Preparative separation of immunoglobulins from bovine colostrum by continuous divergent-flow electrophoresis

Immunoglobulins in bovine colostrum were separated and fractionated from other proteins using the method and instrumentation developed in our laboratory. The proposed separation was based on bidirectional isotachophoresis/moving boundary electrophoresis with electrofocusing of the analytes in a pH gradient from 3.9 to 10.1. The preparative instrumentation included the trapezoidal non-woven fabric that served as separation space with divergent continuous flow. The defatted and casein precipitate-free colostrum supernatant was loaded directly into the instrument without any additional colostrum pre-preparation. Immunoglobulin G was fractionated from other immune proteins such as bovine serum albumin, β-lactoglobulin, and α-lactalbumin, and was continuously collected in separated fractions over 3 h. The fractions were further processed, and isolated immunoglobulin G in the liquid fractions was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and by re-focusing in gel isoelectric focusing. Separated immunoglobulin G was detected in seven fractions by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with a gradually decreased concentration in the fractions. Re-focusing of the proteins in the fractions by gel isoelectric focusing revealed multiple separated zones of immunoglobulin G with the isoelectric point values covering the range from 5.4 to 7.2. Each fraction contained distinct zones with gradually increased isoelectric point values and decreased concentrations from fraction to fraction.     

Single-input divergent flow IEF for preparative analysis of proteins

The instrument for continuous divergent flow IEF based on our principles set and outlined previously was further extended and tested. The separation and focusing area of a trapezoidal shape had a porous bed made from a nonwoven textile material with thickness decreasing from narrow input to wide output. A narrow end was used as a single input to continuously bring a single solution into separation space with a flow rate of 0.18 mL/min. Two pairs of electrodes were positioned close to both narrow and wide ends of the separation area with equilibrium state voltage of 75 V at the narrow input and 384 V at the wide output. Under dynamic equilibrium state, the zones of both pH gradient components and analytes were separated close to the input point and focused with increasing resolution while transporting through the separation space. The long-term stability experiments had shown the suitability of the device for preparative analysis; the zones of pI markers, hemoglobin and cytochrome C remained focused and separated over 15 h with deviations from the mean focusing positions ranging from 1.26 to 3.96% of the bed output width.     

Study of continuous two-dimensional thermal field-flow fractionation of polymers

Two-dimensional thermal field-flow fractionation (2D-ThFFF) is a new instrumental technique devised for continuous fractionation of soluble macromolecules and particles. The sample mixture is introduced into a disc-shaped channel and the separated sample components are collected continuously from the channel outlets. The method is based on a two-dimensional fractionation mechanism with radial and tangential flow components in the channel. The effects of flow components and thermal gradient on the fractionation were studied in the separation of polystyrene samples of different molecular masses using cyclohexane or a binary solvent consisting of 25% ethylbenzene and 75% cyclohexane as carrier. The continuous separation of polystyrene samples was improved with increasing thermal gradient and with the use of slow radial and tangential flow rates. The technique can be applied to preparative continuous separation of macromolecules.     

Free-flow zone electrophoresis and isoelectric focusing using a microfabricated glass device with ion permeable membranes

This paper describes a microfabricated free-flow electrophoresis device with integrated ion permeable membranes. In order to obtain continuous lanes of separated components an electrical field is applied perpendicular to the sample flow direction. This sample stream is sandwiched between two sheath flow streams, by hydrodynamic focusing. The separation chamber has two open side beds with inserted electrodes to allow ventilation of gas generated during electrolysis. To hydrodynamically isolate the separation compartment from the side electrodes, a photo-polymerizable monomer solution is exposed to UV light through a slit mask for in situ membrane formation. These so-called salt-bridges resist the pressure driven fluid, but allow ion transport to enable electrical connection. In earlier devices the same was achieved by using open side channel arrays. However, only a small fraction of the applied voltage was effectively utilized across the separation chamber during free-flow electrophoresis and free-flow isoelectric focusing. Furthermore, the spreading of the carrier ampholytes into the side channels resulted in a very restricted pH gradient inside the separation chamber. The chip presented here allows at least 10 times more efficient use of the applied potential and a nearly linear pH gradient from pH 3 to 10 during free-flow isoelectric focusing could be established. Furthermore, the application of hydrodynamic focusing in combination with free-flow electrophoresis can be used for guiding the separated components to specific chip outlets. As a demonstration, several standard fluorescent markers were separated and focused by free-flow zone electrophoresis and by free-flow isoelectric focusing employing a transversal voltage of up to 150 V across the separation chamber.     

