Gel filtration chromatography as a method for removing bacterial endotoxin from antibody preparations

The removal of bacterial endotoxins from biological samples is critical to avoid the potentially fatal pyrogenic response possible when introduced to mammalian systems. Endotoxins have a variety of specific characteristics that can be exploited to target their isolation and subsequent removal, but one that has not been extensively characterized is their difference in size from that of monoclonal antibodies. Here, we present a study which utilizes gel filtration chromatography as a method for endotoxin removal from both aggregated and nonaggregated antibody preparations, outlining a mechanistically simple method for removal of this impurity. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 30:1497–1501, 2014     

Oligomerization state of S100B at nanomolar concentration determined by large-zone analytical gel filtration chromatography.

S100B is a Ca(2+)-binding protein known to be a non-covalently associated dimer, S100B(beta beta), at high concentrations (0.2-3.0 mM) under reducing conditions. The solution structure of apo-S100B (beta beta) shows that the subunits associate in an antiparallel manner to form a tightly packed hydrophobic core at the dimer interface involving six of eight helices and the C-terminal loop (Drohat AC, Amburgey JC, Abildgaard F, Starich MR, Baldisseri D, Weber DJ. 1996. Solution structure of rat apo-S100B (beta beta) as determined by NMR spectroscopy. Biochemistry 35:11577-11588). The C-terminal loop, however, is also known to participate in the binding of S100B to target proteins, so its participation in the dimer interface raises questions as to the physiological relevance of dimeric S100B (beta beta). Therefore, we investigated the oligomerization state of S100B at low concentrations (1-10,000 nM) using large-zone analytical gel filtration chromatography with 35S-labeled S100B. We found that S100B exists (> 99%) as a non-covalently associated dimer, S100B (beta beta), at 1 nM subunit concentration (500 pM dimer) in the presence or absence of saturating levels of Ca2+, which implies a dissociation constant in the picomolar range or lower. These results demonstrate for the first time that in reducing environments and at physiological concentrations, S100B exists as dimeric S100B (beta beta) in the presence or absence of Ca2+, and that the non-covalent dimer is most likely the form of S100B presented to target proteins.     

Large scale protein separations: engineering aspects of chromatography

The engineering considerations common to large scale chromatographic purification of proteins are reviewed. A discussion of the industrial chromatography fundamentals is followed by aspects which affect the scale of separation. The separation column geometry, the effect of the main operational parameters on separation performance, and the physical characteristics of column packing are treated. Throughout, the emphasis is on ion exchange and size exclusion techniques which together constitute the major portion of commercial chromatographic protein purifications. In all cases, the state of current technology is examined and areas in need of further development are noted.

The physico-chemical advances now underway in chromatographic separation of biopolymers would ensure a substantially enhanced role for these techniques in industrial production of products of new biotechnology.     

凝胶过滤与镍柱亲和纯化金葡菌a-溶血素重组蛋白的生物学特性比较

以在宿主菌株BL21(DE3)中成功表达的重组金黄色葡萄球菌a-溶血素蛋白为研究对象, 分析比较通过凝胶过滤层析(Gel filtration chromatography)和镍柱亲和层析纯化试剂盒(Ni-NTA spin columns)纯化所得到的重组蛋白的蛋白含量和生物特性方面的差异。SDS-PAGE分析检测纯化产物, Bradford法测定蛋白含量, 兔红细胞测定半数溶血效价。结果显示这2种方法得到的纯化产物在53 kD处均呈现单一清晰带, 达电泳级纯度。与此同时, 凝胶过滤对目的蛋白的纯化率为14.04%, 蛋白含量为0.337 mg/mL, 溶血活性为1519 HU/mg; 镍柱亲和层析的纯化率为17.5%, 蛋白含量为0.35 mg/mL, 溶血活性为1463 HU/mg。由此可见, 凝胶过滤得到的纯化产物在蛋白含量和蛋白活性方面丝毫不亚于镍柱亲和层析纯化试剂盒。     

Purification and characterization of a transgenic corn grain‐derived recombinant collagen type I alpha 1

