Method and system for separating biomolecules

A method for separating a biomolecule from a cell culture in a separation system, comprising the steps of:

• providing a feed from a cell culture comprising said biomolecule to a magnetic separator and providing to the magnetic separator magnetic beads comprising ligands which bind said biomolecule;
• separating by the magnetic separator said magnetic beads with the bound biomolecule from the rest of the feed;
• forwarding said magnetic beads from the magnetic separator as a slurry with an added buffer to an elution cell, wherein the elution cell comprises an inlet in connection with an outlet from the magnetic separator, and a retaining arrangement for keeping the magnetic beads within the elution cell and allowing excess buffer to escape from the elution cell;
• packing the slurry of said magnetic beads in the elution cell to provide a bed of magnetic beads within the elution cell with a void volume less than 60%;
• and
• eluting the bound biomolecule in the elution cell.