Synthetic ion exchange sorbent
for dairy protein separations

Features
Synthetic polymeric sorbent for process
chromatography of proteins
• Highly hydrophilic and resistant to
micro-organisms
• Macroporous polymer allowing large
mass transfers
• Proven biocompatibility, designed to
avoid non-specific adsorptions
• Many references for Lactoferrin (LF) and
Lactoperoxydase (LD) production at
industrial scale.

Introduction
Pall Biosepra SPEC 70 SLS ion exchanger
sorbent is a spherical semi-rigid microbead of an
acrylic copolymer designed for the ion exchange
chromatography of proteins. The beads generate
low back pressure at typical low pressure liquid
chromatography process flow rates. The strongly
bound ion exchange groups, which are an integral
part of the polymer structure, constitute a three
dimensional structure. Each sub-unit of the polymer
possesses hydrophilic groups, which ensure
biocompatibility and prevent non-specific adsorption.

SPEC 70 SLS ion exchangers are macroporous, the
ion exchange groups are easily accessible, and the
sorbent provides high capacity for proteins. Industrial
applications currently at production scale includes
purification. SPEC 70 SLS has been widely used for
the production of LP/LF from milk or sweet whey at
1,500 – 2,000 L scale for more than 20 years and is
approved by the FDA for the use with a Food
Contact Substance (Food Contact Notification (FCN)
number : 000325).

Description
SPEC 70 SLS is an acrylic copolymer bead with a
diameter between 260 and 600μm. The polymer is
very macroporous and allows a large surface contact
and efficient mass transfer. The macromolecules
diffuse easily from the outside to inside of the beads.

The active chemical group is sulfopropyl that is
ionized upon the pH or ionic strength conditions
and adsorbs molecules electrically charged with
the opposite signs.