Theoretical aspects of affinity chromatography
Abstract There is significant interest in the biochemical industry in the use of affinity-chromatography processes for the purification, separation, and analysis of enzymes, hormones, antibodies, proteins and other macromolecules. Appropriate theories are needed in order to predict the dynamic behavior, to design, to scale-up, to optimize, and to control affinity-chromatography systems. This review presents the mass transfer mechanisms and rate steps involved in the formation and dissociation of the adsorbate-ligand complex, and suggests models which can be used to predict the performance characteristics of affinity-chromatography processes. Procedures are also presented with which the parameters characterizing the mass transfer and interaction mechanisms of the models can be estimated, and theoretical and experimental areas and directions are suggested for future research in affinity-chromatography systems. Results and their implications for batch, fixed bed, periodic countercurrent bed, and radial flow systems are discussed. The need for continuous affinity-chromatography separations is also considered.