Publications
2007
S. Laschober, M. Sulyok, E. Rosenberg
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 55-62(2007) 55-62
The present work aims at the optimisation of the synthesis of methyl-silsesquioxane monolithic capillary columns using a sol–gel based protocol. The influence of reaction conditions such as temperature, reaction mixture composition and catalyst concentration has been examined. The morphology of the products was studied by scanning electron microscopy and nitrogen adsorption. Monolithic capillary columns were obtained with a skeleton-like structure with open pores. Pore diameters vary from 0.8 to 15 μm, diameters of the xerogel network vary from 0.4 to 12 μm, respectively. Specific surface areas up to 334 m2/g have been observed, however, many materials did not possess areas above few m2/g which represents the limit of detection of the nitrogen porosimetry measurements. Excellent adhesion to the capillary wall was observed in all cases, and drying was possible at ambient conditions without the formation of cracks.
I.Vovk, B. Simonovska
Journal of Chromatography B, 849 (2007) 337-343
The most abundant isoforms of tomato pectin methylesterase (PME; EC 3.1.1.11; Mr 26 kDa), polygalacturonase (PG; EC 3.2.1.15; PG1 with Mr 82 kDa) and a basic protein with Mr 42 kDa and unknown function were isolated from fresh tomato fruit by a fast chromatographic procedure on a Convective Interaction Media (CIM®) short monolithic disk column bearing carboxymethyl (CM) groups. The extraction of the targeted enzymes with 1.2 M NaCl solution was followed by precipitation with ammonium sulfate at 60% of saturation, solubilisation of the pellet in 0.5 M NaCl and fractionation using a linear gradient from 0 to 700 mM NaCl. Among six fractions five had PME activity and four had PG activity, while one fraction containing a pure protein with Mr 42 kDa with neither of these activities. Two concentrated fractions, one with PG and one with PME were further purified. A linear gradient from 0 to 500 mM NaCl with 20% CH3CN in the mobile phase was used for the PG fraction and two CM disks and a linear gradient from 0 to 200 mM NaCl were used for the PME fraction as a greater capacity was necessary in this case. From 4 kg of fresh tomato flesh we obtained 22 mg of purified PME, 1.8 mg of purified, active PG1, 13.5 mg of additional basic protein and a fraction with PG2 contaminated by a PME isoform. Carboxymethyl CIM disk short monolithic columns are convenient for semi-preparative and analytical work with tomato fruit pectolytic enzymes.
I. Vovk, B. Simonovska
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 90-96(2007) 90-96
An improved cation-exchange chromatographic procedure on Convective Interaction Media (CIM, Sartorius BIA Separations, Ljubljana, Slovenia) short monolithic methacrylate disk columns was used for the isolation of salt-independent pectin methylesterase (PME; EC 3.1.1.11) isoform and endo-polygalacturonase PG1 (PG, EC 3.2.1.15) from ripe tomato fruit extract after studying the chromatographic conditions including type of disk, binding buffer, pH, eluent composition and different gradients. Between 10 and 20 μg of proteins gave reliable chromatograms. Both carboxymethyl (CM) and sulfonyl (SO3) disks were equally suitable for the fractionation of tomato extract using the new gradient, but only CM disk was appropriate for further purification of the PME and PG fractions, and provided fast and sharp separation of proteins. The isolation of pure PG1 could be achieved only by addition of 20% of acetonitrile to the mobile phase. About 200 μg of proteins were loaded at one chromatographic run at the fractionation and purification. Determination of the molecular weights of the separated proteins showed that dimer of salt-independent PME isoform was formed in concentrated solutions of the enzyme but dissociated upon dilution of the solution. From 6 kg of fresh tomato flesh, 28 mg of purified salt-independent PME, 12.5 mg of purified and active PG1 and 4 mg of PG2 fraction contaminated with salt-dependent PME isoform were obtained by means of semi-preparative chromatography on CIM disks.
