Separations

Cavilink polymers are ideal substrates for separation of biological macromolecules due to the very large, micrometer-size, cavities contained in every sphere (see section on Immobilized Enzymes). In addition, these interconnected cavities allow eluents to flow entirely through the polymer, thereby accelerating mass transfer and reducing resistance to flow. Extremely high eluent flow rates can be achieved with these materials. (See section on The Polymers for a thorough discussion of the polymers and their properties.)

Bioprocessing

Bioprocessing applications can include semi-preparative, preparative and process-scale chromatography. It is apparent that Cavilink polymers are ideal substrates for separation of biological macromolecules due to the very large, micrometer-size cavities contained in every sphere. In addition, these interconnected cavities allow eluents to flow entirely through the polymer, thereby accelerating mass transfer and reducing resistance to flow. Extremely high eluent flow rates can be achieved with these materials. 

Cavilink polymers exhibit properties that are unique and actually present a new paradigm. Conventional polymers require very large surface areas in order to improve column efficiencies. However, conventional polymers do not allow large molecules to interact with interior portions of media: most interactions occur within the first few angstroms of particle surfaces. Unlike conventional polymers, Cavilink polymers have interconnecting pores so that the entire surface area is available for chromatographic interactions. Taken together, this results in properties favorable to bioseparations: low flow resistance; improved mass transfer; high binding capacity, and of course, very large cavities of micrometer dimensions to allow full access by biopolymers. 

Affinity Chromatography

The term, "affinity chromatography", can be applied to any separation involving attachment of an affinity ligand to a support matrix. However, it is most often employed in bioseparation problems involving proteins or nucleic acids. In these cases, a protein or other substrate with a particular affinity for a target molecule is covalently attached to an inert matrix. Sample solutions containing target molecules are passed through these activated columns, and preferential binding is achieved. Once columns are flushed to remove extraneous components, bound target molecules are released by employing an appropriate releasing eluent. (See section on Immobilized Enzymes for a discussion of purification if IgG.) 

Cavilink polymer technology is ideally suited for affinity applications. The micrometer-size cavities are sufficiently large to permit groups of macromolecules to interact and bind without steric interferences. Furthermore, the interconnecting pores permit rapid introduction and egress of eluents.

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