Membrane Chromatography for Biomolecule Purification

Despite the development of new convective stationary phases with improved binding capacity, the use of membrane chromatography for protein capture is still limited to niche applications, although for the purification of large biomolecules, membrane adsorbers are gaining an increased popularity. As for all membrane processes, a good understanding of material properties and of the kinetic and transport phenomena involved will help to show the limitations of current membrane materials and modules. Indeed, the development of novel membrane materials with improved properties and functionalities, together with the design of more efficient membrane chromatography modules are the key issues that researchers need to address as for this technology to make a breakthrough.