The present invention relates to a method for separating a product of interest from impurities and an apparatus for performing the method. The method comprises the steps in the indicated order: (1) loading on a chromatography matrix a first volume of a feed solution comprising the product of interest and impurities; (2) contacting the chromatography matrix with an elution solution; (3) collecting a) optionally an elution fraction 1 (EF1) in a side fraction container (SFC), b) an elution fraction 2 (EF2) in a product container, and c) optionally an elution fraction 3 (EF3) in a SFC, wherein at least one of EF1 and EF3 is collected; (4) loading on a chromatography matrix EF1 and/or EF3 and a second volume of the feed solution simultaneously or subsequently. Steps (2) to (4) are repeated at least once, and the chromatography matrices of step (1) and (4) are the same or different.

A chromatography system is provided. The chromatography system is configured to process a feed fluid containing a plurality of components, wherein at least one component of the plurality of components of the feed fluid is a target component. The chromatography system comprises: a flow path comprising a plurality of fluid control components configured to control a fluid flow; a stationary phase, wherein the stationary phase is at least one membrane adsorber connected to the flow path and the stationary phase is configured to isolate the target component. The flow path is configured such that harvesting of the target component is optimized.

A target component is collected using a preparative separation and purification device having a holder for holding a trap column in which the target component has been captured, a liquid feeder for feeding a first solvent having compatibility with the water remaining in the trap column and a second solvent having low compatibility with water and high compatibility with the first solvent into the trap column, a flow-path switch for connecting the exit end of the trap column to a waste liquid flow path and a collection flow path, and a control unit for controlling the flow-path switch so that solution including water flows into the waste liquid flow path.