Separation and purification of immunoglobulins M,A and G from small volumes of human sera by a continuous, inline chromatographic process.

A continuous, in-line chromatographic process for the separation of immunoglobulins M, A and G from small volumes of human sera is described. The process involves the sequential and uninterrupted application of molecular sieve, ion-exchange, immunoadsorbent-affinity and de-saltin-concentrating chromatographic methodologies. From 1-3 ml of starting serum it yields 45-55%, by weight, of the three classes of immunoglobulins in 36 h. Each immunoglobulin fraction is free of contamination by immunoglobulins of the other two classes and retains full biological activity as measured by a sensitive immune lysis assay.