Ion Exchange Chromatography Handbook

Biomolecules are purified using chromatography techniques that separate them according to differences in their specific properties, as shown in Figure I.1. Ion exchange chromatography (IEX) separates biomolecules according to differences in their net surface charge.

IEX for the separation of biomolecules was introduced in the 1960s and continues to play a major role in the separation and purification of biomolecules. Today, IEX is one of the most frequently used techniques for purification of proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, and other charged biomolecules, offering high resolution and group separations with high loading capacity. The technique is capable of separating molecular species that have only minor differences in their charge properties, for example two proteins differing by one charged amino acid. These features make IEX well suited for capture, intermediate purification, or polishing steps in a purification protocol and the technique is used from microscale purification and analysis through to purification of kilograms of product.

This handbook describes both theoretical and practical aspects principles of the technique,  the chromatography media (resins) available and how to select them, application examples, and detailed instructions for the most commonly performed procedures. Practical information, with many tips and hints drawn from over 50 years of experience in chromatography purification, guides beginners and experts towards obtaining optimal results from the latest chromatography media.

Cytiva's business offers a wide variety of prepacked columns and ready-to-use chromatography media. A range of handbooks ensure that purification with any chromatographic technique becomes a simple and efficient procedure at most scales and in most laboratories.