BACKGROUND QF THE INVENTION

[0002] There is a need in the art to increase productivity and process efficiency in chromatographic operations.

SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention addresses some of the difficulties and problems discussed above by the introduction of chromatography media and chromatography devices containing such chromatography media. The disclosed chromatography devices enable a more efficient, productive and/or environmentally friendly chromatographic operation due to one or more of the foliowing advantages over conventional chromatographic operations: elimination of a device packing step by the user; elimination of clean-in-place (CIP) steps; elimination of elean-sn-place (CIP) steps utilizing sodium hydroxide solution; elimination of any validation steps by the user; and use of a chromatography device comprising biodegradable material.

[0004] In one exemplary embodiment, the chromatography media of the present invention includes porous inorganic particles having a functionalized surface and having a median pore size of at least about 300 Angstroms (A), or at least about 300 A up to about 3000 A. The porous inorganic particles may have a median pore size of at least about 400 A (or at least about 500 A; or at least about 800 A; or at least about 700 A; or at least about 800 A: or greater than about 1000 A). In another exemplary embodiment, the inorganic partides may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, or about 30 rn^/g, up to about 2000 m ² /g. The inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, at least about 30 m ² /g, or at least about 35 m'Vg. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at least about 0,8, at least about 0.9, at least about 1.0, or at least about 1.1. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at teas! about 0,8, at least about 0.9, at least about 1.0, or at least about 1 .1 _< up to about 2.0, In another embodiment, the particles may have a functionalized surface comprising at least one molecule having a molecular weight of at least about 300 g/moi, or at least about 400 g/mol, or at least about 500 g/mol, up to about 500,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the particles may comprise silica having a purity of at least about 93% by weight SiOa, or at least about 93% by weight Si02, at least about 94% by weight SiO2- , at least about 95% by weight SI02, at least about 96% by weight 3102, at least about 97% by weight SI0 ₂ , or at least about 98% by weight SiC½ up to 100% by weight Si<¾ based upon the total weight of the particle.

[0005] The present invention is also directed to methods of making chromatography media or support. In one embodiment of the present invention, the media is designed to increase throughput by the use of incompressible inorganic resins for not just affinity chromatography but also for ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, etc. In one exempiary method, the method of making a chromatography media comprises treating porous inorganic partides to form a functionalized surface thereon, wherein the porous inorganic partides have a median pore size of at least about 300 Angstroms (A), or at least about 300 Λ up to about 3000 A. The porous inorganic particles may have a median pore size of at least about 400 A (or at least about 500 A; or at least about 800 A; or at least about 700 A; or at least about 800 A; or greater than about 1000 A), up to about 8000 A. in another exemplary embodiment, the inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, or about 30 rrr ^' /g, up to about 2000 m ² /g. The inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, at least about 30 m ^k' /g, or at least about 35 m ² /g, up to about 150 rn^/g. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at least about 0.8, at least about 0.9, at least about 1 .0, or at least about 1 .1. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at least about 0.8, at least about 0,9, at least about 1 ,0, or at least about 1 .1 , up to about 2.0. In another embodiment, the particles may have a functionalized surface comprising at least one molecule having a molecular weight of at least about 300 g/mol, or at least about 400 g/moi _< or at least about 500 g/mol, up to about 500,000 g/mol, In another embodiment, the partides may comprise silica having a purity of at least about 93% by weight SIGj, or at least about 93% by weight SiG ₂ , at least about 94% by weight Si{¾. at least about 95% by weight SiO-x at least about 96% by weight SiO _; , _: at least about 97% by weight SiG ₂ , or at least about 98% by weight Si0 ₂ up to 100% by weight S1O ₂ based upon the total weight of the particle.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, the chromatography devices of the present invention comprise a housing; and porous inorganic particles positioned within the housing, the porous inorganic particles having a functionalized surface and having a median pore size of at least about 300 Angstroms (A), or at least about 300 A up to about 8000 A, The porous inorganic particies may have a median pore size of at least about 400 A (or at least about 500 A; or at least about 800 A; or at least about 700 A; or at least about 1000 A, or at least about 2000 A, or at least about 3000 A, or at least about 4000 A), up to about 80Q0 A. In another exemplary embodiment, the inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, or about 30 m ^; Vg, up to about 2000 m ² /g. The inorganic particies may have a BET surface area of at least about 20 m ² /g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, at least about 30 m ² /g, or at least about 35 m ² /g, up to about 150 m ² /g. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at least about 0.8, at least about 0,9, at least about 1 ,0, or at least about 1 ,1. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at least about 0,8, at least about 0.9, at least about 1.0, or at least about 1.1 , up to about 2.0, In another embodiment, the particles may have a functionalized surface comprising at least one molecule having a molecular weight of at least about 300 g/mol, or at least about 400 g/mol, or at least about 500 g/mol, up to about 500,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the particies may comprise silica having a purity of at least about 93% by weight Si€½, or at least about 93% by weight Si0 ₂ , at least about 94% by weight SiOa, at least about 95% by weight Si02, at least about 96% by weight SiO , at least about 97% by weight SIG ₂ , or at least about 98% by weight Si0 ₂ up to 100% by weight Si<¾ based upon the total weight of the particle. The column housing may be formed from a polymeric material, a metal material, a glass material, a ceramic material, or a composite thereof, and desirably, is formed from a biodegradable polymeric material.

[0007] The present invention is also directed to methods of making chromatography devices. In one exemplary method, the method of making a chromatography device comprises incorporating porous inorganic particles into a housing, wherein the porous inorganic particles have a functionalized surface and a median pore size of at teas! about 300 Angstroms (A), or at Ieast about 300 A up to about 8000 A. The porous inorganic particles may have a median pore size of at ieast about 400 A (or at ieast about 500 A; or at Ieast about 800 A; or at ieast about 700 A; or at ieast 800 A; or greater than about 1000 A, or at ieast about 2000 A, or at Ieast about 3000 A, or at ieast about 4000 A}, up to about 8000 A. In another exemplary embodiment, the inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at Ieast about 20 m ² /g, or at Ieast about 25 m ² /g, or about 30 m ² /g, up to about 2000 m ² /g. The inorganic particles may have a BET surface area of at ieast about 20 m ² /g, or at Ieast about 25 m ² /g, at Ieast about 30 m¾ or at Ieast about 35 nfVg. up to about 150 rn^/g. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution relative span of at Ieast about 0.8, at Ieast about Q.9, at ieast about 1.0, or at ieast about 1.1. The inorganic particles may have a pore size distribution reiative span of at Ieast about 0.8, at Ieast about 0.9, at Ieast about 1.0, or at ieast about 1 ,1 , up to about 2.0, In another embodiment, the particles may have a functionalized surface comprising at Ieast one molecule having a molecular weight of at ieast about 300 g/moi, or at Ieast about 400 g/moi, or at Ieast about 500 g/moi. up to about 500,000 g/rnoi. In another embodiment, the particles may comprise silica having a purity of at Ieast about 93% by weight Si0 ₂ , or at Ieast about 93% by weight Si0 ₂ . at Ieast about 94% by weight SiG _¾ at ieast about 95% by weight SiO _: ; ₍ at Ieast about 98% by weight SiOj, at Ieast about 97% by weight SiOa, or at Ieast about 98% by weight Si(¾ up to 100% by weight SiC>2 based upon the total weight of the particle In some methods of making a chromatography column, the method comprises incorporating porous inorganic particles into a column housing formed from a polymeric material, a metal material, a glass material, a ceramic material, or a composite thereof, desirably, a biodegradable polymeric material.

[0008] The present invention is further directed to methods of using chromatography devices. In one exemplary method of using chromatography devices, the method comprises positioning the chromatography device within an operating position of a chromatography system; and processing a fluid through the chromatography device, in some embodiments, the method comprises processing a fluid containing one or more biomoiecules through the chromatography device when in an operating position of a chromatography system. For example, the fluid may comprise a protein, a peptide, an oligonucleotide, or any combination thereof.

[0009] These and other features and advantages of the present invention wii! become apparent after a review of the foliowing detailed description of the disclosed embodiments and the appended claims. lE[iLP^£0J J ^Q i. ^Q ^IIiE yEll

[0010] The present invention is further described with reference to the appended figures, wherein:

[001 1 ] FIG, 1 depicts a view of an exemplary chromatography device of the present invention;

[0012] FIG, 2 depicts a view of an exemplary chromatography system comprising the chromatography column shown in RG. 1 ;

[0013] FIG. 3 depicts a graph of pore size distribution of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 depicts a reaction scheme of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0015] FIG. S depicts a reaction scheme of an exempiary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0016] FIG, 6 depicts a reaction scheme of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0017] FIG. 7 depicts a reaction scheme of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0018] FIG. S depicts a reaction scheme of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0019] FIG, 9 depicts a reaction scheme for the preparation of an exemplary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention;

[0020] RG. 10 depicts a reaction scheme for the preparation of an exempiary embodiment of the chromatography media of the present invention. DETAILED DESCR PTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] To promote an understanding of the principles of the present invention, descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention follow and specific language is used to describe the specific embodiments, it will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is intended by the use of specific language. Alterations, further modifications, and such further applications of the principles of the present invention discussed are contemplated as would normally occur to one ordinarily skilled in the art to which the invention pertains.