E. Machtejevas, S. Andrecht, D. Lubda, K. K. Unger
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 97-101
The following particulate and monolithic silica columns were implemented in a fully automated and flexible multidimensional LC/MS system with integrated sample clean-up, to perform the analysis of endogeneous peptides from filtered urine and plasma samples: restricted access sulphonic acid strong cation-exchanger (RAM-SCX) for sample clean-up, RP 18 Chromolith guard columns as trap columns and 100 μm I.D. monolithic RP 18 fused silica capillary columns as last LC dimension. The results show sufficient overall system reproducibility and repeatability. Implementation of monolithic silica columns added an additional flexibility with respect to flow rate variation and adjustment due to the low column back pressures. Also, monolithic columns showed a lower clogging rate in long-term usage for biological samples as compared to particulate columns. The applied system set-up was tested to be useful for the routine peptide screening in search of disease biomarkers.
M. Benčina, J. Babič, A. Podgornik
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 135–142
In gene therapy and DNA vaccination, RNA removal from DNA preparations is vital and is typically achieved by the addition of ribonuclease into the sample. Removal of ribonuclease from DNA samples requires an additional purification step. An alternative is the implementation of immobilized ribonuclease. In our work, ribonuclease was covalently coupled onto the surface of methacrylate monoliths via epoxy or imidazole carbamate groups. Various immobilization conditions were tested by changing immobilization pH. Ribonuclease immobilized on the monolith via imidazole carbamate groups at pH 9 was found to be six times more active than the ribonuclease immobilized on the monolith via epoxy groups. Under optimal immobilization conditions the Michaelis–Menten constant, Km, for cytidine-2,3-cyclic monophosphate, and turnover number, k3 were 0.52 mM and 4.6 s-1, respectively, and mirrored properties of free enzyme. Enzyme reactor was found to efficiently eliminate RNA contaminants from DNA samples. It was active for several weeks of operation and processed 300 column volumes of sample. Required residence time to eliminate RNA was estimated to be around 0.5 min enabling flow rates above 1 column volume per min.
K. Benčina, M. Benčina, A. Podgornik, A. Štrancar
Journal of Chromatography A, 1160 (2007) 176–183
The chromatography of mechanically sensitive macromolecules still represents a challenge. While larger pores can reduce the mechanically induced cleavage of large macromolecules and column clogging, the column performance inevitably decreases. To investigate the effect of pore size on the mechanical degradation of DNA, column permeability and enzyme biological activity, methacrylate monoliths with different pore sizes were tested. Monolith with a 143 nm pore radius mechanically damaged the DNA and was clogged at flow rates above 0.5 ml min−1 (26 cm h−1). For monoliths with a pore radius of 634 nm and 2900 nm, no mechanical degradation of DNA was observed up to 5 ml min−1 (265 cm h−1) above which the HPLC itself became the main source of damage. A decrease of a permeability appeared at flow rate 1.8 ml min−1 (95 cm h−1) and 2.3 ml min−1 (122 cm h−1), respectively. The effect of the pore size on enzyme biological activity was tested with immobilized DNase and trypsin on all three monoliths. Although the highest amount of enzyme was immobilized on the monolith with the smallest pores, monolith with the pore radius 634 nm exhibited the highest DNase biological activity probably due to restricted access for DNA molecules into the small pores. Interestingly, specific biological activity was increasing with a pore size decrease. This was attributed to higher number of contacts between a substrate and immobilized ligand.
S. Yamamoto, M. Nakamura, C. Tarmann, A. Jungbauer
Journal of chromatography 1144 (2007) 155-160
Linear gradient elution experiments were carried out on monolithic anion-exchange chromatography (AEC) with oligo-DNAs of various sizes (4–50mer, molecular weight MW = 1200–15,000) and compositions in order to investigate the retention mechanism. The binding site (B) values as well as the peak salt elution concentration IR values were determined. The B values determined for the monolithic AEC were similar to the values for non-porous AEC and porous AEC. The B value increased linearly with the number of charges (bases) of single-strand DNA when MW is less than ca. 3600 (12mer). When MW is greater than 6000, the slope of B versus MW decreased, and became very small at MW > 30,000. The IR value also increased linearly with MW for MW < 6000, and slightly with MW for MW > 10,000. It was shown that a very difficult separation of a single-strand 50mer poly(T) and a double-strand 50mer poly(A) and poly(T) was accomplished within 10 min by using a very shallow gradient at a high initial salt concentration (0.5 M) and a high flow-velocity (2.7 cm/min).
