title: Concentration and separation of proteins in microfluidic channels on the basis of transverse IEF.
abstract: The use of microfluidic channels formed by two electrodes made of gold or palladium to perform transverse isoelectric focusing (IEF) is presented as a means for continuous concentration and fractionation of proteins. The microchannels were 40 mm long with an electrode gap of 1.27 mm and a depth of 0.354 mm. The properties of pH gradients formed as a result of the electrolysis of water were influenced by variation of parameters such as the initial pH, ionic strength, and flow rate. Transverse IEF in pressure-driven flow is demonstrated using bovine serum albumin in a single ampholyte buffer as well as in multiple-component buffers. Experimental results of protein focusing compare well to predictions of a mathematical model. Optimal conditions for efficient continuous fractionation of a protein mixture are summarized and discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle 98195, USA. katerina.macounova@jh.inst.cas.cz
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Macounová
authors.forename: C R
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Cabrera
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yager
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004566:Electrodes; D006046:Gold; D007525:Isoelectric Focusing / Q000379:methods*; D010165:Palladium; D011506:Proteins / Q000032:analysis*; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D011506:Proteins; D012710:Serum Albumin, Bovine; D010165:Palladium; D006046:Gold