Synthesis of cation-exchange stationary phases using an adsorbed polymeric coating

We have prepared several silica-based cation-exchange materials that were suitable for the high-performance liquid chromatography of basic proteins. Two synthetic routes were examined. Central to both procedures was the adsorption of a low molecular weight polyamine. One method crosslinks the adsorbed polyamine with a multifunctional oxirane, which is then extensively derivatized with a monomeric cyclic anhydride. The second involves an adsorbed uncrosslinked polyethyleneimine layer which is reacted with polyacrylic anhydride, thereby crosslinking and imparting anionic character simultaneously. The resulting media prepared by either of these methods bound more than 40 mg of hemoglobin per gram of support depending on the reaction conditions. These cation-exchange stationary phases also exhibited good chromatographic performance, successfully resolving (horse heart) cytochrome c and lysozyme. Two of the more promising support materials were effectively used to isolate cytochrome c553 from a crude extract of cyanobacteria.