An improved, inexpensive method for the large-scale purification of human nerve growth factor

Human nerve growth factor (hNGF) was purified to near homogeneity on a large scale from human term placenta with an improved and inexpensive method. The purification procedure included tissue homogenization, ultrafiltration and single CM-cellulose column chromatography. The purified hNGF was a 14.4-kDa protein with an isoelectric point of approximately 9.3. The specific activity of the purified hNGF was approximately 38000 units/mg, and the activity was completely inhibited by the monoclonal antibody against recombinant hNGF (rhNGF). Western-blot analysis showed that the purified hNGF could interact with the monoclonal antibody against rhNGF.