Evaluation of three expanded bed adsorption anion exchange matrices with the aid of recombinant enhanced green fluorescent protein overexpressed in Escherichia coli

Three anion exchanger expanded bed adsorption (EBA) matrices: Streamline DEAE, Streamline Q XL and Q Hyper Z were evaluated with the aid of EFGP from an ultrasonic homogenate of Escherichia coli. Two pH of buffer were tested. Capture was done in an expanded mode whereas elution was done in a packed mode. The same conditions were chosen for evaluation of the three matrices. We observed a loss of EGFP (8–15%) in the through flow fraction especially with the Streamline Q XL matrix, probably due to an aggregation of beads during sample application. The beads of this matrix possess tentacles which probably retain a lot of cellular and molecular debris. The two other matrices gave a good purification of the EGFP (7–15-fold) but the Q Hyper Z matrix appeared to give the best results. It is composed of little size and density beads which lead to a higher exchange surface and then a better mass transfer.