Bacteriophages and monolith-cryogels: A new robust tool in chromatography

In view of the fast evolution in the biomedical research, there is an increasing need for quick, inexpensive and robust methods, including in the niche of protein chromatography. In this project, we want to focus on the use of monolith-cryogel as matrix and peptide-displaying phage as ligands in affinity chromatography. The cryogel matrix, with its specific large pore structure, is especially fit to purify components from crude materials such as e.g. milk, blood, and fermentor cultures without pretreatment. The affinity ligand, peptide-displaying phage, can be readily selected for high specificity and affinity and can be produced in large quantities in a fast and inexpensive manner, in contrast to the often tedious and labour intensive production of poly- and monoclonal antibodies. We already provided “proof of principle” and now intend to optimize the technology to improve the column capacity. To this end we will evaluate the use of spacers, specific (guided) coupling strategies and the possibilities to build larger columns, in order to define the optimal chromatographic conditions and purification yields.