Membrane Chromatography for Protein, Antibody and Virus Purification
Macromolecule purification is critical in many life science workflows. However, resin-based ion exchange or affinity chromatography methods typically require sophisticated equipment with long set-up times. These methods are slow and suffer from limited yields. Small pore sizes and large bed volumes contribute to diffusive molecule transfer, size exclusion and dilution effects. This limits flow rates and binding capacities (especially for larger macromolecules), and dilute eluates require further processing. Furthermore, resin-based purification processes are difficult to scale up for manufacturing.
Sartobind® membrane adsorbers have been developed by Sartorius to overcome these challenges. A choice of formats provides the flexibility to purify by centrifugation, pump or FPLC system – and can even eliminate the need for specialized equipment altogether. Their macroporous structure enables rapid, convective flow to support up to 10x faster purification of even the largest proteins and viruses while ensuring the high binding capacities are fully utilized. Low bed volumes and negligible dilution results in concentrated, ready-to-use eluate fractions.
Available in Vivapure® and Sartobind® Lab devices, these membrane adsorbers provide research and development scientists with purification solutions that are as simple to use as Minisart® syringe filters. What’s more, the same Sartobind® platform is utilized in Sartorius process-scale membrane chromatography capsules and cassettes, eliminating uncertainty in the transition from research to production.
Sartobind® Lab and Vivapure® Offer:
Ready-to-use single use or reusable purification consumables provide highly reproducible results without being susceptible to dissolved air. No more column packing. Bye-bye degassing.
Multiple chromatography methods with maximum dynamic binding capacities. Even the largest molecules can fully utilize the high density of ion exchange or affinity ligands.
By purifying two, four, six or even 24 samples simultaneously with Vivapure® IEX, you can cut your already shortened process time even further. Full screen ahead.
With the spin column format of Vivapure® IEX, your centrifuge just became your FPLC system. Or opt for the syringe filter design of Sartobind® Lab, which enables purification without the need for - but still compatible with - specialist chromatography equipment.
No need to concentrate. Membrane adsorbers eliminate dilution effects to yield target-containing fractions which require no further processing before analysis.
The membrane adsorbers in Sartobind® Lab aren’t just for the lab. Scalable formats already established in the bioprocessing industry enable a convenient transition from research to further development and manufacturing.
Reliable Purification by Syringe
Unlike resin columns, convective Sartobind® membranes support higher flow rates and pressure resistance, for reliable, equipment-free purifications. Watch our video tutorial and download the full protocol for step-by-step instructions to purify your macromolecules by syringe.
Choosing the Correct IEX Ligand
Learn about the relationship between isoelectric point (pI) and buffer pH. When the pI is known and the buffer system that will be used for purification of your macromolecule has been selected, you'll find just how simple it is to select between an anion or cation exchanger.
Lab-Scale Membrane Chromatography Products
Sartobind® Lab IEX
Flexible, easy and ready-to-use IEX with any of the most popular functional groups.
- High DBC Q, D or S ligands
- Connect in series to increase capacity
- Reusable over 1,000 cycles
Sartobind® Lab IDA
Ready to charge with the metal ion of your choice, for the optimal his-tagged protein purification.
- Charge with Ni2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+
- 7.5 mg binding capacity
- Use with syringes, pumps or FPLC systems
Sartobind® Lab Protein A
Rapid affinity purification for IgGs and mAbs, with a process-ready protein A membrane.
- 10x faster flow rates, up to 5 MV/min
- Operate by syringe, pump or FPLC system
- 90 mg/hr DBC (6 cycles)
Vivapure® IEX
Rapid, economical IEX for parallel screening and small-scale macromolecule purification.
- High-capacity Q, D or S ligands
- Two spin filter formats
- 0.4 – 19 mL samples
Vivapure® Virus Kits
Complete kits with everything you need to purify and concentrate viral vectors.
- Adenovirus type 5
- VSV-G pseudotyped lentivirus
- Direct purification from cell culture
Vivaclear
Clarify low volume samples in seconds prior to purification on Vivapure® IEX.
- High flux 0.8 µm PES
- Ultra-low hold up volume
- 0.5 mL samples
Related Process-Scale Membrane Chromatography Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Vivapure® is available with quarternary ammonium (Q) and diethylamine (D) anion exchangers or sulfonic acid (S) cation exchanger. Sartobind® Lab offers the same ion exchange membrane adsorbers, while also adding iminodiacetic acid (IDA) for metal affinity purification of his-tagged proteins, and protein A for mAb and IgG targets.
IDA adsorbers are ideal for achieving high purity of any his-tagged proteins, whereas protein A is specifically intended for the purification of antibodies. For broad applicability to many target molecules, ion exchange adsorbers are ideal. These can be used for protein, virus or nucleic acid purification and are also recommended for host cell protein (HCP) and DNA removal, and clearance of viruses and endotoxins.
The MV of each device type is listed below:
- Vivapure® Mini and Maxi IEX: 0.24 and 2.7 mL
- Sartobind® Lab IEX or IDA 15, 75 and 100: 0.41, 2.1 and 2.8 mL
- Sartobind® Lab Protein A: 2 mL
Both Vivapure® and Sartobind® Lab membrane adsorbers are stable in most common chromatography buffers. We recommend avoiding the use of oxidizing agents. Short term pH compatibility is also broad, within the range of 2/3 – 14, 1 – 12, or 2 – 10 for IEX, IDA or protein A Sartobind® Lab devices, for example. For further information, please refer to the instructions for use.
Unlike with conventional resin-based chromatography, there is no possibility of air bubbles disrupting the membrane layers. Therefore, there is no need to degas buffers prior to purification.
For optimal target molecule capture, we recommend equilibration with a buffer which is similar in composition to the sample to be purified. This process can be achieved rapidly and with a low volume of buffer.
Yes, you can! While Vivapure® IEX are single use devices, Sartobind® Lab products can be reused many times. Simply follow the regeneration and storage instructions after completing each purification. For further information, please ask your Sartorius contact for a copy of our Application Note: Sartobind® Lab Q Membrane Adsorbers Provide Constant Binding Capacities Over 1,000 Cycles.