M. Brgles, B Halassy, J. Tomašić, M. Šantak, D. Forčić, M. Barut, A. Štrancar
Journal of Chromatography A 1144 (2007) 150-154
A high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the determination of DNA entrapment efficiency in liposomes has been developed. Plasmid DNA was encapsulated into positively charged liposomes. Non-entrapped DNA was separated by ultracentrifugation from liposomes and supernatant was chromatographed on Convective Interaction Media (CIM) DEAE disk. The elution of DNA was monitored by the absorbance at 260 nm and the quantity of DNA in the tested sample was calculated from the integrated peak areas using the appropriate standard curve. This method is fast, simple, precise and does not require any kind of DNA labelling in contrast with mostly used methods for determination of DNA entrapment efficiency.
R. Nicoli, N. Gaud, C. Stella, S. Rudaz, J.-L. Veuthey
Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis 48 (2008) 398–407
The preparation and characterization of three trypsin-based monolithic immobilized enzyme reactors (IMERs) developed to perform rapid on-line protein digestion and peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) are described. Trypsin (EC 3.4.21.4) was covalently immobilized on epoxy, carboxy imidazole (CDI) and ethylenediamine (EDA) Convective Interaction Media® (CIM) monolithic disks. The amount of immobilized enzyme, determined by spectrophotometric measurements at 280 nm, was comprised between 0.9 and 1.5 mg per disk. Apparent kinetic parameters K*m and V*max, as well as apparent immobilized trypsin BAEE-units, were estimated in flow-through conditions using N-α-benzoyl-l-arginine ethyl ester (BAEE) as a low molecular mass substrate. The on-line digestion of five proteins (cytochrome c, myoglobin, α1-acid glycoprotein, ovalbumin and albumin) was evaluated by inserting the IMERs into a liquid chromatography system coupled to an electrospray ionization ion-trap mass spectrometer (LC-ESI–MS/MS) through a switching valve. Results were compared to the in-solution digestion in terms of obtained scores, number of matched queries and sequence coverages. The most efficient IMER was obtained by immobilizing trypsin on a CIM® EDA disk previously derivatized with glutaraldehyde, as a spacer moiety. The proteins were recognized by the database with satisfactory sequence coverage using a digestion time of only 5 min. The repeatability of the digestion (R.S.D. of 5.4% on consecutive injections of myoglobin 12 μM) and the long-term stability of this IMER were satisfactory since no loss of activity was observed after 250 injections.
M. Bartolini, V. Cavrini, V. Andrisano
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 102–110
The aim of the present study was the application of a human AChE-CIM-IMER (enzyme reactor containing acetylcholinesterase immobilized on a monolithic disk) for the rapid evaluation of the thermodynamic and kinetic constants, and the mechanism of action of new selected inhibitors. For this application, human recombinant AChE was covalently immobilized onto an ethylenediamine (EDA) monolithic Convective Interaction Media (CIM) disk and on-line studies were performed by inserting this IMER into a HPLC system. Short analysis time, absence of backpressure, low nonspecific matrix interactions and immediate recovery of enzyme activity were the best characteristics of this AChE-CIM-IMER. Mechanisms of action of selected reversible inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, edrophonium, ambenonium) were evaluated by means of Lineweaver–Burk plot analysis. Analyses were performed on-line by injecting increasing concentrations of the tested inhibitor and substrate and by monitoring the product peak area. AChE-CIM-IMER kinetic parameters (Kmapp and vmaxapp ) were derived as well as inhibitory constants (Kiapp of selected compounds. Moreover, noteworthy results were obtained in the application of the AChE-CIM-IMER to the characterization of the carbamoylation and decarbamoylation steps in pseudo-irreversible binding of carbamate derivatives (physostigmine and rivastigmine). AChE-CIM-IMER appeared to be a valid tool to determine simultaneously the kinetic constants in a reliable and fast mode. The obtained values were found in agreement with those obtained with the classical methods with the free enzyme. Furthermore, after inactivation by carbamates, activity could be fully recovered and the AChE-CIM-IMER could be reused for further studies. Results showed that the AChE-CIM-IMER is a valid tool not only for automated fast screening in the first phase of the drug discovery process but also for the finest characterization of the mode of action of new hit compounds with increased accuracy and reproducibility and with saving of time and materials.
