The Derivatization of Cross-Linked Polyacrylamide Beads. Controlled Introduction of Functional Groups for the Preparation of Special-Purpose, Biochemical Adsorbents

Methods are described for the chemical modification of preformed, cross-linked polyacrylamide beads for the purpose of introducing any of a wide variety of functional groups to a predetermined level. Examples are given of the conversion of commercially available polyacrylamide beads into a variety of ion-exchange media, of differing titration range and capacity, capable of binding protein molecules. The use of chemically reactive bead derivatives for the covalent binding of proteins is seen in the examples of solid-phase coupling of trypsin and bovine serum albumin to beads. The reversible reaction of rabbit antibody with bovine serum albumin antigen covalently coupled to acrylamide beads is described.