Continuous fast focusing in a trapezoidal void channel based on bidirectional isotachophoresis in a wide pH range

This study concentrates on development of instrumentation for focusing and separation of analytes in continuous flow. It is based on bidirectional ITP working in wide pH range with separation space of closed void channel of trapezoidal shape and continuous supply of sample. The novel instrumentation is working with electrolyte system formulated previously and on the contrary to devices currently available, it allows preparative separation and concentration of cationic, anionic, and amphoteric analytes simultaneously and in wide pH range. The formation of sharp edges at zone boundaries as well as low conductivity zones are avoided in suggested system and thus, local overheating is eliminated allowing for high current densities at initial stages of focusing. This results in high focusing speed and reduction of analysis time, which is particularly advantageous for separations performed in continuous flow systems. The closed void channel is designed to avoid basic obstacles related to liquid leakage, bubbles formation, contacts with electrodes, channel height and complicated assembling. The performance of designed instrumentation and focusing dynamics were tested by using colored low molecular mass pH indicators for local pH determination, focusing pattern, and completion. In addition, feasibility and separation efficiency were demonstrated by focusing of cytochrome C and myoglobin. The collection of fractions at instrument output allows for subsequent analysis and identification of sample components that are concentrated and conveniently in form of solution for further processing. Since the instrumentation operates with commercially available simple defined buffers and compounds without need of carrier ampholytes background, it is economically favorable.     

Two-dimensional liquid chromatography of peptides: An optimization strategy

Summary An optimization strategy for the separation of a small number of peptides from a complex biological sample by two-dimensional liquid chromatography is presented. Ion-exchange chromatography is followed by reversed-phase separation. The ion-exchange separation is performed with a step gradient which admits a high sample load and simplifies instrumentation. The reversed-phase separation complements the first dimension with a different retention mechanism and higher resolution by linear gradient elution.Chromatographic theory is combined with experimental design to find separation conditions, for both dimensions, that allow the fastest gradient in the second dimension, giving short separation time, low detection limits and high load capacity. This is illustrated by the separation of a peptide from rat brain tissue, with a simple off-line arrangement. The strategy presented is useful in both analytical and preparative applications, and is widely applicable as it does not rely on special instrumentation or extensive knowledge of the sample.Dedicated to Professor Leslie S. Ettre on the occasion of his 70th birthday.     

Preparative divergent flow IEF without carrier ampholytes for separation of complex biological samples

Efficient separation method is a crucial part of the process in which components of highly complex biological sample are identified and characterized. Based on the principles of recently newly established electrophoretic method called divergent flow IEF (DF IEF), we have tested the DF IEF instrument which is able to operate without the use of background carrier ampholytes. We have verified that during separation and focusing of sample consisting of high numbers of proteins (yeast lysate and wheat flour extract), the pH gradient of preparative DF IEF can be created by autofocusing of the sample components themselves without any addition of carrier ampholytes. In DF IEF, the proteins are separated, desalted and concentrated in one step. The fractions of yeast lysate sample, collected at the DF IEF output and subjected to gel IEF, contained the zones of proteins gradually covering the pI values from 3.7 to 8.5. In our experimental arrangement, the highest number of proteins has been found in fractions with pI values around 5.3 as detected by polyacrylamide gel IEF with CBB staining. During DF IEF, the selected protein bands have been concentrated up to 16.8‐fold.     

