimmobilized systems. The specific case studied involved the degradation of pentachlorophenol (PCP) by Arthrobacter (ATCC 33790) coimmobilized with powdered activated carbon within calcium alginate capsules.The design parameters studied included adsorbent content and type as well as the effect of solution pH and surfactant concentration on adsorption and biodegradation. It was found that the equilibrium adsorption behavior of PCP was strongly influenced by solution pH and surfactant concentration. A mathematical model was developed that combined the physical processes of mass transfer and adsorption with biological degradation of PCP. The model was used to predict the effect of various parameters on the degradation of PCP. Based on model predictions, the degradation of PCP. Based on model predictions, the degradation of PCP was strongly dependent on variations in adsorbent capacity and affinity for this contaminant.     

High-performance liquid chromatographic analysis of nalidixic acid and hydroxynalidixic acid in plasma with a dynamic anion-exchange system

A rapid high-performance liquid chromatographic method has been developed for monitoring plasma levels of patients treated intravenously with nalidixic acid. The major metabolite (in vitro also active) can be determined as well; 50-μl plasma samples are sufficient. Use is made of a dynamic anion-exchange system. Different parameters such as adsorption of the surfactant cetrimide onto the column; pH and ionic strength of the eluent, and the critical micelle concentration of the surfactant in the eluent have been studied.     

Plasma protein fractionation with advanced membrane adsorbents

High capacity membrane adsorbents have been used as a stationary phase for the preparative chromatographic purification of human serum albumin. A two-step ion exchange fractionation scheme yields albumin with 98% purity from clarified, microfiltrated, and desalted human plasma. Experiments with laboratory and pilot scale membrane modules are compared to literature data obtained with conventional Fast Flow Sepharose in a similar purification protocol. Increased productivity in combination with excellent reproducibility and stability was found using the membrane adsorbents. Scale-up of the process based on standard microfiltration equipment was successful but resulted in reduced capacity and productivity due to deteriorated flow characteristics of the module. This was attributed to the effects of substantial axial dispersion in the pilot scale module. Methods to reduce this limitation were identified. The concept of membrane adsorption chromatography for the fast purification of proteins is illustrated and engineering aspects important for the process design are discussed. (c) 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biotechnol Bioeng 54: 181-189, 1997.     

Direct process integration of cell disruption and fluidised bed adsorption in the recovery of labile microbial enzymes

The practical feasibility and generic applicability of the direct integration of cell disruption by bead milling with the capture of intracellular products by fluidised bed adsorption has been demonstrated. Pilot-scale purification of the enzyme L-asparaginase from unclarified Erwinia chrysanthemi disruptates exploiting this novel approach yielded an interim product which rivalled or bettered that produced by the current commercial process employing discrete operations of alkaline lysis, centrifugal clarification and batch adsorption. In addition to improved yield and quality of product, the process time during primary stages of purification was greatly diminished. Two cation exchange adsorbents, CM HyperD LS (Biosepra/Life Technologies) and SP UpFront (custom made SP form of a prototype stainless steel/agarose matrix, UpFront Chromatography) were physically and biochemically evaluated for such direct product sequestration. Differences in performance with regard to product capacity and adsorption/desorption kinetics were demonstrated and are discussed with respect to the design of adsorbents for specific applications. In any purification of L-asparaginase (pI = 8.6), product-debris interactions commonly diminish the recovery of available product. It was demonstrated herein, that immediate disruptate exposure to a fluidised bed adsorbent promoted concomitant reduction of product in the liquid phase, which clearly counter-acted the product-debris interactions to the benefit of product yield.     

Characteristics of the adsorption of immunoglobulin M onto Q Sepharose® Fast Flow ion-exchangers

Measurement of adsorption breakthrough curves in packed beds has shown that the amounts and rates of uptake of immunoglobulin M (IgM) onto the commonly used anionic ion-exchanger Q Sepharose Fast Flow(based on 6% agarose) are severely limited as a result of the large molecular size of this adsorbate(RMM 950000). A similar ion-exchanger based on a more porous 4% agarose, Q Sepharose 4 Fast Flow was evaluated as an alternative adsorbent for the purification of IgM. Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and the effective diffusivities of IgM within these two adsorbents were measured. Q-Sepharose 4 Fast Flow was found to have a maximum capacity for IgM 2.5 times greater than that of Q Sepharose 6 Fast Flow and the effective diffusivity of IgM was found to be between 6 and 7 times greater than with the latter material. Comparison of the breakthrough curves obtained for these adsorbents at a variety of flow velocities confirm that Q Sepharose 4 Fast Flow is a superior adsorbent for the capture and purification of large proteins.This revised version was published online in October 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

On-line monitoring of breakthrough curves within an expanded bed adsorber

By abstracting samples of the liquid phase from various positions along the height of an expanded bed, it has been possible to monitor the breakthrough profiles of adsorbing components during the application of feedstock. Similarly, the concentration profiles of the subsequent washing and elution procedures were also followed. The procedure involves the abstraction of liquid samples from the voids of the expanded bed using a specially modified column and assaying the levels of proteins in the withdrawn stream by on-line rapid chromatographic monitoring. Studies of the residence time distribution showed that the modifications to the expanded bed did not cause additional mixing and dispersion. Breakthrough profiles have been measured in a simple single component system and in a complex feedstock in which the adsorption of lysozyme from skimmed cows' milk was monitored. The system shows promise for the on-line control and monitoring of expanded bed adsorption separations, together with providing additional insight into the hydrodynamic and adsorption/desorption processes that occur during bioseparations using expanded bed adsorption.