Endotoxin removal by anion-exchange polymeric matrix.

The effects of anion-exchange polymeric matrices on endotoxin removal from albumin and gamma-globulin solutions are evaluated. The positively charged cellulose acrylic media carrying DEAE or QAE functional groups remove significant amounts of endotoxin from tap water, but are less effective in protein solutions. With properly controlled pH levels and salt concentrations, the endotoxin level in a protein solution can be reduced; however, low endotoxin concentrations, less than 100 pg/ml, are more difficult to remove. The endotoxin removal capacity depends on the number of functional groups existing in the matrix, expressed as the number of milliequivalents (meq), and on the pH operable range, which is directly related to the pK alpha value of the matrix. The effects of pH and salt on endotoxin removal from albumin and gamma-globulin solutions by an anion-exchange polymeric matrix were evaluated statically in test tubes. In addition, a dynamic flow was performed under statically defined conditions on a 250-ml DEAE cartridge for the removal of endotoxin from albumin at a flow rate of 40 ml/min. A greater than 75% reduction in the endotoxin can be achieved, with protein loss occurring only in the early stage of removal. Such processes are useful for the reduction of endotoxin from biological solutions produced by natural sources or recombinant DNA technology.