酪蛋白多肽的制备和色谱分离方法

为了得到低成本的多肽,本文利用胰蛋白酶对酪蛋白进行了充分的酶解。采用分析级反相高效液相色谱-电喷雾质谱联用技术(RP-HPLC/ESI-MS)分析了酶解产物各组分的组成,并通过改变流动相的梯度洗脱程序,优化了分析级色谱条件以充分分离相对含量较高的多肽组分;将优化的分析级色谱条件直接放大到制备级RP-HPLC中,在程序控制下通过紫外吸收信号结合ESI-MS信号共同引导实现了多肽的全自动化分离和收集。整个过程方便快捷,经过这样一个单一的分离步骤,得到了多个纯度较高的多肽。除此之外,本文还考察了流动相的酸碱性、柱上样量等因素对该体系制备级分离的影响,并对一次分离中分辨率不好的亲水性多肽混合物进行了二次分离,得到了多个新的多肽。本文建立的多肽制备方法为多肽和多肽材料的广泛应用提供了一种选择。     

Continuous and precise particle separation by electroosmotic flow control in microfluidic devices

A new scheme has been described for continuous particle separation using EOF in microfluidic devices. We have previously reported a method for particle separation, called "pinched flow fractionation (PFF)", in which size-dependent and continuous particle separation can be achieved by introducing pressure-driven flows with and without particles into a pinched microchannel. In this study, EOF was employed to transport fluid flows inside a microchannel. By controlling the applied voltage to electrodes inserted in each inlet/outlet port, the flow rates from both inlets, and flow rates distributed to each outlet could be accurately tuned, thus enabling more effective separation compared to the pressure-driven scheme. In the experiment, the particle behaviors were compared between EOF and pressure-driven flow schemes. In addition, micrometer- and submicrometer-sized particles were accurately separated and individually collected using a microchannel with multiple outlet branch channels, demonstrating the high efficiency of the presented scheme.     

Large volume injection for preparative supercritical fluid chromatography

Summary A large volume injection system for preparative supercritical fluid chromatography is described. The method which is based on the solvent venting technique coupled with dilution of the sample solution consists of three steps. The first step is continuous dilution of the sample solution with liquid carbon dioxide at a controlled flow rate. The second step is solvent removal and solute trapping in a packed trap column. Combination of these two steps results in efficient solvent removal and the volume of sample which can be injected in a single injection becomes virtually unlimited. The third step is transfer and re-concentration of the solutes from the trap column on to the separation column with the pressures of both columns controlled independently; the final step is the separation. With this method, mass overloading behavior has been investigated and preparative separations performed.     

Flow rate gradient high-speed counter-current chromatography separation of five diterpenoids from Triperygium wilfordii and scale-up

In this paper, high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC) instruments with different gravitational forces were applied for the separation of bioactive compounds from Triperygium wilfordii Hook.f. The critical parameters including sample concentration, sample volume and flow rate were first optimized on an analytical Mini-DE HSCCC system, and then scaled up to a preparative TBE 300A HSCCC system. Although this scale-up process was performed using different CCC instruments with different centrifuges and gravitational forces, the same resolutions were obtained and the elution time could be predictable. Five diterpenoid compounds and one unknown compound were separated from Triperygium wilfordii Hook.f. by HSCCC with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water (HEMW) (3:2:3:2, v/v/v/v). This one-step flow gradient separation produced triptonide (25 mg), isoneotriptophenolide (77 mg), hypolide (83 mg), unknown compound (1 mg), triptophenolide (42 mg), triptonoterpene methyl ether VI (37 mg) from 320 mg crude extract with purities of 98.2%, 96.6%, 98.1%, 95.3%, 95.1%, and 96.5%, respectively. Their purities and structures were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and NMR. This paper demonstrates that analytical CCC plays an important role in optimizing parameters and scale-up process when analytical CCC and preparative CCC are supplied by different manufacturers with different gravitational forces, and the scale-up process from analytical CCC to preparative CCC is still predictable.     

