Concentration of bacteriophage lysates by filter chromatography

High-titered phage stocks are required for carrying out genetic and physicochemical studies on bacteriophages. This study describes a simple method for the concentration of coliphages MS-2 and T2 by charge-modified filters. Phage lysates were first clarified by filtration through serum-coated membrane filters. The clarified lysate was adjusted to pH 6 and passed through a Zeta-plus filter (30 S size). Greater than 99% virus adsorption occurred under these conditions. Adsorbed viruses were successfully eluted by small volumes of 3% beef extract (pH 10) which was subsequently neutralized with 3% beef extract (pH2). A concentration factor as great as 126 could be achieved by this method, with recoveries ranging from 54% to 97% (average = 60%).