Endotoxin removal from protein solutions by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography

Author

Yun Kang, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

Spring 5-31-2000

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering - (Ph.D.)

Department

Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Environmental Science

First Advisor

Robert G. Luo

Second Advisor

Lisa Axe

Third Advisor

Barbara B. Kebbekus

Fourth Advisor

Dana E. Knox

Fifth Advisor

Norberto Lemcoff

Sixth Advisor

Henry Shaw

Abstract

In the biotechnology/pharmaceutical industry, the removal of endotoxins from final protein product has always been a challenge. A novel method for endotoxin removal from protein solutions, immobilized metal (ion) affinity chromatography (IMAC) has been developed in this study. Fe³⁺ was charged to a chelating gel that contains iminodiacetic acid (IDA). The IDA- Fe³⁺ IMAC column was exploited to remove endotoxin from protein solutions. This method involves the adsorption of the endotoxin on IMAC column. More than 99% endotoxin is removed and protein yield is higher than 90%. IDA-Fe³⁺ IMAC has proved to be an economical and efficient method to remove endotoxin from protein solutions.

The study consists four segments: endotoxin assay method development, the evaluation of current endotoxin removal methods, adsorption isotherm and capacity study regarding IMAC column, and process development including a leaching study.

First, to properly detect endotoxin content in experimental solutions, the effect of protein on Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) test was discussed. Subtraction of protein absorbance from total LAL reaction mixture is a very efficient way. The inhibition of phosphate ion on LAL test was observed. This was circumvented by a proper sample dilution before the test.

Second, the currently available technology, Sterogene Acticlean Etox was used in a comparison study. The column capacity for endotoxin is very low (less than 100 EU/ml gel). The efficiency to remove endotoxin from protein solution with IMAC column has proved to be better.

Third, adsorption isotherms for both endotoxin and bovine serum albumin on IDA- Fe³⁺ IMAC were investigated. This IMAC column has a high capacity for endotoxins: more than 10,000 EU/ml gel. It was found that endotoxin adsorption mechanism was due to the interaction between Fe³⁺ and phosphate group in lipid A, one of the important parts of endotoxins. The IMAC resin also has high capacity for proteins. The column adsorbs endotoxins more strongly than proteins at certain condition. The buffer conditions for selectively removing endotoxins from protein solutions were determined.

Fourth, the endotoxin or protein elution process was developed. Different elution schemes were investigated including buffer pH, ionic strength, and elution competing agent. The change of solution ionic strength and introduction of NH₄Cl in elution buffer are not efficient to elute protein from the IMAC column. N-octyl-[beta]-D-glucopyranoside (OBDG) at a low concentration could not elution protein while at a high concentration ferric ion leaching was observed. It was found that phosphate buffer was a very efficient elution agent. To prevent the leaching of metal ion from the column, elution buffer pH should be lower than 5.5.

Recommended Citation

Kang, Yun, "Endotoxin removal from protein solutions by immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography" (2000). Dissertations. 407.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/dissertations/407