Environment-Responsive Paper-supported Membrane for Chromatographic Bio-separations: Preparation, Characterization and Application

Abstract

<p>Environment-responsive paper-supported composite membranes, consisting of interpenetrating network of poly(<em>N</em>-vinyl caprolactam) and cellulose fibres, suitable for hydrophobic interaction membrane chromatography of proteins were prepared. These membranes could be made to switch between hydrophobic and hydrophilic states in a reversible manner by addition or removal of anti-chaotropic salts. A series of systematic studies were conducted to examine the effects of polymer loading and salt concentration on hydraulic and antibody binding properties of these membranes. A membrane possessing a satisfactory balance of hydraulic permeability and antibody binding was further examined for use in an immunoglobulin G (IgG) purification process. The membrane demonstrated low fouling tendency, satisfactory IgG binding (c.a. 12 mg/ml bed volume), and was successfully used for IgG purification from simulated cell culture supernatant. The results obtained demonstrate that the poly(<em>N</em>-vinyl caprolactam)-paper composite and indeed similar material could be used as inexpensive membranes adsorbers for protein purification.</p>