Storage and lyophilisation of pure proteins.
This article outlines empirical procedures for the storage of pure proteins with preservation of high levels of biological activity. It describes simple and workable means of preventing microbial contamination and proteolytic degradation, and the use of various types of stabilising additives. It sets out the principles of lyophilisation (otherwise known as freeze-drying, a complex process comprising freezing, primary drying and secondary drying stages), outlines a general procedure for the use of lyophiliser apparatus and mentions notable pitfalls to be avoided.
O'Fágáin
Ciarán
C
School of Biotechnology and National Centre for Sensor Research, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland. ciaran.fagan@dcu.ie
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D005374:Filtration; D005612:Freeze Drying / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D009995:Osmosis / Q000187:drug effects; D055550:Protein Stability / Q000187:drug effects; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000378:metabolism; D019163:Reducing Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D012492:Salts / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology; D013696:Temperature
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D011506:Proteins; D019163:Reducing Agents; D012492:Salts