Cationic Graft Polymer Biomolecule Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for biomolecule separation and concentration, such as ion exchange chromatography, often damage the target biomolecules due to the use of surfactants and high salt concentrations, making it difficult to maintain their three-dimensional structure and viability during the separation process.

Innovation Solution

A method using a cationic graft polymer, specifically a polyamine graft polymer obtained by polymerizing a polyamine derivative with a compound having an epoxy group and an ethylenically unsaturated monomer, which binds to the target biomolecule under basic conditions, allowing for efficient separation and concentration while minimizing damage, and is used in a kit that includes metal ion salts and acidic or chelating agents for elution and washing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If ion exchange chromatography is used to separate and concentrate biomolecules, then separation efficiency is improved, but the target biomolecules are damaged due to surfactants and high salt concentrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseparation efficiencyVSAvoidbiomolecule damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical parameters of the separation medium by using a cationic graft polymer in basic conditions instead of traditional ion exchange resins requiring high salt and surfactant conditions. This parameter change allows effective separation while preserving biomolecule integrity, directly resolving the contradiction between separation efficiency and biomolecule damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The cationic graft polymer acts as an intermediary substance that mediates the separation process. It provides a gentle alternative to harsh ion exchange conditions, enabling effective separation through electrostatic interactions in basic pH without requiring damaging surfactants or high salt concentrations, thus protecting biomolecules while maintaining separation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If traditional ion exchange methods are used, then biomolecule separation is achieved, but the three-dimensional structure and viability of the target are lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomolecule separationVSAvoidthree-dimensional structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the pH parameter to basic conditions and using a cationic graft polymer instead of traditional ion exchange resins, the invention achieves biomolecule separation while maintaining the three-dimensional structure and viability. The basic pH conditions and cationic polymer interactions are gentler on protein structures compared to high salt and surfactant conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If cationic graft polymer is used for separation, then biomolecule integrity is maintained, but the method complexity increases due to polymer synthesis requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiomolecule damageVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cationic graft polymer can be used as a disposable reagent in the separation process. The polymer is prepared in advance through a one-time synthesis process, then used for multiple separations without requiring complex regeneration or maintenance procedures. This approach reduces operational complexity while maintaining the gentle separation conditions that preserve biomolecule integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3124618B1Method for separating and concentrating target substance using novel cationic graft polymer
Publication Date: 2019.05.15 NITTO BOSEKI CO LTD
  • EP3124618B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3124618B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3124618B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for separating and concentrating a target substance as an alternative to existing cationic polymers, and a kit for implementing this method.