Revolutionary method: protein purification without chemicals developed at TUM!

Revolutionary method: protein purification without chemicals developed at TUM!

Scientists at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) have developed a groundbreaking process for protein purification that could revolutionize the current method of affinity chromatography. This new process uses short-wave UV light that is invisible to humans instead of chemical reagents to efficiently purify proteins from cell extracts or cultures. Professor Arne Skerra and his team see this method as a gentler and more efficient alternative to the traditional methods that have been in use for 50 years.

Conventional affinity chromatography involves passing cell extracts through a chromatography column filled with porous support material. Target proteins bind to the carrier material and are then separated from unwanted proteins and contaminants by washing steps with solvents. Final detachment of the target protein often occurs with acids or other auxiliary reagents, which can potentially cause damage. In contrast, the new technique eliminates the need for harsh chemicals and offers a more environmentally friendly solution to protein purification, says tum.de.

Efficiency and protection through light

The innovative method that TUM has developed could bring significant advantages in biotechnological research and in the development of new drugs. The avoidance of chemical substances is in line with a goal of promoting more sustainable processes in the life sciences. This technology is based on a physical mechanism that redefines previous cleaning methods and exceeds their efficiency.

In the world of protein purification, products like Strep-Tactin® and Strep-Tactin®XT are of great importance. These resins, which are suitable for the purification of Strep-tagII and Twin-Strep-tag fusion proteins, also show the potential for rapid and high-quality protein purification processes. Loud iba-lifesciences.com These products aim to enable simple and variable cleaning scenarios.

Comparison of cleaning methods

The choice of the right system for protein purification is often determined by the properties of the target protein, the expression host and the specific purification conditions. iba-lifesciences.com offers comprehensive comparison platforms between the His-tag system and Strep-tag® technology. This allows researchers to make the best choice for their specific needs.

In summary, it can be said that the newly developed processes for protein purification at TUM have significant potential for advances in biomedical research. The combination of lighting technologies and intelligent resin-based systems could not only improve the efficiency of cleaning, but also increase its environmental impact.