Chromatographic techniques utilise ion exchange, gel filtration and affinity resins to separate proteins.
The goal of plasma purification and processing is to extract specific materials that are present in blood, and use them for restoration and repair.
It serves as a transportation device for materials such as hormones, enzymes, fatty acids, metal ions, and medicinal products.
It is also used for therapeutic purposes, being essential in restoration and maintenance of circulating blood volume in imperative situations such as severe trauma or surgery.
This is a more efficient alternative than the Cohn process for four main reasons: 1) smooth automation and a relatively inexpensive plant was needed, 2) easier to sterilize equipment and maintain a good manufacturing environment, 3) chromatographic processes are less damaging to the albumin protein, and 4) a more successful albumin end result can be achieved.
There are three main steps that combine Cohn fractionation with chromatography: 1) factors I, II, and III are removed via cold ethanol fractionation, 2) Sepharose fast flow ion exchange and sepharose fast flow chromatography procedures are run, and 3) gel filtration is run.
Membrane fractionation has the advantage of minimal protein loss yet high removal of pathological plasma components.
The latest two-stage membrane system utilizes a high flow recirculation circuit that is effective for removal of LDL cholesterol.
Batch adsorption, e.g. onto ion exchange media, is only useful when dealing with smaller samples of plasma, typically 200 mL or less.