Preparation of novel immunomagnetic cellulose microspheres via cellulose binding domain-protein A linkage and its use for the isolation of interferon α-2b

We have developed a novel method for immobilizing antibodies onto magnetic cellulose microspheres (MCMS) using a cellulose binding domain-protein A (CBD-ProA) linkage. Biospecific connection between antibodies and MCMS exhibited significant advantages compared to chemical coupling, including convenient and simple preparation, elimination of toxic compounds, and highly efficient antibody utilization. To evaluate the application of this method, interferon α-2b (IFN α-2b) was chosen as a model target for detailed analysis of method parameters, such as protein adsorption, antibody efficiency, and reproducibility of the matrix. After optimization and characterization, IFN α-2b was successfully purified from crude cell lysate in a single step by cross-linked anti-IFN α-2b IgG protein A-CBD-MCMS, purifying 106.1 μg IFN α-2b/mL matrix, corresponding to a 13-fold increase over the chemical coupling method. Size-exclusion HPLC identified that the IFN α-2b isolated by this method had an overall purity of 95.5%, while immunological and biological assays showed an activity recovery of 91.9% and specific antiviral activity of 2.67 × 108 IU/mg. Overall, this study effectively illustrates the favorable qualities of this immobilization method with precisely defined properties that provide an attractive strategy for developing large-scale purification suitable for targeting compounds in highly complex samples.