Dried calcium alginate/magnetite spheres: A new support for chromatographic separations and enzyme immobilization

Dried spheres made from an alginate solution containing magnetite particles have excellent potential as a support for enzyme immobilization and chromatographic applications. The beads were found to be much stronger than gels such as polyacrylamide and dextran, indicating that high flow rates and pressures could be used in column separations. The support withstood not only temperatures of up to 120 degrees C, but also most pH values and common solvents. While some solutions, such as phosphate buffers, dissolved the spheres, stabilization with Tyzor TE(R) eliminated this problem. The physical properties of the beads include a glasslike density of 2.2 g/mL, excellent sphericity, low porosity, and a narrow size distribution. The magnetite present in the support allows the beads to be used for magnetic separations such as high gradient magnetic filtration. Their high degree of microroughness provides a large exposed surface area for enzyme and ligand binding. Mixed Actinomyces fradiae proteases and Aspergillus niger alpha-amylase, two enzymes representative of classes which attack large substrates, were immobilized on the bead's surface with high activity and stability. A cyanuric dye which can be used in chromatographic applications (Cibacron Blue F3GA(R)) was also readily coupled to the surface of this support with good yield. The support should have a wide range of applications in bioseparation and immobilized biochemical technology.