Chemical, physical, and biochemical concepts in isolation and purification of proteins

In this chapter the physicochemical basis of protein retention in adsorption chromatography has been examined. It is evident from this treatment that significant developments are in process with regard to both the theory and practice of high-resolution chromatographic methods, particularly at the preparative level with adsorptive stationary phases. The recognition that most purification strategies must be based on multidimensional multistage procedures presents numerous challenges for the protein chemist, the chromatographic scientist, and the biochemical engineer. The urgency for these developments has been stressed by the potential of modern biotechnology to produce large quantities of new proteins that must be obtained in highly purified form. The capabilities that these advances present will prove catalytic in the materials sciences as new solid phases are examined with particular properties for large-scale utilization. Similarly, new initiatives in protein engineering will lead to greater utilization of the fusion handle approach for selective protein isolation and recovery. The realization of these capabilities will represent an enthusiastic and innovative method that will revolutionize the role of bioprocess development over the next decade.