A novel affinity sorbent system for human serum albumin (HSA) adsorption from aqueous solutions and human plasma was developed. The affinity capillary sorbents were prepared by Cibacron Blue F3GA and Zn(II) derived microporous membranous poly(tetrafluoroethylene) (PTFE) capillaries which are modified by poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) coating. The maximum PVA adsorption capacity was 23.5 mg/g polymer, the average density of CB F3GA attached to the capillary is 89.8 mu mol/g polymer and the amount of Zn(II) ions adsorbed on the CB F3GA immobilized capillaries was 292 mu mol/g polymer. Optimal adsorptions could be achieved at a suitable flow rate, pH, and ionic strength. The maximum adsorption was observed at pH 5.0 which is the isoelectric pH of HSA. Desorption ratio was up to 92% in 30 min using 1.0 M NaSCN (pH 8.0) as the desorption agent. Metal-chelate affinity capillaries could be reused without significant decrease in the HSA adsorption capacity. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.