Cost effective adsorption matrix is recently, a much sought after alternative to the normal and expensive forms of matrices that are being used for the separation and purification of therapeutic molecules like immunoglobulins. A study therefore, has been focussed on developing copper complexed poly (vinyl alcohol) [PVA] and poly (styrene allyl alcohol) [PSA] gel beads for the separation of immunoglobulin G (IgG) from aqueous solutions. The copper-immobilized PVA and PSA gel beads were prepared, characterized and the copper content was estimated using EDX analysis. Further compatibility tests such as erythrocyte aggregation, lyses and cell counting were also investigated. An increase in the IgG adsorption capacities was achieved with the copper immobilized micro particles, when compared with the unmodified particles. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.