Antibody separation by hydrophobic charge induction chromatography

Hydrophobic charge induction chromatography using 4-mercapto-ethylpyridine as the ligand is an effective method for the separation of antibodies from a variety of feedstocks. Antibodies are adsorbed in physiological conditions without preliminary concentration. Desorption occurs when the pH is lowered, thus inducing an ionic charge of the same sign to the ligand and the antibody. Antibody capture conditions are compatible with crude samples in terms of pH, conductivity, binding capacity and expression level. The final purity of the antibody is feedstock dependent, but can reach levels of purity as high as 98%. Examples of antibody separation are given and ligand structure information discussed.