2006
M. Krajačić, J. Ivancic-Jelecki, D. Forčić, A. Vrdoljak, D. Škorić
Journal of Chromatography A, 1144 (2007) 111-119
Replicative double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is useful in preliminary identification of Cucumber mosaic virus and its satellite RNA (satRNA). This plant pathogen complex yields sufficient quantity of the replicative RNA form that can be isolated by chromatography on chemically unmodified graded cellulose powder (CF-11). In this work, much faster and more efficient procedure using DEAE monoliths was developed in which dsRNA was separated from other species in total nucleic acids extract originating from the infected plant tissue. The developed chromatographic method revealed the pathogens’ presence in only 15 min, avoiding nucleic acid precipitation and electrophoretic analysis.
2005
M. Barut, A. Podgornik, P. Brne, A. Štrancar
J. Sep. Sci. 2005, 28, 1876-1892
New therapeutics that are being developed rely more and more on large and complex biomacromolecules like proteins, DNA, and viral particles. Manufacturing processes are being redesigned and optimized both upstream and downstream to cope with the ever-increasing demand for the above target molecules. In downstream processing, LC still represents the most powerful technique for achieving high yield and high purities of these molecules. In most cases, however, the separation technology relies on conventional particle-based technology, which has been optimized for the purification of smaller molecules. New technologies are, therefore, needed in order to push the downstream processing ahead and into the direction that will provide robust, productive, and easy to implement methods for the production of novel therapeutics. New technologies include the renaissance of membranes, various improvements of existing technologies, but also the introduction of a novel concept – the continuous bed or monolithic stationary phases. Among different introduced products, Convective Interaction Media short monolithic columns (SMC) that are based on methacrylate monoliths exhibit some interesting features that make them attractive for these tasks. SMC can be initially used for fast method development on the laboratory scale and subsequently efficiently transferred to preparative and even more importantly to industrial scale. A brief historical overview of methacrylate monoliths is presented, followed by a short presentation of theoretical considerations that had led to the development of SMC. The design of these columns, as well as their scale-up to large units, together with the methods for transferring gradient separations from one scale to another are addressed. Noninvasive methods that have been developed for the physical characterization of various batches of SMC, which fulfill the regulatory requirements for cGMP production, are discussed. The applications of SMC for the separation and purification of large biomolecules, which demonstrate the full potential of this novel technology for an efficient downstream processing of biomolecules, are also presented.
A. Podgornik, A. Štrancar
Biotechnology Annual Review, 11 (2005) 281-333
Modern downstream processing requires fast and highly effective methods to obtain large quantities of highly pure substances. Commonly applied method for this purpose is chromatography. However, its main drawback is its throughput since purification, especially of large molecules, requires long process time. To overcome this problem several new stationary phases were introduced, among which short layer monoliths show superior properties for many applications. The purpose of this review is to give an overview about short methacrylate monolithic columns commercialised under the trademark Convective Interaction Media® (CIM). Their unique properties are described from different perspectives, explaining reasons for their application on various areas. Approaches to prepare large volume methacrylate monolithic column are discussed and optimal solutions are given. Different examples of CIM monolithic column implementation are summarised in the last part of the article to give the reader an idea about their advantages.
A. Jungbauer
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 3–12
Bioseparation processes are dominated by chromatographic steps. Even primary recovery is sometimes accomplished by chromatographic separation, using a fluidized bed instead of a fixed bed. In this review, the action principles, features of chromatography media regarding physical and chemical properties will be described. An attempt will be made to establish categories of different media. Characteristics for bioseparation are the large pores and particle sizes. To achieve sufficient capacity for ultralarge molecules, such as plasmids or nanoparticles, such as viruses monoliths are the media of choice. In these media, the mass transport is accomplished by convection, and thus, the low diffusivity can be overcome. Common to all modern chromatography media is the fast operation. There are examples where a residence time of less then 3 min, is sufficient to reach the full potential of the adsorbent.
