Miniaturised expanded-bed column with low dispersion suitable for fast flow-ELISA analyses

Flow-ELISA measurements of the monoclonal antibody concentration in cultiva tion broth containing murine hybriboma cells were carried out using a small expanded-bed column (0.5x2.5 cm) charged with protein A. A new specialised pellicular agarose/stainless steel matrix designed for high flow rates wit h fast mass transport properties was used. Special care was taken to get an efficient flow distribution. The axial dispersion coefficient was very low (2x10(-6) m(2) s(-1) for latex particles at a linear velocity of 10 cm min (-1)). Breakthrough curves for polyclonal IgG on the protein A-derivatised support (at 2-11 cm min(-1)) further emphasised its advantageous properties . No significant change in dynamic capacity was found over the entire speed range.