Bioproduct Recovery From Unclarified Broths and Homogenates Using Immobilized Adsorbents

Abstract

AbstractThe use of reversibly “immobilized” (gel‐matrix entrapped or gel‐membrane encapsulated) adsorbents for the recovery of protein products from unclarified broths or cell homogenates containing difficult to remove solids was investigated. The hydrogel membrane or matrix acts as a protective non‐fouling barrier that allows the diffusion of the desired bioproduct, but it excludes colloidal solids such as whole cells, cell debris, and macromolecular precipitates. This feature not only prevents the fouling of the adsorbent, it also enhances product separation. The concept of kinetic selectivity, which depends on the differences in the diffusion rates of various adsorbing species is also introduced. The utility of hydrogel matrix or membrane in enhancing the kinetic selectivity of smaller proteins from a crude mixture was also investigated using model systems.