P. Krajnc, N. Leber, D. Štefanec, S. Kontrec, A. Podgornik
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 69-73(2005) 69 - 73
Poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) monolithic supports were prepared by radical polymerisation of the continuous phase of water in oil high internal phase emulsions. Morphology of monolithic materials was studied by scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The ratio of phase volume and the degree of crosslinking influenced the void size and pore size distribution of resulting polymers. Void sizes between 1 and 10 μm were observed and average pore sizes around 100 nm. Polymers with 60, 75, 80 and 90% pore volume were prepared and even samples with highest pore volume showed good mechanical stability. They were modified to bear weak-anion exchange groups and tested on the separation of standard protein mixture containing myoglobin, conalbumine and trypsin inhibitor. Good separation was obtained in a very short time similar to the separation obtained by commercial methacrylate monoliths. However, higher dispersion was observed. Bovine serum albumin dynamic binding capacity for monolith with 90% porosity was close to 9 mg/ml.
N. Lendero, J. Vidič, P. Brne, A. Podgornik, A. Štrancar
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 29-38(2005) 29 - 38
The objective of this study was to develop a fast, simple, non-destructive, non-toxic and low-priced method for determining the amount of ionic groups on resins, since the conventional titration method fails to give proper results on methacrylate monoliths. After the column had been pre-saturated with a high concentration buffer solution, a low concentration buffer solution of the same pH value was pumped through the column. Measuring pH and absorbance, the profiles with a shape of typical break-through curve were obtained. It was shown that the time of the pH transient, which appeared under such conditions, could be used as a measure of the total ionic capacity of ion-exchange monolithic columns. The effect of the column length, linear velocity and varying concentrations of buffer solutions on the time of the pH transient was examined. The method was shown to be suitable for determining the amount of ionic groups on both anion and cation monolithic columns. In addition, it could also be applied to particle bed columns. The time of the pH transient and the protein dynamic binding capacity were also compared and it was concluded that for a given monolith the protein capacity can be derived from the data obtained by the new method.
I. Mihelič, D. Nemec, A. Podgornik, T. Koloini
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 59-67(2005) 59 - 67
Pressure drop analysis in commercial CIM disk monolithic columns is presented. Experimental measurements of pressure drop are compared to hydrodynamic models usually employed for prediction of pressure drop in packed beds, e.g. free surface model and capillary model applying hydraulic radius concept. However, the comparison between pressure drop in monolith and adequate packed bed give unexpected results. Pressure drop in a CIM disk monolithic column is approximately 50% lower than in an adequate packed bed of spheres having the same hydraulic radius as CIM disk monolith; meaning they both have the same porosity and the same specific surface area. This phenomenon seems to be a consequence of the monolithic porous structure which is quite different in terms of the pore size distribution and parallel pore nonuniformity compared to the one in conventional packed beds. The number of self-similar levels for the CIM monoliths was estimated to be between 1.03 and 2.75.
T. B. Tennikova, J. Reusch
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 13-17(2005) 13 - 17
The history of the development of short monolithic beds is described.
J. Vidić, A. Podgornik, A. Štrancar
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 51-58(2005) 51-58
The influence of glass surface modification in order to determine strength of the monolith attachment was studied. Modification consists of pre-treatment of the glass with chemicals or boiling in deionized water, silanization and drying has been investigated on different types of glass. Amount of silane groups was determined by measurement of the contact angle between the glass surface and water drop. The highest values were found for soda–lime glass. Strength of the monolith attachment was established by pumping ethanol through the monolithic capillaries and measuring the pressure drop at which monolith was dislodged. Surprisingly, it was found that the critical part of the glass surface modification procedure is glass pre-treatment. Good results were obtained with glass boiled in water for 2.5 h or more.
S. Yamamoto, A. Kita
Journal of Chromatography A, 1065 (2005) 45-50(2005) 45-50
Although linear salt gradient elution ion-exchange chromatography (IEC) of proteins is commonly carried out with relatively short columns, it is still not clear how the column length affects the separation performance and the economics of the process. The separation performance can be adjusted by changing a combination of the column length, the gradient slope and the flow velocity. The same resolution can be obtained with a given column length with different combinations of the gradient slope and the flow velocity. This results in different separation time and elution volume at the same resolution. Based on our previous model, a method for determining the separation time and the elution volume relationship for the same resolution (iso-resolution curve) was developed. The effect of the column length and the mass transfer rate on the iso-resolution curve was examined. A long column and/or high mass transfer rate results in lesser elution volume. The resolution data with porous bead packed columns and monolithic columns were in good agreement with the calculated iso-resolution curves. Although the elution volume can be reduced with increasing column length, the pressure drop limits govern the optimum conditions.