Synthesis of Functionalized Magnetic Beads Using Spray Drying

Abstract

The goal of Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (TUBAF) in MagPro 2 Life was to develop, based on Solution Process (SolPro), a low-cost scalable synthesis process as well as to optimize the efficiency of particle production regarding safety and ecological aspects. Depending on target protein charges in the extraction pH range, magnetic beads with cationic and anionic functionalities (CEX-and AEX-SolPro beads) were successfully synthesized and characterized. Both types of beads were equipped with the appropriate functionalities allowing their application in bioseparation (superparamagnetic, ion exchange properties). Characterization analyzes of the SolPro beads (CEX und AEX) showed the high potential of the developed processes. CEX-SolPro particles possess a lysozyme extraction capacity of approximately 280 mg/g, which is about three times higher than similar CEX-SolPro beads (same composition) produced by Hickstein and Peuker (2009) (77.6 mg/g). The newly designed and produced AEX-SolPro beads using poly(allyl)amine (PAAm) as anion exchanger exhibit extraction capacities of 85 mg/g for BSA as well as 145 mg/g for BBI. Several investigations proved that a quaternization of amino groups of poly(allyl)amine anchored on the beads surface increase their extraction capacity by a factor of 3. One kilogram of produced PAAm-SolPro was successfully tested by Solae Denmark in a pilot food line application.