Continuous modes of chromatography

Fiber optic multi-channel protein detector for use in preparative continuous annular chromatography

Continuous annular chromatography is an effective method in the separation of preparative scale quantities of biological compounds including proteins where established batch chromatography borders on it. The need for identification or quantification of proteins triggered the development of respective detection units. Here, we describe two types of optical multi-channel detectors. The first is a fiber optic multi-channel detector suitable for the separation of aqueous protein solutions. The second is a technically improved (circular optic) device suitable for application in multi-channel detection. Specifically, UV-absorption measurements of proteins at 280 nm were carried out using newly designed fiber optic detectors having eight and 16 channels. Calibration plots were established for a series of stock solutions of known concentrations of proteins. Mathematical functions were derived from these calibration data to simulate the response of the detector. Limits of detection and the ranges of validity of the fit functions were determined. The 16-channel detector has a theoretical limit of detection that is equivalent to absorbance changes of 10(-4) units.

Preparative desalting of bovine serum albumin by continuous annular chromatography

Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was continuously desalted from alkaline salts (a mixture of sodium phosphate, sodium chloride and potassium chloride) using a size-exclusion gel as the stationary phase. An annular chromatograph was used to achieve a continuous mode of operation and therefore a reasonable throughput. Distribution and mass transfer coefficients of the substances as well as bed properties were obtained by batch chromatography. These separations were simulated mathematically applying an approximate linear chromatographic theory. It was shown experimentally and theoretically that the BSA and the salt solution could be recovered continuously in a purity higher than 98%. The influence of rotation rate on the resolution of the individual peaks was investigated.