[0022] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "and", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "an oxide" includes a plurality of such oxides and reference to "oxide" includes reference to one or more oxides and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.

[0023] "About" modifying, for example, the quantity of an ingredient in a composition, concentrations, volumes, process temperatures, process times, recoveries or yields, flow rates, and like values, and ranges thereof, employed in describing the embodiments of the disclosure, refers to variation in the numerical quantity that may occur, for example, through typical measuring and handling procedures; through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the ingredients used to carry out the methods; and like proximate considerations. The term "about" also encompasses amounts that differ due to aging of a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture, and amounts that differ due to mixing or processing a formulation with a particular initial concentration or mixture. Whether modified by the term "about" the claims appended hereto include equivalents to these quantities,

[0024] As used herein, the term "biomo!ecule" means any molecule that is produced by a living organism, including large molecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids; and small molecules such a primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products, Examples of biomolecules include cells and cell debris; antibodies, proteins and peptides; nucleic acids, such as DMA and NA; endotoxins; viruses; vaccines and the like. Other examples of biomolecules include those recited in WO 2002/074791 and U.S. 5,451 ,880. [0025] As used herein, "inorganic oxides ^* is defined as binary oxygen compounds where the inorganic component is the cation and the oxide is the anion. The inorganic materia includes metals may also include metalloids. Metals inciude those elements on the Seft of the diagonal line drawn from boron to polonium on the periodic table. Metalloids or semi-metals include those elements that are on the right of this line. Examples of inorganic oxides include silica, alumina, titania, zirconia, etc., and mixtures thereof.

[0026] As used herein, "porous inorganic particles" includes particles comprised of inorganic materials, or combinations of inorganic materials (e.g., metals, semi-metals, and their alloys; ceramics, including inorganic oxides; etc.) and organic materials (e.g., organic polymers), such as composite materials, which are heterogeneous or homogeneous in nature. For example, heterogeneous composite materials include mere mixtures of materials, layered materials, core-shell, and the like. Examples of homogeneous composite materials include alloys, organic- inorganic polymer hybrid materials, and the like. The particles may be a variety of different symmetrical, asymmetrical or irregular shapes, including chain, rod or lath shape. The particles may have different structures including amorphous or crystalline, etc. The particles may include mixtures of particles comprising different compositions, sizes, shapes or physical structures, or that may be the same except for different surface treatments. Porosity of the particles may be intraparticle or interparticle in cases where smaller particles are agglomerated to form larger particles. In one exemplary embodiment the particles are composed of inorganic materials such as inorganic oxides, sulfides, hydroxides, carbonates, silicates, phosphates, etc, but are preferably inorganic oxides, which may be formed via any known process including, but not limited to, solution polymerization such as for forming colloidal particles, continuous flame hydrolysis such as for forming fused particles, gelation such as for forming gelled particles, precipitation, spraying, tempi atsng, sol-gel, and the like.

[0027] As used herein, the term "ordered porous material" refers to porous particles that have structural order with a very narrow pore size distribution such that the pore size distribution has a relative span, as defined herein, of less than 0.5.

[0028] As used herein, the term "non-ordered porous material" refers to porous particles possessing a pore size distribution that is not uniform (i.e., a very broad pore size distribution that is multimodal in nature) such that the pore size distribution has a relative span, as defined herein, of greater than 0,5.

[0029] As used herein, the term "functionalized surface" means inorganic particles that have been surface modified by reaction with functional compound to alter the wettability or selectivity of at least a portion of the particle surface, including the surface area on the external portion of the particles, and/or on the surface area of the internal pores. The functionalized surface may be used to form a bonded phase (covalently or ionicaliy), a coated surface (e.g., reverse phase C18 bonded), a clad surface (e.g., carbon clad as in EP8), a polymerized surface (e.g., ion exchange), an inherent surface (e.g., inorganic/organic hybrid material), or the like. For example, reacting inorganic particles with octadecyltrichlorosilane forms a "reverse phase" by covalently bonding the siiane to the inorganic surface (e.g., C4, C8, C18, etc.). In another example, reaction of the inorganic particles with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by quaternizafion of the amino group forms an "anion exchange phase". In a third example, a bonded phase may be formed by reaction of the inorganic particles with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane followed by formation of an amide with an acid chloride. Other bonded phases include dio!, cyano, cation, affinity, chiral, amino, G18, hydrophilic interaction (HSLIC), hydrophobic interaction (HIC), mixed mode, size exclusion, etc. As part of the bonded phase or functionalized surface, a ligand may be used to show specific interaction with the target molecule or biomoiecule (e.g., ligate), such as those set forth in U.S. 4,895,808.

[0030] As used herein, the term "molecular weight" is defined as meaning the molar mass of a single molecule of a particular compound or polymer.

[0031] As used herein, the term 'chromatography" means the process of passing a mixture dissolved in a mobile phase through a stationary phase (i.e., chromatography media) housed in a column or cartridge or other container, which separates a target molecule from other molecules in the mixture and allows it to be isolated. Depending upon the type of chromatography used, the target molecule may be adsorbed onto the stationary phase while the undesired components are passed through the device, or vice versa. The term liquid chromatography" is a form of chromatography where a liquid is used as the mobile phase and a solid or a liquid on a solid support as the stationary phase. The term "flash chromatography ⁵ means liquid chromatography that is conducted under a positive pressure (e.g., up to 300 psi). The term "high performance liquid chromatography" (HPLC) means liquid chromatography that is conducted under a high positive pressure (e.g., up to about 5000 psi). The term "preparatory chromatography" means HPLC for the isolation and purification of a target compound or molecule. The term "fast protein liquid chromatography" (FPLC) is a form of HPLC useful for the separation of biomoiecules.

[0032] As used herein, the term "impurities" means materials present in the inorganic particles, other than the inorganic.

[0033] As used herein, the term "irregular" as it applies to the inorganic particles means that the particle shape from one particle to the next is not uniform (i.e., random particle shape) with an aspect ratio of greater than 1.0.

[0034] As used herein, the term "housing" means vessel or container for holding a stationary phase for use in chromatography, and includes cartridges, columns, tubes, devices, beds, bags, and the like.

[0035] As used herein, the term "stationary phase" or "chromatography media" or "chromatography support" means a material that includes a functionalized surface (e.g., ligands attached to the surface of the inorganic particles via some functional group) that shows different affinities for different components in a sample mixture, which is used in chromatography to separate a target molecule (e.g., ligates) from a mixture of one or more other molecules. Stationary phases include organic and inorganic materials, or hybrids thereof, and may be in the form of particles, monoliths, membranes, coatings, and the like.

[0038] As used herein, the term "pore size distribution" means the relative abundance of each pore size in a representative volume of porous inorganic particles. As used herein "median pore size" is the pore diameter of which 50% of the intraparticle pore volume resides. See FIG. 3.

[0037] As used herein, the term "relative span" is defined as meaning a measure of the breadth of pore size distribution. The "span" is measured by subtracting the dio pore size (i.e. , the pore size/diameter below which 10% of the pore volume resides) from the dgo pore size (i.e., the pore size/diameter below which 90% by pore volume resides) as measured by mercury porosimetry. The term "relative span" is defined as the ratio of (d _¾ rd ₁₀ )/d ₅ o and is depicted in FIG. 3. [0038] The present invention is directed to chromatography columns. The present invention is further directed to methods of making chromatography columns, as well as methods of using chromatography columns, A description of exemplary chromatography columns, methods of making chromatography columns, and methods of using chromatography columns is provided below.

[0039] FIG. 1 provides a view of an exemplary chromatography column 100 of the present invention. As shown in FIG, 1 , exemplary chromatography column 100 comprises a column housing 150; and media bed space 151 positioned within column housing 150. Desirably, media 151 comprises porous inorganic particles having a median pore size of at least 10 Angstroms (A). As further shown in FIG, 1 , column housing 150 typically comprises a tubular housing member 156, a first tubular housing member end cap 152, a second tubular housing member end cap 153 opposite end cap 152, a column inlet 154, and a column outlet 155. The column 100 may be packed with porous inorganic particles in the form of a slurry through column inlet 154, the column inlet comprising a central bore 157 having a passageway therein, and nozzle 158, A wide range of nozzles may be used which facilitate the distribution and even packing of slurry within the bed space. Filters 159 are each positioned on the interior face of the end caps 152, 153 and act with the tubular member 1 SS to define the bed space 1 S1 and also to prevent leakage of particulate medium from the bed space 151. A distribution channel 160 is located transversely across the face of the first end cap 152 and/or second end cap 153, and is in fluid communication with fitter 159. The fluid distribution channei 160 acts to facilitate radial distribution of the liquid. In a simple form, the distribution channel 1S0 comprises at least one circumferential and/or radial groove in the face of the first and/or second end caps 1S2 and 1 S3. The groove is positioned such that it effects the circumferential and/or radial distribution of liquid emanating from nozzle 1 S8 of inlet 154. If will be understood that a wide range of column capacities is possible, typically ranging from 0.1 to 2000 liters, and 0.1 to 100 liters when using the column as a disposable column . See aiso US 2008/0017579, the entire subject matter thereof incorporated herein by reference.

