The use of reactive dyes in protein separation processes

Abstract

The salient points of the chemistry of triazine based reactive dyes judged to be of interest to biochemists are summarised and the various alternative reactive systems and chromophores used in reactive dyes outlined. The development of the use of reactive dyes in dye affinity chromatography is discussed, parallels being drawn between textile dyeing and immobilisation techniques to provide suggestions for improvements in technique. The properties of the matrix are considered and structural features in the dye responsible for protein attraction analysed. The recent tailoring of dye structures to enhance utility in dye affinity chromatography and progress in the scaling up of high performance liquid affinity chromatography is reviewed.