Protein C recognition by ion-coordinated imprinted monolithic cryogels

The protein C imprinted monolithic cryogel was synthesized using 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate by redox cryo-polymerization method. The prepared monolithic cryogel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, swelling test, surface area measurements, and scanning electron microscopy. The nonimprinted cryogel was prepared as well for control. Adsorption of protein C from aqueous solutions was investigated in a continuous mode and several parameters affecting adsorption performance were optimized. The maximum protein C adsorption amount was 30.4 mg/g. The selectivity studies were performed by monolithic column studies and fast protein liquid chromatography, using hemoglobin and human serum albumin as competing proteins. The relative selectivity coefficients were 2.37 and 8.89 for hemoglobin and human serum albumin, respectively. Reusability was tested for ten consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles, and no significant change in adsorption capacity was recorded. A pseudo-second-order model was suitable to interpret kinetic data, and the Langmuir model suited the adsorption isotherms well.