5 Things to Know Before Buying affinity chromatography resins

11 Aug.,2025

 

5 Different Types of Chromatography Resins, How to Choose?

5 Different Types of Chromatography Resins, How to Choose?

Chromatography technology plays a critical role in the biopharmaceutical sector, by offering an efficient approach to achieve the separation of complex components. Chromatography resin consists of ligands and a base matrix, which serves as a critical factor in the downstream processing by determining the productivity and quality of pharmaceutical ingredients purification. 

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Chromatography resins can be categorized into affinity resin, ion exchange (IEX) chromatography resin, hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) resin, Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) resin, and Mix-mode resin in terms of separation mode.

From this article you will learn:

  1. Overview of chromatography resins
  2. Introduction to 5 common types of chromatography resins
  3. How do you choose between different types of chromatography resins?
  4. Outsource your resin needs to Bestchrom

Overview of chromatography resins

Chromatography resins are a class of key materials used in chromatography processes and are widely used in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and chemical fields. These resins are often highly selective and can effectively separate compounds in mixtures.

The choice of chromatography resin depends on the desired separation properties, including molecular size, charge, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, etc. Common chromatography resin types include ion exchange resins, hydrophilic and hydrophobic chromatography resins, and metal chelate chromatography resins.

These resins play a key role in the preparation and purification of biomolecules, drugs and compounds, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of chromatography processes in laboratories and industry.

Introduction to 5 common types of chromatography resins

There are different types of chromatography resins, and each resin has its own advantages and functions according to user requirements.

Affinity chromatography

Affinity chromatography is a chromatography method separating biomolecules based on the specific interaction among biomolecules. Thanks to its high selectivity, affinity resin is able to capture protein from complexes at a purity higher than 90% via one-step purification. 

Affinity resin is widely applicable in the efficient purification of antibodies, tag proteins, and other bio-molecules with specific adsorption.

Advantages: High selectivity, excellent purity outcomes, and suitability for purifying specific target molecules.

Ion exchange (IEX) chromatography

Ion exchange (IEX) chromatography is a separation method based on the different mass and quantity of electric charges on biomolecules. Enjoying advantages including high selectivity, high binding capacity, high yield, and convenient operation, the versatile chromatography method can be used in the initial capture step as well as intermediate purification and polishing. 

Therefore, it is widely applicable in the purification of electric-charged bio-molecules including amino acids, peptides, antibodies, proteins, saccharides, viruses, and nucleotides.

Advantages: High specificity for charged molecules, effective separation of biomolecules, and applicability in both analytical and preparative chromatography.

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography

Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is a widely used method in the separation of macro-biomolecules based on the hydrophobicity difference on the molecule surface.  The biggest merit lies in its mild interaction with proteins, which enables the maintenance of natural structure and bio-activity in macro-biomolecules. 

HIC adopts an adsorption mode in terms of high salinity sample loading and low salinity elution, which makes it an ideal purification option after eluting with high salinity. HIC provides an efficient method for the separation of macro-molecules including antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccines, peptides, and nucleic acid.

Advantages: Gentle separation conditions, effective purification of proteins, and compatibility with proteins that denature in other chromatographic methods.

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC)

Size exclusion chromatography (SEC), also known as gel filtration, is a non-adsorption chromatography method. It achieves chromatography separation based on the size and shape of biomolecules, which means the key to SEC resin selection lies in the right fractionation range. 

SEC enjoys the advantage of easy operation, which enables the completion of chromatography separation via a single buffer. Therefore, it is an ideal option in the desalting, buffer exchange, and polishing step of chromatography.

Advantages: Non-destructive separation method, compatibility with a wide range of biomolecules, and suitability for determining molecular weight.

Mixed-mode chromatography

Mixed-mode chromatography is an innovative chromatography method that can simultaneously provide different interactions for the binding between ligands and macro-biomolecules. Dominant interactions in this category include electric charge interaction and hydrophobic interaction. 

