Ammonia-functionalized particulate poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate)-based polymers as stationary phase for protein retention

A poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) polymeric matrix w as synthesized, amino-functionalized and packed to be tested for protein re tention and separation. Functionalization was carried out by reacting the e poxy groups with 30% ammonia solution to provide amino groups for anion exc hange with proteins. Physical characterization of the particulate material showed that the functionalized polymer is macroporous and exhibits a unimod al pore size distribution. The resin presents good thermal stability. Chrom atographic characterization using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and alpha -lac talbumin as model proteins showed good retention properties for the amino-f unctionalized matrix. The values obtained for the equilibrium constant (K) were around 3 for BSA, both in batch reactor and column-packed operation mo de. The K values for alpha -lactalbumin were even higher, 8.01 and 4.65 for the batch and column-packed experiments, respectively. Finally, axial disp ersion coefficients were obtained, with a constant value of 0.0141 cm(2) s( -1) for BSA. Higher values were obtained for alpha -lactalbumin, but in thi s case the axial dispersion coefficient was not constant and its values wer e dependent on the flows used. (C) 2001 Society of Chemical Industry.