The major objective of this work is to develop a biopolymer separation process using cross-flow filtration units and a suspension of affinity escort particles as an alternative to fixed bed affinity chromatography. In this system the affinity ligand molecules are attached to the surfaces of particles which are transported between process vessels in a cyclic operation. Several types of matrices for the affinity escort will be considered. Comparisons of these matrices will include capacity, non-specific interactions, and flow characteristics and durability in the filtration system. Many disciplines will be brought together in a novel way: process design, chemistry of synthetic polymers, biopolymer-synthetic polymer interaction, biopolymer-biopolymer affinity interaction, and fluid mechanics of particle suspensions. It is hoped that the integration of these disciplines into an affinity escort process will lead to a valuable separation strategy that will greatly benefit the biotechnology industry.