Mixed-mode chromatography enjoys wider binding condition and a bigger operation room, which simplifies process step and boost productivity. It is widely applicable in the purification of viruses, antibodies, peptides, recombinant proteins, and nucleic acids, especially in providing effective solutions to challenges faced in the purification process.

Advantages: Versatility in separating complex samples, increased selectivity, and the ability to handle challenging separation tasks.

How do you choose between different types of chromatography resins?

1. Affinity Chromatography:

Use When: High specificity is required for the separation of target molecules based on specific binding interactions.

Ideal for: Purification of proteins, antibodies, and enzymes where a strong affinity between the target and ligand is present.

2. Ion Exchange (IEX) Chromatography:

Use When: Separation based on charge differences is needed, making it suitable for molecules with varying ionization states.

Ideal for: Purification of proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids by exploiting differences in charge.

3. Hydrophobic Interaction Chromatography:

Use When: Separation is desired based on hydrophobicity, offering a milder condition compared to other hydrophobic methods.

Ideal for: Purifying proteins that are sensitive to high salt concentrations or denaturation.

4. Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC):

Use When: Separation based on molecular size is crucial, allowing for the analysis of size distributions and purification of biomolecules.

Ideal for: Determining molecular weights and separating biomolecules based on their size without denaturation.

5. Mixed-Mode Chromatography:

Use When: Enhanced selectivity is needed by combining different separation mechanisms like ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, and affinity.

Ideal for: Complex samples requiring versatile approaches, providing increased selectivity in bioseparation processes.

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Chromatography resin plays a critical role in chromatography purification. Different combinations of functional groups and base matrices provide various functions to resins, which enables the efficient purification of complex components via a selection of the right resin. 

When choosing suitable resins, the following factors should be taken into account:  matrix property (polymer-based matrix provides a high flow rate due to its good mechanical property; Agarose-based resin enjoys better non-specific adsorption due to its excellent hydrophilicity), bead size(finer beads provide high selectivity while big beads can endure high flow rate), resin binding capacity (which depends on ligand types and ligand concentration) as well as scalability. 

In addition, evaluation results in terms of sample yield and quality should also be considered when making the resin purchase decision.

Outsource your resin needs to Bestchrom

Bestchrom Biosciences focuses on the process development and product R&D required in bio-pharmaceutical downstream processing. We take our core strength in product quality and production capacity, which enable us to continuously provide chromatography resins with more variety, better performance, and cost-effectiveness. 

Contact us today by sending an or visit our resin product page!

References

Ion exchange resin

Affinity chromatography

Mixed-mode Resins

Size exclusion resins

What Is Affinity Resin? Definitive Guide - Bestchrom

What is affinity resin? definitive guide

Article directory

  1. What is affinity chromatography resin
  2. Physical properties of affinity chromatography resins
  3. What are the different types of affinity chromatography resins?
  4. How does affinity chromatography resin work?
  5. What are the main uses of affinity chromatography resins?
  6. What kind of affinity chromatography resin is good?
  7. FAQs about affinity chromatography resins
  8. Conclusion

What is affinity chromatography resin

Affinity chromatography resin is an important material specifically used in the affinity chromatography process. This resin material is used to purify and separate specific biomolecules (such as proteins) based on their affinity or specific interactions with specific ligands or molecules.

The resins used in affinity chromatography typically consist of a solid support matrix, often made of a material such as agarose or other polymers, to which ligands with specific affinity for the target molecule are attached. Ligands can be antibodies, enzymes, or other molecules with high affinity for the target biomolecule.

Physical properties of affinity chromatography resins

What are the different types of affinity chromatography resins?

There are various types of affinity chromatography resins designed to cater to different biological molecules and their specific interactions. Here are some common types:

1. Antibody purification

Antibody purification resins rely on highly specific affinity between antibody and antigen to achieve the separation purpose.

2. Tagged Protein Purification

Tagged proteins are fusion proteins obtained by combining the N site or C site of proteins with proteins or peptide tags (with specific adsorption) from substances (for example, metal ions or dextran) via fusion expression. 

