Protein purification laboratory on a semi-experimental scale

Teaching activity:

Interns preparing for the experimental graduate thesis (Degree courses: Medicine and Surgery, Biology of Health, Molecular and Cellular Biology, Medical Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology, Pharmacy)

Instrumentation available:

• Instruments for the trituration/homogenization of plant and animal cells and tissues: Emulsifiers, Ultra-Turrax Dispersal device, Blender (IKA-Labortechnik).
• Refrigerated centrifuges: Beckman Avanti J-25 (with rotors) for medium and large volumes (10 ml up to 2400 ml), Eppendorf for small volumes (ml/μl).
• Low-pressure chromatograph for small-scale purification of plant and animal proteins, with columns from 0.5 to 5 cm wide and up to 100 cm high.
• Medium-pressure, mini-preparative and analytical chromatographic system Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) (GE-Pharmacia).
• Semi-experimental, low-pressure chromatographic system for large-scale purification of proteins consisting of 2 piston pumps (0.5-20 l/h), chromatographic columns with diameter of 5.0-25 cm and height up to 100 cm.
• Semi-experimental, medium-pressure chromatographic system BioPilot (GE-Pharmacia).
• Collectors of chromatographic fractions for tubes from 0.5 ml to vials of 1000 ml (LKB, GE-Pharmacia).

Collaborators

Chiara Roncuzzi, graduate student, team member