Adsorption/desorption kinetics of protein on the binding ligand of inert core adsorbent in a batch adsorber is analyzed theoretically for Langmuir isotherm coupled with the intraparticle diffusion and film mass transfer resistances. For the two limiting cases of Langmuir isotherm, there are analytical solutions. New analytical solutions are derived for Henry isotherm, and the analytical solution of shrinking core model is recommended for rectangular isotherm. The effects of the inert core radius, equilibrium constant, intraparticle diffusion and film mass transfer resistances on the time evolution of bulk concentration and particle radial profiles were investigated. The applicable range of the analytical solution with rectangular isotherm is given. A new method to estimate both film mass transfer coefficient, k(f), and effective pore diffusivity, D-pe, from a single bulk concentration-time curve in batch adsorber is given and tested with literature data for the adsorption of BSA on CB-6AS inert core adsorbent. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.