[0040] Column housing 1 S0 may be formed from a variety of materials. Typically, column housing 150 comprises a polymeric material, a metal material, a glass material, a ceramic material, or a composite thereof, and desirably, comprises a polymeric material. Suitable polymeric materials for forming column housing 1 S0 include, but are not limited to any synthetic or semi-synthetic organic solids, such as plastic, that are moldable, including polyolefins.

[0041] Column housing 150 may be formed using conventional thermoforming techniques. For example, tubular housing member 156, first tubular housing member end cap 1 S2, and second tubular housing member end cap 153 of column housing 1S0 may each independently be formed via a molding step. In some embodiments, tubular housing member 1 S8 and one of (i) first tubular housing member end cap 152 and (si) second tubular housing member end cap 153 of column housing 1 S0 are formed via a single molding step (i.e., one of the end caps is integrally formed on one end of tubular housing member 1 SS).

[0042] As discussed above, media 1 S1 positioned within column housing 1 S0 may comprise porous inorganic particles having a median pore size of at least about 300 A. In another embodiment, the porous inorganic particles have a median pore size of at least about 300 A (or at least about 350 A; or at least about 400 A: or at least about 450 A; or at least about 500 A, or at least about 800 A; or at least about 700 A; or at least about 800 A; or greater than about 1000 A, or at least about 2000 A, or at least about 3000 A, or at least about 4000 A) up to about 8000 A. In some embodiments, the porous inorganic particles have a median pore size of from about 500 A to about 6000 A.

[0043] In other embodiments, the porous inorganic particles typically have a particle size, as measured by a median particle dimension, ranging from about 1 micron (pm) to about 150 pm. The porous inorganic particles typically have a median particle dimension of about 1 pm, more typically, less than about 120 pm. In some embodiments, the porous inorganic particles have a median particle dimension of from about 10 to about 120 pm, more desirably, from about 20 to about 90 pm.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the porous inorganic particles typically have an irregular shape, but may have any shape (e.g., spherical, elliptical, etc.). Regardless of shape, the porous inorganic particles typically have a median particle dimension as discussed herein.

[0045] In additional embodiments, the porous inorganic particles typically have an aspect ratio of at least about 1.0 as measured, for example, using Transmission Electron Microscopy (JEM) techniques. As used herein, the term "aspect ratio" is used to describe the ratio between (i) the median particle dimension of the porous inorganic particles and (ii) the median cross-sectional particle dimension of the porous inorganic particles, wherein the cross-sectional particle dimension is substantially perpendicular to the largest particle dimension of the porous inorganic particles, In some embodiments of the present invention, the porous inorganic particles have an aspect ratio of at least about 1 ,1 (or at least about 1.2, or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4) up to about 5.0. Typically, the porous inorganic particles have an aspect ratio of from about 1.0 to about 1 ,5.

[0048] In some embodiments, the porous inorganic particles typically have a pore volume as measured by nitrogen porosimetry of at least about 0.5 cc/g. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the porous inorganic particles have a pore volume as measured by nitrogen porosimetry of from about 1.0 cc/g to about 3.0 cc/g. In another exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the porous inorganic particles have a pore volume as measured by nitrogen porosimetry of from about 1.0 cc/g to about 2,0 cc/g.

[0047] In another embodiment, the porous inorganic particles also have a surface area as measured by the BET nitrogen adsorption method (i.e., the Brunauer Emmet Teller method) of at least about 20 m g, or at least about 25 m ² /g, or at least about 30 rr Vg. In one exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the porous inorganic oxide particles have a BET surface area of from about 20 m ² /g to about 2000 m ² /g, or from 25 m ² /g to about 2000 m ² /g or from about 30 m ² /g to about 1000 m ² /g. In a further exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the porous inorganic oxide particles have a BET surface area of from about 20 m ² /g to about 1000 m ² /g, or from about 25 m ² /g to about 1000 m ^? 7g, or from about 30 m ² /g to about 1000 m ² /g.

[0048] In another embodiment, the particles may have a functionalized surface comprising at least one molecule having a molecular weight of at least about 300 g/mol, or at least about 400 g/moL or at least about 500 g/moi, up to about 500,000 g/mol. In another embodiment, the particles may comprise silica having a purity of at least about 93% by weight SI0 ₂ , or at least about 93% by weight Si02 _< at least about 94% by weight SiO , at least about 95% by weight SiO , at least about 96% by weight SiC½, at least about 97% by weight Si0 _2l or at least about 98% by weight SiC½ up to 100% by weight 8102- based upon the total weight of the particle. [0049] Irs further embodiments, the porous inorganic particles typically have a relative span with regard to pore size distribution of at least about 0.8, or at least about 0.9, or at Seas! about 1 ,0, or at Ieast about 1.1 , or at least about 1.2. or at least about 1.3, or at least about 1.4, or at least about 1.5. In other embodiments, the porous inorganic particles typically have a relative span with regard to pore size distribution of at ieast about 0.8, or at least about 0.9, or at least about 1.0, or at least about 1.1 , or at Ieast about 1.2, or at Ieast about 1.3, or at Ieast about 1.4, or at Ieast about 1.5, all up to about 2.0. See RG. 3 where a pore size distribution of an exemplary particle is presented.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the porous inorganic particles of the present invention are prepared from a variety of porous inorganic materials, in further embodiments, the porous inorganic particles include porous precipitated inorganic oxides, inorganic oxide gels and fumed oxides.

[0051] In embodiments comprising gels, the parent particles are derived from porous inorganic oxide gels such as, but not limited to, gels comprising Si<¾, The gels can be hydrogels, aerogeis, or xerogeis. A hydrogel is also known as an aquagel which is formed in water and as a result its pores are filled with water. A xerogel is a hydrogel with the water removed. An aerogel is a type of xerogel from which the liquid has been removed in such a way as to minimize any collapse or change in the gei's structure as the water is removed.

[0052] Gels are well known in the art. See tier's "The Chemistry of Silica", p. 462 (1979). Gel, e.g. silica gel. particles are distinguishable from colloidal silica or precipitated silica particles. For example, colloidal silica is prepared as a slurry of dense, non-porous silica particles. Colloidal silica particles typically are smaller than 200nm (0.2 micron). As mentioned earlier, these particles do not have internal porosity. On the other hand, typical dispersed precipitated particles have some internal porosity. In some cases, the internal porosity in typically precipitated particles, however, largely collapse under capillary pressure created by receding menisci of water as the water evaporates during drying. The conditions for making colloidal silica and precipitated silica are well known,

[0053] Gels, on the other hand, are prepared under conditions which promote coalescence of primary particles (typically having median particles sizes of about 1 to about 10 nrn, as measured under transmission electron microscopy, i.e., TEM) to form a relatively rigid three dimensional network. The coalescence of gel is exhibited on a macrosca!e when a dispersion of inorganic oxide, e.g., silica, hardens to a "gel" or "gelled" mass having structural integrity.

[0054] Methods of preparing inorganic oxide gels are well known in the art. For example, a silica gel is prepared by mixing an aqueous solution of an alkali metal silicate (e.g., sodium silicate) with a strong acid such as nitric or sulfuric acid, the mixing being done under suitable conditions of agitation to form a clear silica sol which sets into a hydrogei, i.e., macrogel, in less than about one-half hour. The resulting gel is then washed. The concentration of inorganic oxide, i.e., S1O2, formed in the hydrogei is usually in the range of about 10 and about 50, preferably between about 20 and about 35, and most preferably between about 30 and about 35 weight percent, with the pH of that gel being from about 1 to about 9, preferably 1 to about 4. A wide range of mixing temperatures can be employed, this range being typically from about 20 to about 5CPC.

[0055] The newly formed hydrogels are washed simply by immersion in a continuously moving stream of water, which leaches out the undesirable salts, leaving about 99.5 weight percent or more pure inorganic oxide behind.

[0056] The pH, temperature, and duration of the wash water will influence the physical properties of the silica, such as surface area (SA) and pore volume (PV). Silica gel washed at 85~90 ^; C at pH's of 8-9 for about 15 to about 38 hours will usually have SA's of about 250 to about 400 m ² /g and form aerogels with PV's of about 1.4 to about 1.7 cc/gm. Silica gel washed at pH's of 3-5 at about 50 to about 85 ^1J C for about 15 to about 25 hours will have SA ^: s of about 700 to about 850 m /g and form aerogels with PV's of about 0.6 to about 1.3 ml/g. These measurements are generated by the well known H2 porosity method. Hydrogei is dried by blowing air at a temperatures ranging from 100 to 180° C through the hydrogei bed until the moisture in the gel is less than about 20%, preferably less than about 10%, and more preferably less than about 5% by weight. Processes for making xerogels may be found in U.S. Patents Nos. 6,565,905 and 5,622,743.

