4. Conclusions
In the present study, a system for microchannel dialysis capable of
producing high concentrations of active refolded proteins with a low
residence time was designed and demonstrated. Using a short treatment
time of around 20 minutes, which is at least an order of magnitude
faster than conventional dialysis, it was possible to recover sufficient
amounts of active CA, a protein which is difficult to refold. Although
the incorporation of a dialysis membrane into a microchannel is
technically challenging at present, the concept of shortening the
dialysis time by increasing the specific surface area is generally
applicable, and can greatly reduce the time required for the preparation
of molecules such as purified proteins and synthetic polymers.