Affinity Chromatography
This is a very useful method for the purification of a biomolecule (such as antigen antibody
enzymes) on the basis of its biological function or individual chemical structure. It also provides a
simple and rapid method for separating cells according to their surface properties. In thís method,
the molecule to be purified is specifically and reversibly adsorbed by a complementary binding
substance (known as ligand) immobilized on an insoluble support or matrix.
A specific ligand is covalently attached to a chromatographic bed material. The commonly applied matrix is agarose - a polysaccharide. The sample, formulating the substances to be separated or purified, is applied under conditions which favour specific binding to the immobilized ligand. The molecules which do not bind themselves wash away and the bound molecules are characterized.