[0057] Reinforced precipitated silica such as that described in U.S. Patent 4,157,920 can also be used to prepare the dispersion of this invention. The contents of that patent are incorporated herein by reference. For example, reinforced precipitated silicas can be prepared by first acidulating an alkali inorganic silicate to create an initial precipitate. The resulting precipitate is then reinforced or "post conditioned" by additional silicate and acid. The precipitate resulting from the second addition of silicate and acid comprises 10 to 70% by weight of the precipitate initially prepared. It is believed that the reinforced structure of this precipitate is more rigid than conventional precipitates as a result of the second precipitation. It is believed that even after milling, centrifuging and subsequent drying, the reinforced silicate substantially maintains its network rigidity and porosity, This is in contrast to other precipitated silicas such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent 5.030,288.

[0058] In another embodiment, the inorganic oxide comprises fumed silica. Fumed silica may be fabricated using the processes described in DE 782723. Production of fumed silica is also discussed in Ullmann's Encyclopaedia of Industrial Chemistry, Vol. A23, 1993, Chapter 6.

[0059] Once the porous particles are formed, they are then milled. The general milling conditions can vary depending on the feed material, residence time, impeller speeds, and milling media particle size. These conditions can be varied to obtain the desired size within the range of about 1 to about 120 microns. The techniques for selecting and modifying these conditions to obtain the desired dispersions are known to those skilled in the art. The milling equipment used to mill the porous inorganic oxide particles should be of the type capable of severely milling and reducing materials to particles having sizes about 1 to about 120 microns, e.g., through mechanical action. Such mills are commercially available, with hammer and sand mills being particularly suitable for this purpose. Hammer mills impart the necessary mechanical action through high speed metal blades, and sand mills impart the action through rapidly churning media such as zirconia or sand beads. Impact mills can also be used. Both impact mills and hammer mills reduce particle size by impact of the inorganic oxide with metal blades. Other suitable mills for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, the Air Classifying Mill (ACivl) or the Fluid Energy Mill (FE ), The milled inorganic oxide particles may be classified using an air classifier if not performed during the milling process.

[0080] In one embodiment of the present invention, the milled porous inorganic particles are then treated bydrother nally at about 100 to about 400"C for about 2 to about 20 hours and at a pH of about 8 to about 10. Alternatively, the hydrotherrnai treatment may be conducted as set forth in U.S. Pats, fSlos. 5,978,479; 4,732,887; and 4,104,383. The conditions of the hydrotherrnai treatment affect the pore volume, surface area, pore size and structural integrity of the particles.

[0081] The porous inorganic oxide particles may be surface modified so as to selectively enhance bonding of a desired material to the inorganic oxide particie surface. For example, the porous inorganic oxide particles may further comprise a surface chemistry in the form of one or more chemical moieties bonded thereto so as to selectively bond to one or more materials within a given fluid processed through the chromatography column, which is referred to herein as a functionalized surface. Chemical moieties such as Afunctional ligands, etc. may be bonded to the particie surface, for example, as described in U.S. Patent No. 7, 168,213 assigned to W. Grace & Co. -Conn., the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, this stationary/bonded phase, or chromatography media, includes an active group or iigand as part of the functionalized surface of the particie, and is typically covalently bonded to the particle via some linkage. The ligand may be any chemical species that show specific interaction with another molecular component, in this case the target biomolecule. Known ligands include charged groups (such as sulfonic acid, quarternary ammonium, diethyl am noethyl carboxyi methyl); synthetic dyes; alky I and aryl compounds (such as phenyl boronate, octyl); proteins; lectins; antibodies; antigens, enzymes and so on. Ligates, that is compounds which can be separated by chromatographic techniques, include a wide range of biomoiecules such as proteins: enzymes; peptides; antibodies; antigens; lectins; DNA; RMA: antibiotics; etc.

(0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface of the inorganic oxide particles is first treated with two sets of silanes carrying different functional groups. The first set of functional groups enable polymerization of one or more monomers onto the particie surface via the first set of functional groups (e.g., linkers), and the second set of functional groups increases the wettability of said surface. Subsequent polymerization introduces ionic charge groups that allow interactions and bindings of biomoiecules.

[0063] The chromatography columns of the present invention, such as exemplary chromatography column 100, may be tailored for use in a given application. Regardless of application, the chromatography columns of the present invention, such as exemplary chromatography column 100, may be sized so as to be insertable into a variety of chromatography systems, HG. 2 depicts a view of an exemplary chromatography system 200 comprising chromatography column shown In FIG. 1,

[0064] As shown in FiG, 2, exemplary chromatography system 200 comprises the following components: chromatography column 100, solvent reservoir 201, pump 202, pre-coiumn 203, injection port 204, detector 208, recorder/monitor 207, and waste collector 208. Although not shown in FIG. 2, chromatography column 100 may be used in combination with other system components suitable for use in chromatography systems, such as exemplary chromatography system 2Θ0, wherein the other system components include, but are not limited to, multiple solvent reservoirs 201, a vacuum pump, a flow splitter, a pressure gauge, a degasser, a fraction collector, etc.

[0085] The present invention is also directed to methods of making chromatography columns. In one embodiment, the method of making a chromatography column comprises incorporating porous inorganic oxide particles into the column housing. The method of making a chromatography column may further comprise one or more additional steps. Suitable additional steps include, but are not limited to, forming the column housing via a thermoforming step (e.g., any molding step, e.g., injection molding); cleaning the porous inorgansc oxide partides positioned within the column housing by exposing the porous inorganic oxide particles to a non-NaOH solution; validating the chromatography column via one or more validation tests; and packaging the cleaned, validated chromatography column in a shippable container.

[0088] In the disclosed methods, the step of forming the column housing via a thermoforming step may comprise thermoforming a tubular housing member, and at least one separate and attachable tubular housing member end cap. In some embodiments, the thermoforming step comprises thermoforming (i) a tubular housing member having a first open end and a closed opposite end (i.e., an integrally formed end cap having a column housing outlet therein), and (ii) a first tubular housing member end cap that is separate and attachable to the open end of the tubular housing member. In other embodiments, the thermoforming step comprises thermoforming (i) a tubular housing member having opposite open ends, (ii) a first tubular housing member end cap separate and attachable to a first open end of the tubular housing member, and (iii) a second tubular housing member end cap separate and attachable to a second open end of the tubular housing member, the second tubular housing member end cap being attachable to the tubular housing member end cap opposite the first tubular housing member end cap.

[0087] The present invention is further directed to methods of using chromatography columns. In one embodiment, the method of using a chromatography column of the present invention comprises positioning the chromatography column within an operating position of a chromatography system; and processing a fluid through the chromatography column, in some embodiments, the method of using a chromatography column comprises processing a fluid containing one or more biomolecules through the chromatography column. For example, the fluid may comprise a protein, a peptide, an oligonucleotide, or any combination thereof.

[0088] In one embodiment, the mobile phase or liquid containing one or more analytes (target molecule) or substances for separation on the column 100 is added via column inlet 154. Mobile phase exiting the outlet 158 into the bed space 1S1 will be distributed evenly across the distribution channel 160, pass through filter 1S9 and then be eiuted uniformly through the bed of particulate medium 161. The mobile phase will finally exit the column through column outlet 1SS.

[0089] The disclosed methods of using a chromatography column of the present invention, such as exemplary chromatography column 100, advantageously do not comprise a clean-in-place step within the chromatography system (e.g., exemplary chromatography system 200 shown in FIG. 2). In other words, multiple runs may be performed on a given chromatography system, such as exemplary chromatography system 200 shown in FIG, 2, without the need to have a ciean-in- place step. Instead, when a given chromatography column has been used and needs to be cleaned, the used chromatography column is replaced with a replacement chromatography column, and the chromatography system continues to operate without the delays associated with a ciean~in-place step.

[0070] The disclosed methods of using the disclosed chromatography columns of the present invention may also comprise the step of providing the chromatography column to a user, wherein the providing step comprises providing a pre-packed and validated chromatography column to the user. This step eliminates the need for the user to perform one or more column preparation steps, and further enables an efficient use of the users time and processing capacity.

[0071] Methods of using disposable columns may be suitable for separating one or more biomolecules from a sample. Although not limited to any particular application, the methods of using disposable columns of the present invention may be used to separate one or more biomolecules from a sample, wherein the one or more biomolecules are selected from at least one protein, peptide, oligonucleotide, polysaccharides, lipids, nucleic acids, metabolites, viruses, vaccines, or any combination thereof.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments, the porous particles of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications including all of the bonded phases mentioned herein, for example, such as ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, affinity chromatography, size exclusion, and the like. Ion exchange chromatography is frequently used in protocols for the isolation of immunoglobulins. In anion exchange chromatography, negatively charged amino acid side chains of the immunoglobulin will interact with positively charged ligands of a chromatography matrix. In cation exchange chromatography on the other hand, positively charged amino acid side chains of the immunoglobulin will interact with negatively charged ligands of a chromatography matrix. Hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) is another method described and used in protocols for the isolation of immunoglobulins. If a highly pure immunoglobulin product the object, it is commonly recommended to combine HIC with one or more further steps. In HIC, in order to make the immunoglobulin bind efficiently to the HIC matrix, addition of iyotropic salts to the mobile phase is required. The bound immunoglobulin is subsequently released from the matrix by lowering the concentration of lyotropic salt. Affinity chromatography is based on specific interactions between a target biomoiecule and a biospecific ligand in a principle of lock-key recognition. Thus, the target and iigand will constitute an affinity pair, such as antigen/antibody, enzyme/receptor etc. Protein-based affinity ligands are well known, such as Protein A, Protein G and Protein L affinity chromatography which are both widespread methods for isolation and purification of antibodies. It is well known that Protein A chromatography provides an outstanding specificity, particularly towards monoclonal antibodies _* and consequently high purities are obtainable. Used in combination with ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, hydroxyapatite and/or gei filtration steps. Protein A-based methods have become the antibody purification method of choice for many biopharmaeeuticai companies, see e.g. WO 8400773 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,151 ,350.

