Frontal affinity chromatography: theory for its application to studies on specific interactions of biomolecules

Abstract

Affinity chromatography is very useful in the investigation and characterization of specific interaction between biomolecules. Frontal analysis in affinity chromatography is advantageous from both theoretical and experimental viewpoints. The theory is very simple because we can describe this system by means of a simple equilibrium problem.Chromatographic data can be related easily to the amount of interacting molecules and the equilibrium constant. Useful equations analogous to those of enzyme kinetics can also be derived easily. Thus, frontal affinity chromatography provides information almost identical to that obtainable by enzyme kinetic studies. In addition, this method is more general because it does not depend on enzymatic activity. Experiment is very easy and does not require any special equipment. It is a powerful tool, especially for complicated systems where it has been difficult to find an appropriate method.