Batch Chromatography

Traditionally, capture chromatography is run in single column, discontinous mode which is characterized in that the column is consecutively (i) equilibrated, (ii) loaded with feed containing the target product, (iii) washed, (iv) eluted for recoveirng the desired target product, (vi) cleaned and (i) re-equilibrated for the next run. The possible maximum load of the column with product is strongly dependent on the stationary phase capacity (a distinction needs to be made between static capcity which corresponds to the occupancy of all ligands with target molecules obtained under equilibrium conditions and dynamic binding capacity under flow conditions). Depending on factors such as linear flow rate and mass transfer properties, the DBC is typically significantly lower than static binding capacity. This entails that under flow conditions in single column chroamtography, the stationary pahse capacity is not fully and efficiently utlized since the loading has to be stopped far before the static capacity is reached in order to avoid product loss. In order to increase the stationary phase capacity utilization and increase the process producitvity, continous countercurrent chromatgoraphy has found application (Muller-Spatch (US2014/0299547).