[0073] In exemplary embodiments, the porous particies of the present invention may be used in a variety of applications, such as mixed mode or multimodal separation matrices or media. The term "muiti-modal" separation media refers to matrix capable of providing at least two different, but cooperative, sites which interact with the compound to be bound. For example, one of these sites may give an attractive type of charge-charge interaction between the ligand and the substance of interest. The other site may give electron acceptor-donor interaction and/or hydrophobic and/or bydrophiiic interactions. See e.g.. U.S. Pat. No, 7,714,112, In addition, the porous particles of the present invention may be used in expanded bed adsorption (see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,820,328); as part of a membrane to improve purification performance (see e.g.. U.S. 2011 0049042); used in applications with fluidized bed adsorption (see e.g U.S. 2005/0289257), and in any other applications suitable for purification or adsorption using wide pore materials.

[0074] The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples, which are not to be construed in any way as imposing limitations upon the scope thereof. On the contrary, it is to be clearly understood that resort may be had to various other embodiments, modifications, and equivalents thereof which, after reading the description herein, may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention and/or the scope of the appended claims.

EXA PLES

[0075] The following examples describe processes in accordance with the present invention for preparing chromatography media having funciionalized surfaces, including ion exchange and protein A, but other surface functionalization may be used. One embodiment of the present invention shown in the examples relates to the porous inorganic media based ion exchange material which was prepared by a process which consisted of two main steps: (1) bonding of large pore silica with two silanes: (3-glycidylGxypropyl) trimethoxysilane and 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate to form an initially bonded intermediate; and (2) solution polymerization of ionic monomer(s), with an azo initiator, in the presence of the initially bonded silica intermediate for either strong anion exchange media (G-siiica) or strong cation exchange media {S-Silica}.

[0078] Another embodiment of the invention shown in the examples was a process for the preparation of Q-silica wherein the monomers utilized were (3- acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammoniurn chloride, a small amount of diaSlyidimethylammonium chloride solution, and the initiator is 2,2'-azobis{2- methyipropionamidine) dihydrochioride (V~5G initiator),

[0077] Another embodiment of the invention shown in the examples is a process for the preparation of S-siiica. The process included an extra step of washing the initially bonded intermediate with tetramethyiammonium chloride solution is added to aid the polymerization. In this polymerization embodiment, the monomer is 2-acryamido-2-methyl-1-propanesuifonic acid (AMPS), and the initiator is 4,4 ^: -azobis (cyanovaleric acid) (V-5G1 initiator). This polymerization uses a chain transfer agent (CTA), e.g., S,S ^! ~Bis(a,a'~dimethyl~a ^! '-acetic acid)-trithiocarbonate. which is available from ABCR GmbH KG. The function of CTA is to control the chain length of the polymerization and help reduce any blockage of the pores (See RG. 4). This process is essentially a reverse addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization, a living radical polymerization process.

[0078] Many different types of porous particles were functionalized by these processes, in some of the Examples, silica gei was utilized, which were silica gels having 75 micron particle size with median pore sizes of 250, 500, 800, 1000 A. The silica gels were prepared using the following procedure: 190g of a 19% sulfuric acid solution was placed in a reactor equipped with an overhead stirrer and chilled to 5 ^* 0, Separately, 283g of a solution of sodium silicate (22.9% SiC½) was also chilled to 5°C. Subsequently, the sodium silicate solution was added to the sulfuric acid solution via a pump at such a rate as to add the full quantity of silicate in 15 minutes. During the addition the temperature was maintained at 5°C. After the addition was completed, the reactor was warmed to room temperature and the contents were allowed to gei without stirring. Upon gelation, the gei mass was cut in small pieces and submerged in water, in order to remove the sodium sulfate formed during the reaction. The level of sodium sulfate remaining in the material was periodically checked, as wash water was drained and fresh water was added to the gel. When the level fell below 1% the gel was suspended in water and the pH of the liquid was adjusted to pH-9.7 and the solution heated to 87°C, The temperature was maintained for 20 hours and 20 minutes. At the end of the heating period the gel was recovered by filtration and dried in a 16Q°C oven until the moisture content of the gel was less than about 5% by weight. The silica gel thus obtained had a nitrogen BET surface area of 325m ² /g and a nitrogen pore volume of 1.24cc/g. Assuming cylindrical pores and using the equation: Pore Size (Angstroms) - 4Q00QXPV/SA this material exhibits a pore size of 153 Angstroms. Subsequently, the gel Is milled to the desired particle size (75 microns) using an ACM and then hydrothermally treated in an autoclave at 300 ^: C until the desired pore size is achieved,

[0079] The particle sizes reported in the Examples were determined by light scattering using a Malvern Mastersizer 2000 available from Malvern Instruments Ltd. per ASTM B822-1Q. Pore size distributions are measured by mercury intrusion using an Autopore IV 9520 available from Micromeritics Instrument Corp. Pore volumes referenced herein represent mercury intrusion into pores 10,000 A and belowr, BET surface areas are also obtained from the nitrogen sorption analysis. Elemental analysis of carbon and sulfur content was conducted using a LEGO Carbon and Sulfur Analyzer SC-832 available from LECO Corp. Average molecular weight was determined by GPC analysis using a GPCV 2000 with Rl and Viscometric Detection available from Waters Corp. The purity of the silica was measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) using an ICPE-9QQ0 available from Shimadzu Corp.

[0080] The pore size distribution of the silica gel particles of the present invention was examined by the methods set forth herein. As may be seen from FIG. 3, the porous particles of the present invention possess a broad pore size distribution (i.e., a large relative span).

[0081] RG„ 4 demonstrates general synthetic routes for Q-siiica and S-silica, [0082] Molecular weight of the samples from Examples 11-24 were determined using the following procedure: 0.5 grams surface functionalized silica samples were weighted into 50 ml centrifuge tube and 10 ml deionized water were added, followed by 2.2 mis 48% hydrofluoric acid, and after mixed thoroughly, and the samples were let stand 30 minutes. After that, boric acid, 3.5 grams, were added to sequester free fluoride and the sampies were placed on wrist action shaker for 60 minutes. After cenirifugation and filtration through a 0.2 μηι filter with vacuum, dear supernatant were coilected for analysis. The supernatants were subjected to gel permeation chromatography (GPC) analysis using a GPCV 2000 with Ri and Viscometric Detection available from Waters Corp. that included Ultrahydrogei guard column and 120. 250, and 1000 columns. The solutions from above were injected into 1% aqueous potassium nitrate in mobile phase with a Waters HPLC system equipped with an RI detector. The molecule weights of the solutions were determined by using polyethylene glycol and polyethylene oxide as calibration standards. The molecular weights for the above polymers were below about 200- 300 KB.

[0083] The static binding tests for Q were performed using Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) (25 mg/ml concentration in buffer) at a pH of 8.0 with 50 mM Tris HCI buffer. The binding/washing buffer was 50 mM Tris-HCI at a pH of 8.0 and the elution buffer was 50 mM T ris-HCI/1 M NaCi at a pH of 8.0. Dried silica samples were weighted into vials, and then protein solutions in binding buffer were added. After overnight adsorption, the samples were centrifuged and supernatant separated/discarded. The silica sample was washed three times with washing buffer with centrifugation and separation. After the washing steps, elution buffer was added and the elution was repeated a second time. The UV Vis adsorption was measured for the combined elution solution at 280 urn using a Genesys 10S Bio UV- Vis spectrophotometer available from Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

[0084] The static binding tests for S were performed using chicken egg white lysozyme or bovine gamma globulin (25 mg/ml concentration in buffer) at a pH of 4.0 with 50 mlVI HOAc/NaOAc buffer. The binding/washing buffer was 50 mM HOAc/NaOAc at a pH of 4.0 and the elution buffer was 1M NaCI in 50 mM HOAc/NaOAc at a pH of 4,0. Dried silica samples were weighted into vials, and then protein solutions in binding buffer were added. After overnight adsorption, the samples were centrifuged and supernatant separated/discarded. The silica sample was washed three times with washing buffer with centrifugation and separation. After the washing steps, elution buffer was added and the elution was repeated a second time. The UV Vis adsorption was measured for the combined elution solution at 280 urn using a Genesys 10S Bio UV-Vis spectrophotometer available from Thermo Fisher Scientific inc.