Corn offers advantages as a transgenic host for producing recombinant proteins required at large volumes (1,000's of tons per year) and low cost (less than US$50/kg) by generating them as co‐products of biorefining. We describe the purification and characterization of a corn grain‐derived mammalian structural protein having such market characteristics: a full length recombinant collagen type I alpha 1 (rCIα1) chain. Material properties of interest are gelation behavior, which would depend on as yet unverified ability of corn to carry out post‐translational prolyl hydroxylation and formation of triple helical conformation. The starting material was grain where the expression of rCIα1 had been directed by an embryo‐specific promoter. Purification consisted of extraction at low pH followed by membrane and chromatographic steps to isolate rCIα1 for characterization. The amino acid composition and immunoreactivity of CIα1 was similar to that of an analogous native human CIα1 and to rCIα1 produced by the yeast Pichia pastoris. Tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the primary sequence of the corn‐derived rCIα1 with 46% coverage. Fragments of the rCIα1chains were also observed, possibly caused by endogenous plant proteases. The corn‐derived rCIα1 had a low level of prolyl hydroxylation (～1% versus 11%) relative to animal‐derived CIα1 and folded into its characteristic triple‐helical structure as indicated by its resistance to pepsin digestion below its melting temperature of 26^oC. The 29 amino acid foldon fused to the C‐terminus to initiate triple helix formation was not cleaved from the rCIα1chains, but could be removed by pepsin treatment. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog. 2009     

Purification and properties of O-acetyl-L-serine sulphydrylase from wheat leaves

O-Acetyl-L-serine sulphydrylase (OASS), the enzyme which produces L-cysteine from O-acetyl-L-serine (OAS) and sulphide, is     

Gel filtration of egg phosphatidylcholine vesicles

The abilities of Sepharose 2b (Pharmacia), Controlled Pore Glass (Electro-Nucleonics) and Bio-Gel A150m (Bio-Rad) to purify small unilamellar vesicles prepared by sonication and the ethanol-injection methods were compared. The Bio-Gel causes complete aggregation of the sonicated vesicles and partial aggregation of the ethanol-injection vesicles. Both Sepharose and Controlled Pore Glass are acceptable for purifying vesicles from multilamellar liposomes; however, neither will separate the vesicles from sonication by-products which might be formed.     

Purification of a functional gene therapy vector derived from Moloney murine leukaemia virus using membrane filtration and ceramic hydroxyapatite chromatography

The ability of membrane ultra- and diafiltration and two chromatography media, Matrex Cellufine Sulfate (Millipore) and Macro-Prep ceramic hydroxyapatite (Bio-Rad), to adsorb, elute, and purify gene therapy vectors based on Moloney murine leukaemia virus (MoMuLV) carrying the 4070A amphotropic envelope protein was studied. Membrane ultra- and diafiltration provided virus concentration up to 160-fold with an average recovery of infectious viruses of 77 +/- 14%. In batch experiments, Macro-Prep ceramic hydroxyapatite (type 2, particle size 40 microm) proved superior to Matrex Cellufine Sulfate for MoMuLV vector particle adsorption. Furthermore, functional vector particles could be eluted using phosphate buffer pH 6.8 (highest titres from >or=300 mM phosphate) from the Macro-Prep adsorbent, with higher specific titres (cfu/mg protein) than the starting material. Similar results were obtained when this ceramic hydroxyapatite was packed into a column and used in a liquid chromatography system. Recovery of transduction-competent virus was between 18 and 31% for column experiments and 32 and 46% for batch experiments.     

Stabilization of triple-helical structures of collagen peptides containing a Hyp-Thr-Gly, Hyp-Val-Gly, or Hyp-Ser-Gly sequence

The single-crystal structures of three collagen-like host-guest peptides, (Pro-Pro-Gly)(4) -Hyp-Yaa-Gly-(Pro-Pro-Gly)(4) [Yaa = Thr, Val, Ser; Hyp = (4R)-4-hydroxyproline] were analyzed at atomic resolution. These peptides adopted a 7/2-helical structure similar to that of the (Pro-Pro-Gly)(9) peptide. The stability of these triple helices showed a similar tendency to that observed in Ac-(Gly-Hyp-Yaa)(10) -NH(2) (Yaa = Thr, Val, Ser) peptides. On the basis of their detailed structures, the differences in the triple-helical stabilities of the peptides containing a Hyp-Thr-Gly, Hyp-Val-Gly, or Hyp-Ser-Gly sequence were explained in terms of van der Waals interactions and dipole-dipole interaction between the Hyp residue in the X position and the Yaa residue in the Y position involved in the Hyp(X):Yaa(Y) stacking pair. This idea also explains the inability of Ac-(Gly-Hyp-alloThr)(10) -NH(2) and Ac-(Gly-Hyp-Ala)(10) -NH(2) peptides to form triple helices. In the Hyp(X):Thr(Y), Hyp(X):Val(Y), and Hyp(X):Ser(Y) stacking pairs, the proline ring of the Hyp residues adopts an up-puckering conformation, in agreement with the residual preference of Hyp, but in disagreement with the positional preference of X in the Gly-Xaa-Yaa sequence.     

