Abstract: Adsorptive sample preparation device and method effective for concentrating, desalting and/or purifying biomolecules. An adsorptive membrane is used to bind biomolecules, which biomolecules can then be eluted with a suitable desorption agent. In a preferred form, the adsorptive filter means is a particle-laden semipermeable membrane having at least one of its major surfaces, preferably both of its major surfaces, covered with a thin fabric. In the method of the invention for concentrating biomolecules or desalting or purify from a solution, the sample reservoir of the above-described adsorptive sample preparation device is filled with an analyte solution, placed in a fixed angle or swinging bucket centrifuge rotor, the solution is driven through the membrane, and analyte obtained as a result of adsorption on the membrane is recovered by washing and then eluting with a suitable desorption agent. A method of sealing the membrane in the device is also set forth.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and purifying complexes of biologically active compounds. The inventive system and method utilize a centrifugal filtration device employing a membrane having ligands that preferentially bind a biologically active compound. An advantage of the invention is that purifications of, e.g., immune complexes, which heretofore took up to five days to carry out, may now be done in as little as two hours.