Expanded-bed adsorption in industrial bioprocessing: recent developments.

Expanded-bed adsorption allows the capture of proteins from particle-containing feedstocks without prior removal of particulates, thus enabling clarification of a cell suspension or cell homogenate and the concentration of the desired product in a single operation. This usually results in higher product recovery in a shorter time period. Process development and scale-up of an expanded-bed operation is convenient because both the adsorbent and the equipment are similar to those in conventional packed-bed chromatography. This article reviews the recent developments in expanded-bed adsorption technology and the range of applications that are now being achieved.