Cryogels-versatile tools in bioseparation

Cryogels are polymeric materials formed from monomeric or polymeric precursors in moderately frozen state by polymerization or crosslinking. The process applied for cryogel formation is called cryogelation. These macroporous gel matrices can be produced with different shapes and the gels are of interest in the bioseparation area since they can meet needs that conventional chromatographic media are less suitable to fulfill. High porosity, high mechanical and chemical stability make them appropriate carriers for immobilization of biomolecules and cells thereby making them attractive gel matrices for separation and purification of various molecules. This review highlights the preparation and properties of cryogels, and applications of these materials especially in bioseparation science. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.