3. Race-based affinity resin

Race-based affinity resins can specifically bind with substances with certain structure or similar function. Despite its relative weak specificity, race-based affinity resin can achieve chromatography method with high resolution by choosing suitable binding and elution conditions.

4. Plasmid purification resin

Since the exposure level of charge and basic groups differs on the DNA surface of open circular plasmid and closed-loop supercoiled plasmid, plasmid purification resin can achieve the purification of closed-loop supercoiled plasmids via sulfophilic adsorption of 2-Pyridine (i.e. hydrophilic-hydrophobic mixed mode).

5. Pre-activated resin

Pre-activated resins enjoy advantages such as wide application, good chemical and mechanical stability, flexibility in ligands and matrix choice as well as the flexibility in choosing coupling methods according to ligand property.

How does affinity chromatography resin work?

Affinity chromatography resin works by leveraging specific interactions between a target biomolecule and an immobilized ligand on a solid support matrix. The process involves applying a sample to the resin, allowing specific binding of the target, washing away non-specific molecules, and then eluting the purified target from the resin. This technique selectively isolates and purifies biomolecules based on their unique affinities, making it a powerful tool in biochemistry and biotechnology.

What are the main uses of affinity chromatography resins?

What kind of affinity chromatography resin is good?

✔ Specificity: The resin demonstrates a high level of specificity, selectively binding the target biomolecule with precision while minimizing non-specific interactions.

✔ Capacity: It possesses a substantial binding capacity, ensuring the efficient capture and purification of the target molecule with a high yield.

✔ Selectivity: The resin maintains selectivity, effectively isolating the target molecule even in complex mixtures containing various biomolecules.

✔ Stability: Chemically and mechanically stable under chromatographic conditions, the resin ensures long-term performance and reusability.

✔ Reusability: Capable of regeneration, the resin allows for multiple uses without a significant loss of binding capacity.

✔ Low Ligand Leaching: The resin releases minimal amounts of ligands into the purified sample, preventing contamination and preserving the purity of the eluted biomolecule.

FAQs about affinity chromatography resins

1. Can affinity chromatography resins be regenerated for reuse?

Answer: Many affinity chromatography resins can be regenerated to allow for multiple uses without a significant loss of binding capacity. Manufacturers typically provide guidelines for proper regeneration procedures.

2. Are there any considerations for the storage of affinity chromatography resins?

Answer: Affinity chromatography resins should be stored according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Proper storage conditions, such as temperature and avoiding exposure to contaminants, are crucial to maintaining resin integrity.

3. What types of biomolecules can be purified using affinity chromatography resins?

Answer: Affinity chromatography resins can be tailored to purify various biomolecules, including proteins, enzymes, antibodies, nucleic acids, and other molecules, depending on the specificity of the ligands immobilized on the resin.

4. How do I choose the right affinity chromatography resin for my application?

Answer: The choice of resin depends on factors such as the target biomolecule, ligand specificity, binding capacity, and the intended application. Consideration of these factors, along with the manufacturer's guidelines, can guide the selection process.

5. What are some common ligands used in affinity chromatography resins?

Answer: Ligands vary based on the target biomolecule. Common ligands include antibodies (Protein A/G), nickel (Ni-NTA) for histidine-tagged proteins, glutathione for GST-tagged proteins, and others tailored to specific interactions.

Conclusion

Affinity resins are solid support matrices used in biopharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratories for the purification of a range of biomolecules. If you need to purchase large quantities of affinity resin materials, Bestchrom can provide you with relevant services and assistance.

As one of China's leading chromatography resin manufacturers and exporters, Bestchrom is fully capable of providing high-quality resin materials for your projects. By choosing Bestchrom's products and services, you can save money, optimize your laboratory budget, and maximize your Assigned to other key areas.

If you are interested in our affinity resin products, please visit our website or contact us by .

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