Gel Compression Considerations for Chromatography Scale-Up for Protein C Purification

Protein C is a vitamin K dependent glycoprotein which is synthesized by the liver [1]. It is the zymogen of a serine protease which acts as an anticoagulant by inhibiting activated factors V and VIII thus enhancing fibrinolysis. An increased risk for the development of venous thrombosis has been attributed to Protein C deficiency[2]. This work is to establish theoretical and experimental relationships for the scale up of Immobilized Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) and Immuno Affinity Chromatography for the low cost production of large quantities of Protein C. Gel matrices for Protein C separation are being analyzed to determine the relationship between the materials properties of the gel and column collapse characteristics.