Functionalization of epoxy-based monoliths for ion exchange chromatography of proteins

Macroporous epoxy-based monoliths prepared by emulsion polymerization have been modified for use in ion exchange chromatography (IEC) of proteins. Strong anion exchange functionality was established by iodomethane quaternization of tertiary amine present on the monolith surface as a part of the polymer backbone. The modification pathway to cation exchange materials was via incorporation of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) brushes which were coated using atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Strong (SO₃ ⁻) and weak (COO⁻) cation exchange groups were thereafter introduced onto the GMA-grafted monoliths by reactions with sodium hydrogen sulfite and iminodiacetic acid, respectively. Grafting was confirmed by XPS, gravimetric measurement, and chromatographic behavior of the modified materials toward model proteins. In incubation experiments the proteins were recovered quantitatively with no obvious signs of unfolding after contact with the stationary phase for >2 h. Chromatographic assessments on the functionalized columns as well as problems associated with flow-through modification by ATRP are discussed.