[A new trend toward using metal chelates in affinity chromatography of proteins (review)]

The main trends in the development of immobilized metal affinity chromatography (IMAC) over the last five years are analyzed. New chelate sorbents are described, and possible fields of their application are indicated. The mechanisms of sorption of amino acids, peptides, and proteins on immobilized metal ions are discussed. The potencies of IMAC in purification of natural and recombinant proteins and the structural examination of proteins are demonstrated. Possible combinations of IMAC with other methods for isolation of proteins are discussed.