INTRODUCTION
It can be frustrating. During a purification campaign, biopharmaceutical process chromatographycolumns can become contaminated with a variety of protein and non-protein species.Some common chromatographic contaminants include residual proteins, nucleic acids, lipids,surfactants/detergents, endotoxins, viruses, bacteria, metal ions and colour bodies. The consequencesof column contamination with these species include an increase in backpressure, loss of yield and purityand media discoloration.Additionally, decreased column performance requires more frequent replacement of the column media,increasing costs and the need for validation and reducing productivity.