A comprehensive fundamental biochemical engineering study is being undertaken to develop a distributed parameter system working model, which takes into consideration distributed equilibrium coefficients as a function of system's and operational variables, for immuno-affinity purification. The biochemical and immuno-chemical reaction system as well as the purification process will be studied systematically to develop a practical systems model. For the development of this model the systems to be used are: (1) immuno-affinity purification of human plasma Protein C, and (2) purification of monoclonal antibodies using Protein A affinity chromatography. The benefits and impact of the anticipated research results will be: (1) The knowledge base for the development of large-scale immuno-affinity process design and optimization for the purification of blood proteins will be broadened and advanced, (2) A rational strategy will evolve by which large-scale immuno-affinity purification processes can be designed and optimized based on predictive modeling and the simulation of system performance. This study should provide a greater insight into the microscopic phenomena and also a better understanding of macroscopic phenomena related to the optimal design and operational strategy for large scale immuno-affinity purification systems. Both experimental and theoretical studies will be carried out to establish a knowledge base and to develope an optimal design and operational strategy through mathematical modeling and experimental verification. Protein C is a protein whose functions in blood include both blocking the blood coagulation pathways and dissolution of clots in animal, thus maintaining hemostasis in the human body. Lack of this protein causes complicated blood clotting related symptoms, such as thromboembolism, stroke, or even sudden death.