柱串联法在凝胶过渡色谱中的应用一例

凝胶过滤色谱因其操作方法简单、重复性强等特点在大分子的分离化中被广泛使用,特别在基因工程蛋白质类药物的精细纯化中起着难以替代的作用。将Superdex75凝胶柱与SephacrylS-100凝胶柱串联在一起进行凝胶过滤,分离一种用普通凝胶过滤色谱难以分离的样品,成功地将分辨率（Rs）由0．71提高到1．70,得到了基线分离。     

Purification of fusion ferritin from recombinant E. coli using two-step sonications

Fusion ferritin, combined by heavy chain ferritin (21 kDa) and light chain ferritin (19 kDa), was expressed in recombinant E. coli. The fusion ferritin was easily purified by two-step sonications as well as gel filtration chromatography. SDS-gel electrophoresis showed a single band of 38 kDa with heavy and light chains. MALDI-TOF MS gave a molecular weight of fusion ferritin was 38 kDa. The specific activity and yield of purified fusion ferritin are 0.41 Fe³⁺ mg mg^–1 of protein and 66%. Those values are larger than the previous ones of 0.2 Fe³⁺ mg mg^–1 (Kim et al. 2001).     

A high performance gel filtration chromatography method for gamma-glutamyltransferase fraction analysis

The clinical relevance of serum gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity, in areas other than hepatic function, has recently been increased by several epidemiological associations. Still, GGT remains a nonspecific test because of the influence of various pathophysiological factors. We devised a procedure based on gel filtration chromatography, followed by postcolumn injection of fluorescent GGT substrate (gamma-glutamyl-7-amido-4-methylcoumarin), permitting the quantification of GGT fractions in serum or plasma. Plasma GGT molecular weight distribution was analyzed in healthy volunteers (20 males; mean+/-SD age 38+/-10 years; 20 females; age 44+/-13; total GGT 21+/-11 for males vs 13+/-7 for females; P<0.01). The method is highly sensitive (determination limit: 0.5 U GGT/L), with a linear dynamic range between 0.5 and 150 U/L for each fraction. Four GGT fractions of different molecular weight were detected in all subjects of both genders: b-GGT, m-GGT, s-GGT (likely lipoprotein-bound, molecular masses >2000, 940, and 140kDa, respectively), and a free fraction (f-GGT, 70kDa). f-GGT and s-GGT were the main fractions in subjects with lower and higher total GGT activity, respectively. Higher total GGT activity in males is related mainly to f-GGT (P<0.01). GGT fraction analysis may increase the sensitivity and specificity of the GGT activity test.     

Purification of plasmid DNA using tangential flow filtration and tandem anion-exchange membrane chromatography

A new bioprocess using mainly membrane operations to obtain purified plasmid DNA from Escherechia coli ferments was developed. The intermediate recovery and purification of the plasmid DNA in cell lysate was conducted using hollow-fiber tangential filtration and tandem anion-exchange membrane chromatography. The purity of the solutions of plasmid DNA obtained during each process stage was investigated. The results show that more than 97% of RNA in the lysate was removed during the process operations and that the plasmid DNA solution purity increased 28-fold. One of the main characteristics of the developed process is to avoid the use of large quantities of precipitating agents such as salts or alcohols. A better understanding of membrane-based technology for the purification of plasmid DNA from clarified E. coli lysate was developed in this research. The convenience of anion-exchange membranes, configured in ready-to-use devices can further simplify large-scale plasmid purification strategies.     

Gel filtration of particle-bound phytochrome

Pelletable phytochrome from hypocotyl hooks of Cucurbita pepo L. seedlings has been separated into two fractions by gel filtration on Sepharose CL-2B. One fraction with a K _av of 0.7 was detected only after red irradiation (in vivo or in vitro). This separated from a ribonucleoprotein fraction during gel filtration. The weak interaction with ribonucleo-protein which required magnesium (optimal at 10 mM) was overcome by high salt concentrations and prevented by ribonuclease treatment. The second phytochrome fraction was strongly associated with a high molecular weight material with a K _av of less than 0.1. Low levels of this complex were detected in extracts from dark grown tissue but were increased by red irradiation of excised hooks or crude extracts. The binding of phytochrome to the high molecular weight material did not require magnesium, was unaffected by ribonuclease treatment, and was much more resistant to high salt concentrations than was the phytochrome—ribonucleoprotein association. These results suggest that the association of phytochrome with this membrane—containing fraction is not electrostatic.The separation by agarose-gel filtration offers a useful technique for the preparation of membraneassociated phytochrome for physiological studies.Abbreviations EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid - P _r and P_fr phytochrome in the red and far-red absorbing forms - RNase ribonuclease - RNP ribonucleoprotein     

