Single-step method for purification of human transferrin from a by-product of chromatographic fractionation of plasma.

A rapid, simple and convenient method is described for the isolation, on a pilot scale, of pure and functional human transferrin from an unexploited by-product of chromatographic fractionation of plasma. In a single chromatographic step on DEAE-Spherodex, 97% pure transferrin was obtained in 75% yield. A virus inactivation treatment was included in the preparative process in order to guarantee the safety of the final product, which could be used in culture media.