[0085] The dynamic binding tests were performed using Omni glass columns with 0.68 cm diameter. For 2 ml of column the column length was around 5.8 cm. Silica samples were de-fined with Dl water, and then the column was slurry packed with Akta FPLC and at about 4000 cm/h linear velocity. For the breakthrough curve for Q, BSA protein in pH 8.0 50 mM Tris-HCI buffer (or lysozyrne or gamma globulin in pH 4.0, 50 mlvl HOAc/NaOAc buffer for S) was passing through a column with Akta at about 500 or 1000 cm/h, UV-Vis signals at 280 nm were measured using a UV900 available from General Electric, and ehromatograms were recorded and plotted with Microsoft Excel. Dynamic Binding Capacities (DBC) were calculated at 5% breakthrough point using the following equations:

(Voiume{S>5% Breakthrough— System Volume) X Protein Concentration DBC = ^■■■

Column Volume

[0088] Samples of initially bonded porous silica particles were prepared by treating the silica particles with treating agent 1 (vinyl silane), which is 3- (trimeihoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, and/or treating agent 2 (epoxy silane), which is (3-giycidoxypropyl)-trimethoxysilane. The vinyl and epoxy silanes were premixed, A round bottom flask charged with porous particles, and the amount of treating agent mix was added into the flask. The mixture was allowed to roll overnight. 0.S sulfuric acid in the amount of 1/10 of silica (by weight) was added. The mixture was rolled at room temperature for 1 hour, and then was heated up to 70°C for 1 hour. The flask was allowed to cool down, and then the silica was soaked with 1 M sulfuric add for 30 minutes, and then filtered. It was then washed with Dl water five times, filtered, and dried at 7Q ^a C overnight. The resulting samples were submitted for elemental analysis (LECO) for the percentage of carbon on silica and labeled Examples 1 -10. respectively. Results for these examples are recored in Table 1 Table 1

[0087] Except for Example 3, equal amount of two silanes were used for these functionaiizations and the amounts of carbon obtained were in general proportional to the total amounts of silanes used. In example 3, only vinyl silane was used for the dry bonding. As demonstrated in the above Table 1 , the amount of carbon _s measured by elemental analysis of the cleaned and dried silica samples after bonding process, was used as an indicator to determine the amount of surface functional groups after surface functionalization.

Examptes 11-24

[0088] Examples 11-24 describe a process of preparing strong anion exchange materials, in these Examples, the initially bonded silica from Examples 1- 10 were surface treated using a first monomer. (3-Acry!arni opropy!)- trimethyiammonu chloride (75% aqueous solution); an alternative monomer 1 : [3- { ethacryloyiamino)propyl] trimefbylammonium cbloride {50% aqueous solution); an alternative monomer 2: [2~{Acfyloyloxy)ethylJtrimethylammonium chloride (80% aqueous solution); a second monomer; Diallyldimethyiamrnoniu n chloride (65% aqueous solution); V-50 initiator; and additional deionized water (DIW).

[0089] A three-necked round bottom flask was equipped with an overhead mechanical stirrer with gas tight fitting, a nitro gas inlet and outlet, and heating mantle with thermal couple feedback. The siiica and ail the reagents except initiator are first charged into the flask. The system was bubbled with nitrogen for 20 minutes. Then the initiator was introduced. Nitrogen was bubbled for another 20 min before the flask is gradually heated to 85 ⁰ C. The mixture was kept at 85°C for 2 hours with overhead stirring, and then cooled down to room temperature. The mixture was poured into 5% MaCI solution in a beaker. The flask was rinsed with Dl water to completely move the residuai silica inside the flask. After the mixture was stirred with overhead stirrer for a few minutes, it was filtered and the washing was repeated three times with 5% NaCI and three times with Dl water. The samples were left in air to dry except that a small amount of silica was dried at 90°C overnight and then submitted for elemental analysis of carbon content. Binding capacities were calculated for the sample as described herein above. Resulting samples were labeled Examples 11-24. Analytical results and binding capacities for these Examples - were recorded in Table 2 below;

[0090] Reagent ratio is the amount of reagent used in the reaction by weight. AH the monomers used in Table 2 are aqueous solutions so the actual amounts are corrected by multiple by concentration. For example, in Example 11 the amount of reagents are: silica ~ 10 g, monomer ~ 8.8 g, 2 ^ύ monomer ~ 0.6 g, initiator ~ 0.045 g, Dl water ~ 85 g, and the ratio is calculated as 10 : (6.8 x 0.75) : (0.8 x 0.85) : 0.045 : 85 = 1 :0.5:0.04:0.0045:8.5. C%j _n iti _a i onding is the amount of carbon on the dried silica samples after the initial bonding step, as measured by elemental analysis. 0%&·¾5ΐ is the amount of carbon on the purified, dried silica samples, measured by elemental analysis. C _p0 ! _y - C%¾ _na i - C in¾ai bonding s the amount of carbon contributed from polymeric groups on the surface of the silica. Cpoiy Cinitiaibonding Ratio is the division of the two carbon numbers, which is a measure of carbon contributed by the polymer compared to that contributed by the initial bonding. While not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed thai higher ratio is an indication of longer chain polymer with fewer number of chains on the surface, and this is preferred against lower ratio indicating shorter chain with more chains on the surface for higher protein binding as longer chains give more flexibility for the bonded polymers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as model protein for all the binding tests of samples. Higher binding values are preferred. S stands for Static binding (SBC) where the binding of BSA onto modified silica was measured in a static mode (see the procedure of the measurement below), D stands for dynamic binding (DBC) where the binding of BSA onto modified silica was measured in dynamic flow mode (see the procedure of the measurement below). Mote that n/m means not measured.

[0091] As may be seen from Table 2, except for Example 13, all of the samples provided acceptable binding results. In Example 13, no polymer attached onto the surface of silica. In Examples 14 and 15, the second monomer, diallyidimethylammonium chloride, provided higher BSA protein binding in general. In Example 16, increasing the ratio of C%potymet C%initii¾icraj!ng, the binding of BSA was improved. In Examples 17, 18 and 20, alternative monomers were tested. Alternative monomer 1 gave slightly higher BSA binding than a sample from the first monomer (Example 19), while alternative monomer 2 gave much lower protein binding than the first monomer. In Example 21 _s the sample was made with silica having a pore diameter/size of 800 A, which yielded the highest BSA protein binding. Example 22 gave higher BSA binding than 23 because it had higher carbon number ratio, in Exampie 24, lower protein binding was obtained,

[0092] Examples 25-28 show another process for preparing a strong anion exchange material The general procedure for Initial bonding samples for Examples 25-28 (Table 3) was as follows: 50 g of dried silica were mixed with 0.6 g of vinyl silane and 0.6 g of epoxy silane in a dried 1 L round bottom flask on a Rotavap at ambient temperature for overnight (18 hours), and then the silica was transferred to a 1L beaker and soaked with 500 ml of 1 sulfuric acid for 1 hour. Filtration and washing with 5 x 500 Dl water yielded initially bonded silica samples which were dried at 70°C overnight.

[0093] The polymerization process procedure for Examples 25-27 was as follows: Similar to process used in Examples 11-24, 30 g of dried silicas from previous step were mixed with monomers, initiator and water according to Table 3. The analytical results for the final products for Examples 25-27 were recorded in Table 3 as well.

[0094] The process procedure for Example 28 was as follows: In a 250 ml

Beaker the amount of reagents described for Example 28 in Table 3 were mixed. Stir to dissolve everything in water. The solution was poured into a 250 mi Erlenmeyer flask containing 30 g of initially bonded silica (0.78% Carbon). Nitrogen gas was bubbled into the fiask for 30 mins (the flask was occasionally shaken to allow silica and aqueous solution mix well), and then the gas tubing was quickly removed and the top of the flasks were sealed with a tape. The fiask was gradually heated to 85°C with a water bath (-30 minutes), and the temperature was kept at 85°C for 2 hours. Then the mixture was cooled down to room temperature. The mixture was poured into 400-500 mi 10% NaCi solution in a 1 L beaker with some Di water rinsing to completely move the residua! silica inside the flask. The silica was stirred with a spatula for a few minutes, and then particles were left to settle. The top liquid phase supernatant was decanted into waste, and the residual silica was mixed with 5Q0 ml 5% NaCi solution. The silica sample was then washed with 3 x 500 mi of 5% NaCi solution with additional 3 x 500 rnL Df water _« each washing was followed with filtration under vacuum. The final sample was left in air to dry except a smali amount of sample was dried at 90°C for elemental analysis of carbon input. The analytical and binding capacity results were recorded in Table 3 below.

[0095] Examples 29-41 demonstrate a process for preparingstrong cation exchange materials.

[0098] Vinyi and epoxy silanes (2.5 g each) were premixed in a 20 ml scintillation vial. A 2L round bottom flask was charged with 200 grams of D1000 silica, and the amount of treating agent mix was added into the flask drop wise with good mixing. The mixture in the flask was allowed to roll in a rotovap overnight. 20 mi of 0.5 sulfuric acid was added. The mixture was rolled at room temperature for 1 hour, and then was heated up to 70°C for 1 hour. The flask was allowed to cool down, and then the silica was soaked with 500 ml 1 sulfuric acid for 30 minutes, and then filtered, It was then washed with Dl water five times, filtered. 100 g of tetramethySammonium chloride was dissolved in 1000 ml of methanol and the silica was soaked in this solution for 1 hour, and then the silica is filtered and washed with 3 x 500 ml of methanol. The silica was dried at 70°C overnight. The sample was submitted for elemental analysis (LECO) to determine the percentage of carbon on silica. It was found that the sample contained 0.79 g of carbon per 100 g of sample (0.79%). A initial bonding for the Examples 29-34 recorded in Table 4 were prepared as described herein above.

