Edwin Cohn

Edwin Joseph Cohn

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Edwin Cohn, American biochemist

Born	December 17, 1892
Birth place	New York City, New York, USA
Died	October 1, 1953
Place of death	Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality	American
Known for	Protein fractionation, blood plasma research

Edwin Joseph Cohn (December 17, 1892 – October 1, 1953) was an American biochemist renowned for his pioneering work in the field of protein chemistry and blood plasma fractionation. His contributions were instrumental during World War II, particularly in the development of methods to separate and purify blood plasma proteins, which had significant implications for medical treatments and transfusions.

Early Life and Education

Edwin Cohn was born in New York City, New York. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he developed a keen interest in chemistry and biochemistry. Cohn completed his Ph.D. in 1917 under the mentorship of Thomas B. Osborne, focusing on protein chemistry.

Career and Research

After completing his doctorate, Cohn joined the faculty at Harvard University, where he spent the majority of his career. His research initially focused on the structure and function of proteins, which were poorly understood at the time. Cohn's work laid the foundation for modern protein chemistry.

Blood Plasma Fractionation

During World War II, Cohn led a team of scientists in a project funded by the U.S. government to develop methods for the large-scale fractionation of blood plasma. This work was crucial for the war effort, as it allowed for the production of albumin, gamma globulin, and other plasma proteins that could be used to treat wounded soldiers.

Cohn's method, known as the "Cohn process," involved the use of cold ethanol fractionation to separate plasma proteins based on their solubility and stability at different temperatures and pH levels. This process was a major advancement in biochemistry and had a lasting impact on the field of medicine.

Legacy and Impact

Cohn's work on plasma fractionation not only saved countless lives during the war but also paved the way for the development of modern blood banking and transfusion medicine. His techniques are still used today in the production of plasma-derived therapies.

Cohn was a member of several prestigious scientific organizations and received numerous awards for his contributions to science and medicine. His legacy continues to influence the fields of biochemistry and hematology.

Personal Life

Cohn was known for his dedication to science and his students. He was married and had two children. Cohn passed away in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1953.

Also see

• Protein chemistry
• Blood plasma
• Thomas B. Osborne
• Harvard University
• World War II