Physical Features
- High-throughput separations enabled by large through-pores, allowing high flow rate at low pressure
- Superior separation of large biomolecules (e.g., proteins, cells) to particle-packed media
- High-density immobilization of affinity ligand via reactive epoxide groups on the SPM surface
- Extremely low irreversible adsorption of biomolecules after immobilization
- Excellent formability, enabling integration with various devices and existing systems
Appearance and Pore Structure of the Spongy Monolith
(a) 4.7 mm o.d., (b) 30 mm o.d.
SEM image (× 500)
Average pore size: 10.5 µm
Chemical Features
- Enables various modifications via hydroxy or epoxide groups on the SPM surface
- Retains the functions of biomolecules (enzymes, antibodies, lectins) immobilized on the SPM surface
- Exhibits high resistance to alkaline conditions
- Lighter than conventinal separation media and easy to scale up
- Can be disposed of by incineration
Chemical structure of the spongy monolith
Monolithic separation media with large through-pores can be fabricated from thermoplastic polymers such as PEGM poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate), which contains reactive epoxide group, and EVA poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate), which has acetic acid vinyl structures, as well as other similar materials.