Continuous flow electrophoretic separation — Recent developments and applications to biological sample analysis

Continuous flow electrophoretic separation with continuous sample loading provides the advantage of processing volumes of any sizes, as well as the benefit of a real-time monitoring and optimization of the separation process. In addition, the spatial separation of the sample enables collecting multiple separated components simultaneously and in a continuous manner. The separation is usually performed in mild buffers without organic solvents and detergents (sample biological activity is retained) and it is carried out without usage of a solid support in the separation space preventing the interaction of the sample with it (high sample recovery). The method is used for the separation of proteins/peptides in proteomic applications, and its great applicability is to the separation of the cells, cellular organelles, vesicles, membrane fragments, and DNA. This review focuses on the electrophoretic separation performed in a continuous flow and it describes various electrophoretic modes and instrumental setups. Recent developments in methodology and instrumentation, the integration with other techniques, and the application to the biological sample analysis are discussed as well.     

A macrocyclic polyamine as an anion receptor in the capillary electrochromatographic separation of carbohydrates

An analytical approach of the 32-membered macrocyclic polyamine, 1,5,9,13,17,21,25,29-octaazacyclodotriacontane ([32]ane-N8) was described for the capillary electrochromatographic (CEC) separation of derivatized mono- and disaccharides. The column displayed reversal electroosmotic flow (EOF) at pH below 7.0, while a cathodic EOF was shown at pH above 7.0. The reductive amination of saccharides was carried out with p-aminobenzoic acid. Some parameters that affect the CEC separations were investigated. Several competitive ligands, such as Tris, EDTA and phosphate were also examined for the effect on the performance. We achieved a complete separation of all compounds as well as the excess derivatizing agent by using borate buffer (pH 9.0) in a mode of concentration gradient (60 mM inlet side and 70 mM outlet side). The relative standard deviation of the retention time measured for each sample was less than 4% in six continuous runs, suggesting that the bonded phase along with the gradient formed inside the column was quite stable. With the mixing modes of anion coordination, anion exchange, and shape discrimination, the interaction adequately accomplishes the separation of carbohydrates which are epimers or have different glycosidic linkage, although the electrophoretic migration is also involved in the separation mechanism.     

A simple preparative free‐flow electrophoresis joined with gratis gravity: I. Gas cushion injector and self‐balance collector instead of multiple channel pump

This paper describes a novel free‐flow electrophoresis (FFE), which is joined with gratis gravity, gas cushion injector (GCI) and self‐balance collector instead of multiple channel pump, for the purpose of preparative purification. The FFE was evaluated by systemic experiments. The results manifest that (i) even though one‐channel peristaltic pump is used for the driving of background buffer, there is still stable flow in the FFE chamber; (ii) the stable flow is induced by the gravity‐induced pressure due to the difference of buffer surfaces in the GCI and self‐balance collector; (iii) the pulse flow of background buffer induced by the peristaltic pump is greatly reduced by the GCI with good compressibility of included air; (iv) the FFE can be well used for zone electrophoretic separation of amino acids; (v) up to 20 inlets simultaneous sample injection and up to five to tenfold condensation of amino acid can be achieved by combining the FFE device with the method of moving reaction boundary. To the best of authors' knowledge, FFE has not been used for such separation and condensation of amino acids. The relevant results achieved in the paper have evident significance for the development of preparative FFE.     

Chiral capillary electrophoresis as predictor for separation of drug enantiomers in continuous flow zone electrophoresis

Separation of the enantiomers of chlorpheniramine and methadone in acidic buffers containing carboxymethyl-betacyclodextrin (CMCD) as chiral selector was investigated by capillary zone electrophoresis. For a range of pH and CMCD concentrations, the mobility difference and resolution of the enantiomers were determined. Then, conditions known to provide well resolved enantiomers and optimized chiral separation were applied to chiral continuous flow electrophoresis. In that approach, a thin film of fluid flowing between two parallel plates is employed as carrier for electrophoresis. The electrolytes and the sample are continuously admitted at one end of the electrophoresis chamber and are fractionated by an array of outlet tubes at the other. The number of pure enantiomeric fractions obtained by chiral continuous flow electrophoresis was found to be directly dependent on the enantiomeric mobility difference. For racemic chlorpheniramine separated in a betaine-acetic acid buffer at a total throughput of 5 mg/h, complete enantiomeric separation is shown to require a mobility difference of about 3 x 10(-9) m2/V s. Furthermore, compared to the previous investigations with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin, CMCD was found to permit improved fractionation of methadone enantiomers. With a total racemic drug throughput of about 15 mg/h, continuous flow zone electrophoresis processing with CMCD as chiral selector is shown to have the potential of providing pure enantiomers on a mg/h scale. The results indicate that chiral capillary zone electrophoresis data can be employed as predictor for preparative scale chiral separations based upon continuous flow zone electrophoresis.     

