Preparation of GSH-functionalized porous dextran for the selective binding of GST by high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) polymerization

Abstract

Well-defined porous dextrans bound with glutathione (GSH) were prepared in four steps: (1) vinylation of dextran by reacting it with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA), (2) preparation of the aqueous phase with vinylated dextran, surfactant and reduced GSH, (3) HIPE polymerization of vinylated dextran initiated by AIBN in an oil phase and incorporating GSH onto the dextran chains by chain transfer reactions, and (4) removal of the oil phase and water soluble impurities. These porous materials had interconnected pores, very thin walls and enough GSH moieties for glutathione S-transferase (GST) separation via specific GSH-GST binding. The representative material prepared was filled in the column for separation of the GST from the crude cell lysate. The result shows that this material has a very high selectivity for GST separation.