Membrane Adsorber

Digital Ion Exchange Membrane Chromatography for the Targeted Purification of Charged Biomolecules

i3 DMC AEX and CEX combine the charge-based separation of ion-exchange chromatography with the electrically controlled elution of digital membrane chromatography (DMC). Depending on the charge, either AEX or CEX selectively binds the target molecule to the membrane. In conjunction with the smart control unit, the bound molecules are released via a controlled electrical potential, rather than through conventional elution using high salt concentrations.

Electric Instead of Salt-Based
A controlled electric voltage releases bound molecules without the need for high salt concentrations
Targeted Binding
AEX binds negatively charged biomolecules, while CEX binds positively charged biomolecules
A ready-to-analyze sample in 10 minutes
No more neutralization or buffer exchange required
Efficient Recovery
Targeted electrical release enables high recovery of bound target molecules

Transforming Purification with i3 DMC Ion Exchange Chromatography

Ion exchange chromatography uses electrostatic interactions to selectively bind and separate biomolecules based on their charge. With digital membrane chromatography, i3 Membrane expands this proven principle to include a new form of process control: While traditional ion-exchange methods require high salt concentrations or altered pH conditions for elution, DMC makes the release of bound molecules electrically controllable.

To achieve this, the chromatographic membrane is positioned between two gold-coated electrode membranes and connected to the smart control unit via integrated contacts. Through these contacts, a predefined low voltage is applied to the membrane adsorber, thereby altering local electrochemical conditions within the membrane system. These changes influence the charge-based interaction between the membrane and the target molecule, enabling its release. Elution is thus activated precisely where the binding occurs: directly on the membrane.

AEX and CEX offer two complementary separation options: AEX binds negatively charged biomolecules, while CEX binds positively charged biomolecules. The membrane adsorbers handle the targeted binding and separation, while the i3 DMC Control manages the electrical elution step. Together, they form the DMC system and can be intuitively integrated into existing FPLC systems via Luer-Lock connections. The elimination of high salt concentrations and the need for additional buffer exchange reduces the number of process steps and enables rapid, concentrated eluates for downstream analyses and early-stage process development.

How the i3 DMC Workflow Works

Integrating the Membrane Adsorber
The selected i3 DMC membrane adsorber is integrated into the FPLC system’s fluid path via Luer-Lock connections.
Make the electrical connection
The connection cables of the i3 DMC Control are connected to the integrated IN and OUT contacts of the membrane adsorber.
Select the protocol
Depending on the membrane adsorber, format, and application, a single voltage, a preset, or a custom sequence is selected.
Trigger elution
During the purification process, the i3 DMC Control applies the defined voltage at the appropriate time. The resulting local electrochemical reactions lead to the release of the bound target molecules.
Process the eluate
The FPLC system removes the eluate from the membrane adsorber and makes it available for further processing or downstream analysis.

Setup Guide for i3 DMC Membrane Adsorbers

Order your sample pack now!

Contact our DMC experts and request samples of our i3 Digital Membrane Chromatography.

Request a sample now