Protein and Peptide Separations

Since the introduction of suitable, highly porous supports and later nonporous and monolithic supports, chromatography has been an indispensible method for protein separations on the analytical and preparative scales. The most frequently used methods for protein chromatography are ion exchange, reversed phase, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, chromatography on hydroxyapatite and different types of affinity, and pseudo-affinity chromatography. Because of the use of organic solvents during the separation in reversed-phase chromatography, denaturation and loss of biological activity frequently occurs, and this method is less suitable for separation of biologically active, therapeutic proteins. Chromatography on monolithic supports and chromatography in the displacement mode offer additional opportunities for fast, highly effective separation of proteins on both the analytical and preparative scales.