Polysaccharides affinity-chromatography matrices

Bulk cellulose is a poor affinity-chromatographic matrix its principal advantage is its low cost. This is rarely an overriding consideration since the enzymes to be purified are usually expensive. Cellulose was employed in 1953 in one of the earliest affinity-chromatography separations, where tyrosinase was purified on a column of aromatic cellulose ethers (27). Currently, cellulose (28) or related polysaccharides (29) are used in a number of applications as a bioselective adsorbent including DNA-cellulose for the purification of DNA-binding proteins. 

One of the most important factors in the area of affinity chromatography is the development of solid supports. A correct choice of a solid support and the covalent coupling between the matrix and the affinity ligand may be essential for the success of the desired separation. A solid support may even constitute an affinity ligand itself, for example, polysaccharides for some lectins [63]. 

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