Applications of Alginate in Bioseparation of Proteins

Abstract

Alginate is a polysaccharide that is a block polymer consisting of block units of guluronic acid and mannuronic acid. It shows inherent biological affinity for a variety of enzymes such as pectinase, lipase, phospholipase D, α and β amylases and glucoamylase.

Taking advantage of its precipitation with Ca²⁺ and the above-mentioned property, alginate has been used for purification of these enzymes by affinity precipitation, aqueous two phase separation, macroaffinity ligand facilitated three phase partitioning, immobilized metal affinity chromatography and expanded bed affinity chromatography. Thus, this versatile marine resource has tremendous potential in bioseparation of proteins.

Keywords:

• Alginate
• Affinity precipitation
• Three phase partitioning
• Macroaffinity ligand facilitated three phase partitioning
• Aqueous two phase affinity systems
• Expanded bed affinity chromatography