Affinity chromatography 'good for protein purification'

Affinity chromatography is a useful method for protein purification, it has been claimed.

Writing for about.com, Theresa Phillips said the procedure is "unique" in its ability to identify biomolecules solely on function.

She remarked: "Columns consist of a resin bound to ligands that have an affinity for binding to the protein being purified."

According to Ms Phillips, affinity chromatography is specifically beneficial for functions where inactive and denatured molecules need to be isolated.

While a number of bioprocesses require modified protein A ligands in order to purify monoclonal antibodies, she explained, it is "has not been found very useful for purifying other proteins".

The expert added that developments in the affinity chromatography sector now enable single-chain antibody ligands for enzyme purification in the industrial realm.

Last month, it was reported that researchers are currently using affinity chromatography to identify a number of reliable biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer.