A Novel Affinity Adsorbent For The Capture And Removal Of Endotoxin

By Bastiaan Lobbezoo, Jennifer Walden, Paul Beckett, Jason Shipp and Sharon Williams, ProMetic BioSciences Ltd

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacteria that is a popular host organism for the expression of recombinant protein bio-therapeutics. Lysis of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, a requirement to release internalised target biomolecules, also releases substantial quantities of lipopolysaccharides (LPS – also known as endotoxin) into the process solution.

LPS elicits a variety of pathophysiological effects on the body and its removal to acceptable levels, particularly in the presence of proteins with which it often associates, continues to be a major challenge.