[0097] A 500 ml three-necked round bottom flask was equipped with an overhead mechanical stirrer with gas tight fitting, a nitro gas iniet and outlet, and heating mantle with thermal couple feedback. The silica initially bonded and treated with tetramethylammonium chloride (30 g), and 37.5 g of AMPS, small amount of CTA and 200 ml of Dl water were first charged into the flask. The system was bubbled with nitrogen for 20 minutes, Then Q.15 g of V501 initiator was introduced. Nitrogen was bubbied for another 20 min before the flask is gradually heated 6S°C. The mixture was kept at 65°C for 2 hours with overhead stirring, and then to 80 ^¾ C for another 2 hours. The flask was allowed to cool down to room temperature. The mixture was poured into 800 ml of 5% NaCI solution in a beaker. The flask was rinsed with Dl water to completely move the residual silica inside the flask. After the mixture was stirred with overhead stirrer for a few minutes, it was filtered and the washing was repeated three times with 500 mi 5% NaCI and three times with 500 ml DS water. The sample was left in air to dry except that a small amount of silica was dried at 90°C overnight and then submitted for eiemental analysis of carbon and sulfur content.

Ta le 4

[0098] In Examples 29-34, chicken egg white lysozyme ( _w of about 17kD) and bovine gamma globulin ( _w of about 140kD) proteins were used for static binding studies for the cation exchange materials. The test procedure was the same as that for 8SA for Q-Silica described above in Examples 11-24, with the exception that different proteins (still 25 mg/ml concentrations) were used, and the binding and washing buffer was 50 mM HOAc/NaOAc at pH 4,0. The elution buffer was 1 M MaCI in 50 mM HOAc/NaOAc at pH 4.0. Static binding capacities for lysozyme or globulin proteins were summarized in Table 4.

[0099] it was found the unlike the Q-silica, the polymerization of AIV1PS requires the involvement of a small amount of a chain transfer agent (CTA), e.g.. S - Bis(a,a ^! ~dimethy!-a"-acetic acid)~trithiocarbona†e. Without CTA, the binding of protein to silica samples were much lower. As can be seen from Table 4, the amount of CTA had significant influence not only on the amount of attached polymer (as measured by carbon and sulfur contents) but also on the static binding capacity of the samples. Larger amounts of CTA led to smaller amounts of polymer attachment, lower binding of lysozyme but higher binding for the much larger size protein Globulin. With no CTA, significantly smaller binding amounts were achieved for both !ysozyme and globulin.

[0100] Examples 35 and 38 demonstrate the size of polymers with regard to the amount of CTA used in the polymerization (without involvement of silica). A three-necked round bottom flask was charged with 37.5 g (181 mmol) of AMPS, 1.4 g (18.1 mmol) of methacr iic acid, 0.2 g (1 g for Example 38) of CTA, and 200 ml of Dl water. The polymerization was carried out (without silica) similar to the one described above. After the polymerization and sample was submitted for GCP analysis to determine the molecular weight of the polymers made. The w for polymers in Example 35 was 87471 and Mw for polymers in Example 38 was 20878. E¾f_P3|3jf„ 37

[0101] In this Example, an alternative process for preparing strong cation exchange phase Is presented. The process involves chemicaliy attaching a functional group containing thermally labile azo group and also hydrophiiic carboxylic acid groups. As shown in HG. S, the azo initiator is first coupled with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and then the functional group is bonded with silica. The polymerization proceeds with heat and in the presence of the monomers.

[0102] N.N'-Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC), 11.5 g _: was dissolved in 350 ml of methylene chloride, and the solution was cooled with ice batch to about 5 ^D C. To the solution was added 7.78 g of 4,4'-azobis (cyanovaleric acid) (V-501 initiator), followed by 10 g of aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. The mixture was stirred at cold for 3 hours, and then it was allowed to warm up to room temperature in another 2 hours. After the reaction, undissolved solids (mostly urea byproduct) were filtered off, and the filtrate was mixed with 100 g of untreated silica from Example 7 (800 A). The mixture was place in a 1L round bottom flask, rolled on a rotovap at room temperature overnight, and then filtered and washed with 4 x 400 ml of methanol. The solids were allowed to dry in air overnight at room temperature. A small amount of sample was submitted for elemental analysis, and a carbon number of 2.03% was obtained for the sample.

[0103] 30 g of above silica was mixed with 40 g of AMPS monomer In 200 ml of water, After nitrogen was bubbled in the aqueous mixture for 30 min, the three necked round bottom flask was heated while stirring to 85°C for 2 hours under nitrogen. After the reaction, the mixture was filtered and washed with 3 x 500 ml of 5% NaCI and then 3 x 500 ml of Dl water. After the sample was dried, elemental analysis of the dried sample showed a carbon number of 4.23% and sulfur number of 1.17%. Static binding of BSA protein (with a pH 4.0, 50 m!VI sodium acetate buffer) indicated a binding capacity of BSA for this sample was 150 mg/ml.

Examjgje _^ SS

[0104] In this Example, a different set of reactions was used to prepare strong cation exchange material. As shown in FIG. 6 _; silica gel was first bonded with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane. and then the modified silica was coupled with azo initiator with a coupling catalysis (DCC) in DIVIF, followed by polymerization at higher temperature in the presence of AMPS monomer,

[0105] D1000 (75 pm average particle size with 1000A average pore size), 200 g, was initially bonded with 20 g of aminopropylt imethoxysilane with a procedure similar to that of Examples 1 -10. After overnight roiling, the silica was soaked in 800 ml of 0.1 M HCI. and then filtered. Three times of washing with 1 L of Df water were carried out with each step followed by filtration under vacuum. The silica filtration cake was dried at 70°C overnight and it was determined the amount of carbon with dried silica was at 0.80 %.

[0108] The dried silica from above, 35 g, was mixed with solution of 1 .92 g of DCC, 2.24 g of V-501 azo initiator, and 0.8 g of triethylamine in 100 mi of dry DMF solvent. The mixture was place in a 500 ml round bottom flask and rolled on a rotavap at room temperature for 4 hours. The resulting mixture was filtered and washed with 2 x 200 mi of D!VSF, and 2 x 150 mi of acetone. A sample was dried in oven and elemental analysis showed a carbon content of 1.74%. the remaining silica was let dry inside a fume hood at room temperature for 6 hours.

[0107] 34 g of above silica were mixed with 40 g of AivlPS monomer in 200 g of Dl water. After the system was flushed with nitrogen for 20 minutes, it was heated while stirring to 85°C and kept at this temperature for 2 hours. After that, the mixture was cooled down to room temperature, washed with 3 x 500 mi of 5% NaCI, followed by 3 x 500 ml of Dl water. After the sample was dried, elemental analysis of the dried sample showed a carbon number of 5.47% and sulfur number of 1 .89%, and a static binding capacity of 125 mg/ml of lysozyme protein at pH 7.0 (50 mmol phosphate buffer) was obtained.

[0108] in these examples, as shown in FIG, 7, a polymer consisting of AMPS (90 mo! %) and methacrylic acid (10 mol %) was first synthesized with a chain transfer agent (Example 39), and then the polymer solution was mixed with modified silica with surface amino groups (initially bonded D1000 silica in Example 38), and then the mixture is baked at 180°C for several hours to allow the formation of covalent amide bonding between the polymer and the surface amine groups (Example 40).

[0109] In a 100Q ml three necked round bottom flask (equipped with mechanical stirrer, nitrogen inlet and outlet, and a thermal couple) were added 100 g of AMPS monomer, 4.2 g of methacrySic acid, 1.2 g of CTA, and 800 ml of Dl water. The mixture was stirred and nitrogen flashed for 20 min, and then 0.4 g of V-501 initiator was added. After another 20 minutes of nitrogen bubbling, the system was gradually heated to 85°C and kept for 2 hours, and then to 80°C for another 2 hours. After cooling down to room temperature, the polymer was analyzed by SEC (using dextrans of different molecular weights as standards) and it was determined that the polymer had _w of 19417 and the M _n of 15477.

[0110] The aminopropyl bonded silica from Example 38 (initial bonded), 20 g, was mixed with 200 g of polymer solution as described in Example 39. The mixture was pH adjusted to around 7 with addition of 10 M NaOH. Then it was placed in a ceramic crystallization dish and the dish was place in a Convection oven (Fisher 5Q8G oven) inside a fume hood. The temperature of the oven was set at 180°C and the sample was baked inside the oven for 6 hours. After that, it was cooled down the room temperature and mixed with 500 ml of 10% NaCI solution. The siiica was filtered and washed with 3 x 500 ml of 5% NaCI solution and the 3 x 500 ml of Dl water. The carbon and sulfur contents of the sample were determined to be 8.08%, 1.70%, respectively. The measurement for lysozyme DBC was 107.6 mg/ml at pH 7.0 (50 mM sodium phosphate buffer).

