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.