Journal of Chemical Engineering & Process Technology
Open Access

Abstract

Simulation of Frontal Protein Affinity Chromatography Using MATLAB

Patricia Guerrero-German, Rosa Ma. Montesinos-Cisneros and Armando Tejeda-Mansir

In this study a transport model that includes axial dispersion in the bulk liquid, pore diffusion, external film resistance and finite kinetic rate, was used to mathematically describe a frontal affinity chromatography system. The corresponding differential equations system was solved in a simple and accurate form by using the numerical method of lines implemented in MATLAB. The solution was compared with experimental data from literature and the analytic Thomas solution. The frontal affinity chromatography of lysozyme to Cibacron Blue Sepharose was used as a model system. A good fit to the experimental data was obtained with the simulated runs of the transport model using this methodology. This approach was used to perform a parametric analysis of the experimental frontal affinity system. The solution of the transport model results in simple way to predict frontal affinity performance as well a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms responsible for the separation.