GB1238651A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,238,651. Purifying protein. BRITISH PETROLEUM CO. Ltd. 10 July, 1968 [29 Sept., 1967], No. 44377/67. Heading C3H. [Also in Divisions C6-C7] At least part of the alkali metal ions is removed from an aqueous medium containing such ions (e.g. Na and/or K ions) and nitrogenous material, such as proteins, polypeptides. and/or amino acids, to lower its pH, by maintaining the medium in electrical communication with an anode and, through a semi-permeable, e.g. cation, exchange membrane, a cathode, the membrane the passage of at least some of the nitrogenous material. The medium may be contained in a central zone also separated from the anode by another membrane through which at least some of the nitrogenous material cannot pass but which is permeable to a cation, e.g. H ion. Preferably, both membranes are impermeable to amino acids. The anode zone preferably contains aqueous H 2 SO 4 , and the cathode zone solution will contain alkali metal ions on applying a P.D. to the electrodes. The aqueous medium may be obtained by extraction of cells of a micro-organism, e.g. yeast, mould or bacteria, with an aqueous solution of an alkali.