ABSTRACT
This chapter considers biochemical chromatographic applications of the Magnetically Stabilized Fluidized Bed Chromatography (MSFB). The MSFB offers the simultaneous advantages of easy movement of solids, excellent control over the residence of each particle in the system, and excellent countercurrent contact between solids and fluid. The most important advantage that the MSFB offers to the field of chromatography is the ability to move a bed of solids in a direction opposite or perpendicular to that of the liquid or gas stream. In contrast, beads suitable for MSFB bioseparations are produced in individual laboratories rather than being commercially available products. One of the often-stated advantages of an MSFB, particularly for bioseparations, is its ability to handle solids-laden streams, but this advantage is clearly nullified if the feed is introduced through the distributor. Fairly early in its development, the MSFB was used as a self-cleaning filter to remove dust from gases.
