Modified poly(glycidyl metharylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) continuous rod columns for preparative-scale ion-exchange chromatography of proteins

A continuous rod of porous poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) has been prepared by a free radical polymerization within the confines of a 300 x 8 mm I.D. chromatographic column. The epoxide groups of the rod have been modified by a reaction with diethylamine that affords ionizable functionalities required for the ion-exchange chromatographic mode. The properties of this rod column have been characterized and the column has been used successfully for the chromatographic separation of proteins. The column exhibits a dynamic capacity that exceeds 300 mg at a flow velocity of 200 cm/min. An excellent selectivity allows the separation of up to 300 mg of a protein mixture in a single run.