Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 28, 2026

14:00
Preparation of Cell Extracts by Cryogrinding in an Automated Freezer Mill
Published on: January 29, 2021
8.2K
Composite cryogels for lysozyme purification.
Gözde Baydemir1, Emir Alper Türkoğlu, Müge Andaç
1Biochemistry Division, Department of Chemistry, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Biotechnology and Applied Biochemistry
|June 14, 2014
Summary
A novel composite cryogel with embedded poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine) beads efficiently purifies lysozyme (Lyz) from chicken egg white. This reusable material demonstrates high adsorption capacity and stability for protein purification applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Protein Chemistry
- Chromatography
Background:
- Lysozyme (Lyz) is a valuable enzyme found in chicken egg white.
- Efficient purification methods are crucial for obtaining high-purity Lyz for various applications.
- Existing purification techniques may face challenges in terms of cost, efficiency, or scalability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize a novel composite cryogel for lysozyme purification.
- To evaluate the performance of the bead-embedded cryogel column for Lyz binding and purification.
- To demonstrate the applicability of the material in a real-world purification scenario using chicken egg white.
Main Methods:
- Suspension polymerization was used to synthesize poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate-N-methacryloyl-L-phenylalanine) (PHEMAPA) beads.
- PHEMAPA beads were embedded into a poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)-based cryogel column.
- Characterization included swelling tests, SEM, BET surface area analysis, elemental analysis, and flow dynamics.
- Lysozyme binding studies were conducted under varying conditions (concentration, pH, flow rate, temperature, NaCl concentration).
- Purification efficiency was assessed using gel electrophoresis and fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC).
Main Results:
- The synthesized PHEMAPA beads were smaller than 5 µm and embedded in a PHEMA cryogel.
- The composite cryogel exhibited a specific surface area of 41.2 m²/g.
- The column demonstrated stable performance over 10 adsorption-desorption cycles with no significant loss in Lyz adsorption capacity.
- Successful purification of lysozyme from chicken egg white was achieved, with purity estimated by gel electrophoresis.
Conclusions:
- The novel PHEMAPA bead-embedded cryogel (BEC) is an effective material for lysozyme purification.
- The material shows good stability and reusability for chromatographic applications.
- This composite cryogel offers a promising platform for efficient protein purification from complex biological mixtures.