[0111] in this Example surface polymer growth was promoted by a Ce(IV) chemistry (US5453188). (See FIG. 8). 100 g of siiica (1000 A median pore size with a median particle size of 70 m was dry bonded with 10 g of epoxysilane with a procedure similar to examples 1-10 (except that no vinyl silane was used). The resulting silica had a carbon % measurement of 1 .89%. 30 g of this dried sliica were mixed with 30 g of AIV1PS monomer, and 200 mL of Dl water in a three necked round bottom flask. After the mixture was rid of oxygen by bubbling nitrogen for 20 mins, 2.37 grams of cerium (IV) sulfate was added and the mixture was stirred and heated at 70°C for 2 hours. After 2 hours, the mixture was cooled down, filtered and then siurry washed with 5 x 300 mi 1 M of nitric acid, followed by 5 x 300 ml of Dl water. Elemental analysts indicated the carbon and sulfur content of the dried sample were 2.27 and 0.58, respectively, DBC measurement of this material with a 2 ml of column at pH 7.0 (50 mL phosphate buffer) for lysozyme was 107 mg/mi.

[0112] in Examples 42 and 43, protein A is attached to the silica of Example 1 , The silica had a particle size of 75 prn with a median particle size of 70 pm, and a median pore size of 1000A. Example 42 used a well known chemistry (e.g., W0199009237) involving oxidation of surface diol group with Nal0 ₄ to yield an aldehyde, followed by reductive amination of amino groups on the protesn A chain with the surface aldehyde groups (Scheme 1 of RG. 9), Example 43 utilized a different chemistry. As shown in Scheme 2 of HG. 9, the silica was first bonded with aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, and then the amino groups on the surface were reacted with cyanuric chloride in toluene at 5°0, followed by reaction of the second chlorine group with amino groups on the chain of the protein A.

[0113] in Example 42, {3-glycidoxypropyl}-trimethoxysilane (75 mg) was bonded with 15 g of the silica from Example 1 (1000A) utilizing the initial bonding procedure described in Example 1 , After washing and drying, it was found that about 0.18% carbon was attached onto the surface of silica. Subsequently, 1.2 g of this initially bonded silica was mixed with 18 ml of 50 mM HOAc/NaOAc buffer at pH 4.0, with 0,25 M alCXj in the buffer, The mixture was shaken at slow rate in a 20 mi scintillation vial overnight at room temperature. Then the silica was washed with 50 ml of Dl water five times with filtration, and then washed with 15 ml pH 8 100 mfvl sodium phosphate buffer containing 50 mlVI of NaCI. The sample was filtered and about 0.2 g of silica sample was taken for control, and the rest was mixed with 5 g of pH 8 buffer from above, and 400 mg of protein A solution (Protein A was a recombinant Protein A obtained from Repligen Bioprocessing under the trade name rSPA), The sample was shaken at room temperature for 4 hours, and then 0.18 g of NaBHsCN in 1 mi of above buffer was added. The sample was shaken for another 4 hours. The sample was washed with 5 x 20 ml of 5% NaCL followed with 4 x 20 ml Dl water. After drying, thermogravimetric weight loss (TGA at 120-800 ^C C using a TGA Q500 available from TA Instruments Inc.) was measured for the sample and. control (sample followed the same process without protein A), Results were recorded in Table 5 below:

[0114] The higher amount of weight loss of 3.30% than that of control sample's 1.19% indicates the attachment of protein A.

[0115] In Example 43, 50 g of the silica (1000A) was bonded with 5 g of

A inopropyltrimethoxysilane utilizing the initial bonding procedure similar to the one described in Example 38. After washing and drying . the amount of carbon was determined to be 2.48% by elemental analysis. TGA weight loss (120-80Q°C) was 3.12%. Subsequently, 8.7 g of cyanuric chloride was dissolved in 70 mi of anhydrous toluene and the solution was stirred in a three necked round bottom flask, cooled at 5°C in an ice bath. 22 g of the initially bonded silica and 1.8 g of triethylamine (TEA) was added. The mixture was stirred at cold for 3 hours. Silica was filtered and washed with 3 x 300 ml acetone, and stored at 4°C. X-ray fluorescence using an Axios mAX Advanced PW 4400 available from PANaiytical B.V. showed that the sample contains about 2.12% of surface chlorine, suggesting the attachment of cyanuric chloride. Then, protein A solution, 3.8 g, was dissolved in 50 ml of 50 m sodium phosphate buffer. The silica from above was added and the mixture was mixed at room temperature overnight. The sample was filtered and washed with 3 x 500 mi 5% NaCi and 3 x 500 m! D!W. Control was also run with the same amount of reagents except for the presence of protein A solutions.

[0118] As shown in Table 8, TGA of the above samples showed higher amount of heat loss for the sample with protein A reacted, indicating an attachment of the protein.

Table 8

E am les 44-48

[01 17] In Examples 44-48, alternative silica materials were utilized, including a silica gel of Example 10 (250 A), precipitated silica made by the process set forth in WO2011/144348, and air set silica made by the process set forth in U.S. Pats, Nos. 7,229,855; 8,555, 151 ; 5, 149,553; and 8,248,91

[0118] Each sample of Examples 44-48 was treated according to the following process. 100 g of silica were added into 1 L indented round bottle flask, and to the silica were added 8.5 g of epoxy silane. The mixture was rolled on a rotovap at room temperature overnight (Fig. 8). Then 10 g of 0.5 M of sulfuric acid was added and the mixture was rolled at room temperature for 1 hr, followed by another 1 hr at 70°C with a water bath. After the silica was soaked in 500 ml of 1 sulfuric acid for 30 minutes, it was filtered and washed with 3 x 500 ml of Dl water and 3 x 250 ml of methanol. After drying, 15 grams of above silica were place into a 300 ml, three-necked round bottom flask, and 80 g of Dl water were also added, together with 15 grams of AMPS monomer. The stirred mixture was bubbled nitrogen for 20 minutes, and then 3 grams of cerium (IV) sulfate were added. The mixture was heated to 70°C for 2 hours, and then silica was filtered and washed with 3 x 200 mi of iM nitric acid and 3 x 300 ml of Dl water and dried. The properties of the resulting silica were recorded in Table 7 below. Tabte 7

groups on the surface

:*Ev1easured at pH 5 {50 mM citric acid buffer)

As can be seen from Table 7, the amount of sulfur on the surface of the particles indicated surface functionalizatlon was achieved and aiso that the functionalized material provided acceptab e static binding of lysozy ne.

[0119] In Example 47, the precipitated silica in Example 45 is used, except that the average particle size of the silica was 50 microns. 40 g of the silica were treated with 4 g of vinyl silane and 4 g of epoxy silane using a procedure described in Example 1. The carbon number for the bonded material after the modification was 8.4%. Polymerization was carried out with 15 g of modified silica, 12.8 g of Q monomer, 1.2 g of 2 ^nd monomer, 70 mg of initiator and 100 g of DS water as done in Examples 11-24. The carbon content after the polymerization was 13.9%.

Examples 48 and 49

[0120] In Examples 48 and 48, epoxy porous resin (poiymeibacrylate polymer resin) particles were used (Fig. 10). Since the particles (50 pm or 100 pm average particle size) have epoxy groups (they will be hydrolyzed to give diol groups in aqueous media), only vinyl groups will be needed for the modification with polymerization of Q polymers. Thus, 100 g of the particles were treated with 40 ml of ailylamine (available from A!drich) in 400 mi of HMP at room temperature for 1 hour and 80°C for 1 hour. After cooling down, the sample was filtered and washed with 3 x 500 ml of Dl water, followed by 500 ml of methanol, and dried in air overnight. The polymerization of 30 g of above modified resin was carried out with the procedure as described in Example 1 1 , As can be seen from Table 8, both examples provided acceptable static binding of BSA protein.

Table 8

C% fror rs j

i Statsc Binding of i

Particle Size poly merf atk >n of Q j I

Base P¾rtecle | ! BSA Protein fmg/g) i rnoreoms rs I j

Example 48 j 50 7.5 j 220 I

Example 49 | 100 n/a I 73 j

[0121 ] While t r¾e invention hi as been c escribec with a limited number of embodiments, these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as otherwise described and claimed herein. If may be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the exemplary embodiments herein that further modifications, equivalents, and variations are possible. Ail parts and percentages in the examples, as well as in the remainder of the specification, are by weight unless otherwise specified. Further, any range of numbers recited in the specification or claims, such as that representing a particular set of properties, units of measure, conditions, physical states or percentages, is intended to literally incorporate expressly herein by reference or otherwise, any number falling within such range, including any subset of numbers within any range so recited, For example, whenever a numerical range with a lower limit, R _L , and an upper limit Ru, is disclosed, any number R falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers R within the range are specifically disclosed: R - Ru + k(Ry ~RL). where k is a variable ranging from 1 % to 100% with a 1 % increment, e.g., k is 1 %, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%. ... 50%, 51 %, 52%. ... 95%, 98%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%. Moreover, any numerical range represented by any two values of R, as calculated above is also specifically disclosed. Any modifications of the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will become apparent to those skilledn the art from the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.