Maltose binding protein purification

Maltose binding protein purification (MBP) is a technique used in genetic engineering to purify specific proteins from the genetically engineered organism used to express them. A recombinant protein is fused to maltose binding protein then purified with affinity chromatography on a glutathione bound immobile phase. After the fusion protein is eluted with excess maltose, the MBP fragment can be cleaved off or left in place if it does not interfere with the protein's function. The maltose binding protein also increases the solubility of the fusion protein, resulting in fewer inclusion bodies and allowing a greater level of expression.