A method of using silicon carbide for removing adventitious materials such as endotoxins, prions, viruses and bacteria from water, buffers, aqueous solutions or biological preparations of DNA or proteins, or any combination thereof. The present invention provides for a method of removing adventitious materials from a fluid by passing the fluid through a column or filter bed comprised of silicon carbide particles, or by passing the fluid through a silicon carbide slurry. The method reduces at least 90% of bacteria and endotoxins. It is an economical, reproducible and regenerable process for removing adventitious materials from various fluids.