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Graphene Oxide-Activated Cellular Ceramic Composite Monoliths for Protein Purification
Eleonora Lalli1, Riccardo Onesti1, Andrei V Kovalevsky2
1Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Chimica, Ambientale e dei Materiali, DICAM, Alma Mater Studiorum-Università di Bologna, via Terracini 28, Bologna 40131, Italy.
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
|September 22, 2025
Summary
New ceramic monoliths show promise for large-scale protein purification. These materials offer excellent flow properties, making them efficient for bioseparation processes like chromatography.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Chromatographic stationary phases are crucial for bioseparation.
- Developing materials with optimal flow properties and binding capacity is essential for efficient protein purification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and evaluate Al2TiO5-Al2O3 composite ceramic monoliths as a stationary phase for process chromatography.
- To characterize the porous structure and flow properties of the ceramic monoliths.
- To assess the performance of functionalized monoliths for bovine serum albumin (BSA) binding capacity.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Al2TiO5-Al2O3 composite ceramic monoliths.
- Characterization of pore size distribution and hydraulic permeability.
- Pulse tests for interstitial porosity, axial dispersion coefficient, and height equivalent to a theoretical plate.
- Surface activation with graphene oxide and functionalization with Cibacron Blue F3GA.
- Dynamic binding capacity measurements using BSA.
Main Results:
- The ceramic monoliths exhibited a well-defined porous structure.
- High permeability and convection were observed, indicating favorable flow properties for bioseparations.
- The functionalized columns demonstrated dynamic binding capacity for BSA.
Conclusions:
- Al2TiO5-Al2O3 composite ceramic monoliths possess advantageous flow characteristics for chromatographic bioseparations.
- The material's convective properties are promising for protein purification applications.
- Further optimization of the functionalization process could lead to highly efficient convective media for protein purification.