High-performance molecular sieve chromatography of proteins on agarose columns: the relation between concentration and porosity of the gel

Curves showing the relation between log (molecular weight) and distribution coefficient are presented for proteins subjected to molecular sieve chromatography on crosslinked and non-crosslinked agarose gels of different concentrations. These curves, which facilitate selection of the gel concentration that gives optimal resolution in any particular separation problem, show that the exclusion limit of 5, 9, 12, and 20% agarose gels correspond to protein with molecular weights above 1,000,000, 600,000, 450,000, and 280,000, respectively. Plate numbers have been determined for columns of 20% agarose at different flow rates and bead sizes. Separations of model proteins by high-performance molecular sieve chromatography on agarose beads are shown.     

Effect of solution pH on protein transmission and membrane capacity during virus filtration

Although virus filtration is now an integral part of the overall viral clearance strategy for the purification of many commercial therapeutic proteins, there is currently little understanding of the factors controlling the performance of the virus filters. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of solution pH on protein transmission and capacity during virus filtration. Data were obtained using bovine serum albumin as a model protein with Viresolve 180 membranes oriented with both the skin-side up and skin-side down. Membranes were also characterized using dextran sieving measurements both before and after protein filtration. Membrane capacity and protein yield were minimal at the protein isoelectric point, which was due to the greater degree of concentration polarization associated with the smaller protein diffusion coefficient at this pH. In contrast, the actual protein sieving coefficient was maximum at the protein isoelectric point due to the absence of any strong electrostatic exclusion under these conditions. The yield and capacity were both significantly greater when the membrane was oriented with the skin-side down. These results provide important insights into the effects of solution conditions on the performance of virus filtration membranes for protein purification.     

Some properties and applications of Superose 6B

Applications of a new agarose-based medium for high-performance preparative gel filtration is described. The 30-micron bead size, high pore volume, and simple experimental technique to prepare highly efficient columns make Superose 6B very suitable for preparative purifications of protein mixtures in the molar mass range of 10(3) to 4 X 10(6). Sample load exceeds 100 mg/cm2, which indicates that gram quantities may be purified on K 50/60 columns. The scale-up procedure from analytical to preparative columns is demonstrated by the separation of serum samples and the industrial purification of an enzyme-antibody conjugate.     

鳖源胶原蛋白提取纯化及在生物材料中的应用

近年来,胶原蛋白因其良好的生物学性能在生物材料应用中得到越来越多的关注,为了建立一种快速高效的鳖源胶原蛋白纯化方法和探究其在生物材料中的应用价值,首先用Van Gieson染色法和苦味酸-天狼星红染色法观察裙边胶原纤维组织结构,发现裙边胶原纤维含量非常高且类型主要是Ⅰ型。采用不同截留分子量的透析袋对裙边胶原蛋白粗提液进行直接透析纯化,发现截留分子量为100 k Da的透析袋在透析48 h后对裙边胶原蛋白的纯化效果最好,SDS-PAGE检验显示几乎没有杂带。对裙边胶原蛋白生物学性能包括吸水性、体外降解性进行考察,其吸水力和持水力分别高达12.06 g/g和98.21%,且在72 h后被完全降解;对裙边胶原蛋白海绵的溶血性、皮肤致敏性、肝部创伤止血性、促创伤皮肤愈合性进行了研究,并和交联胶原进行比较,发现裙边胶原蛋白和交联胶原均不会造成SD大鼠溶血和皮肤过敏,二者均具有良好的止血效果,且裙边胶原蛋白能显著缩短创伤皮肤愈合时间,具有良好的促创伤皮肤愈合性,而交联胶原效果欠佳。本研究表明裙边胶原蛋白表现出了优良的生物学性能,在生物材料领域具有很大应用价值。     

人胎盘中胶原蛋白的提取和表征

采用碱-酶结合法以人胎盘为原料提取胶原蛋白,并使用原子力显微镜(AFM)、差示扫描量热仪(DSC)、圆二色光谱(CD)和傅立叶变换红外光谱(FTIR)对所得胶原蛋白产品进行表征。结果表明:此工艺路线的胶原蛋白得率高,达到0.102%;提取时间由48 h以上减少到24 h以内,而且所得胶原蛋白分子完整地保留了其螺旋纤维结构。此法是从人胎盘中提取胶原蛋白的一种行之有效的方法。