Separation of enzymes from Candida boidinii crude extract by continuous flow zone electrophoresis.

Separation of the enzymes formate dehydrogenase, formaldehyde dehydrogenase and methanol oxidase from Candida boidinii crude extract has been explored using continuous flow zone electrophoresis in the VaP-22 and the scaled-up VaP-220 electrophoresis apparatus. Yields up to 95% and purification factors between 3 and 7 were obtained, together with separation of cell debris from the enzymes. Multiple injections of sample were used to obtain a protein throughput of 46.2 mg/h in the VaP-22. A tenfold higher throughput was achieved using the VaP-220. Correlation of the electrophoretic mobility in continuous flow zone electrophoresis with the elution behavior in ion-exchange chromatography confirmed the primary role of net surface charge in the separation of biological molecules. Proteins and enzymes with differences greater than 0.05 M elution molarities in ion-exchange chromatography can be separated. This corresponds to a preparative scale (mg/h or g/h) separation of proteins and enzymes whose difference in apparent electrophoretic mobility is greater than 0.70 x 10(-5) cm2/(V.s).     

Multi-chamber apparatus for preparative isoelectric focusing

A multi-chamber apparatus for preparative isoelectric focusing is described. The apparatus is constructed of 32 separation chambers and 2 electrode chambers, all separated by uncharged porous membranes. The total volume of the 32 separation chambers is 660 mL. A cooling system and a stirring system are built in. Human serum proteins were separated by isoelectric focusing in a natural pH gradient. The fractionation was monitored by fused rocket immunoelectrophoresis. The number of proteins in each fraction was monitored by crossed immunoelectrophoresis. The apparent pI values of IgG, transferrin and alpha-1-antitrypsin are as found in the literature. Orosomucoid (alpha-1-acid glycoprotein) (pI = 1.8) is concentrated at the acid end of the pH gradient.     

膜径向离子交换色谱分离凝血酶原复合物

 利用径向离子交换色谱法分离纯化了Nitschmann组分Ⅲ中的凝血酶原复合物 ( prothrombincomplexconcentrate ,PCC) ,流动相为pH 7.5的Tris HCl缓冲液 ,色谱柱为XK 1 6DEAEfastflowSepharose ( 0 .8cmi.d .× 5cm)及膜DEAE径向色谱柱 ( 3.0cmi.d .× 5.8cm)。通过改变不同上样流速及洗脱流速 ,研究了流速对所分离的凝血酶原复合物的蛋白质量浓度及凝固活性的影响 ,为今后在血浆蛋白分离纯化中进一步推广使用径向色谱技术和放大实验提供了依据。     

芯片液相色谱技术进展

微型化是现代分析仪器发展的重要趋势。微型化液相色谱仪器在提供与常规尺度液相色谱相同甚至更高分离效率的同时,可以有效减少溶剂和样品的消耗;在液相色谱-质谱联用中,低流速进样可以有效提高质谱离子源的离子化效率,提高质谱检测效率;对于极微量样品的分离,微型化的液相色谱可以有效减少样品稀释;液相色谱的微型化还有利于液相色谱仪器整体的模块化和集成化设计。芯片液相色谱是在微流控芯片上制备色谱柱并集成相应的流体控制系统和检测系统。芯片液相色谱是色谱仪器微型化的一种重要方式,受到学术界和产业界的普遍关注,但是这一方式也充满挑战。液相色谱微流控芯片需要在芯片基底材料、芯片色谱柱的结构设计、微流体控制技术、检测器技术等方面做出创新,使微流控芯片系统适配液相色谱分离技术的需要。目前芯片液相色谱领域面临的主要问题在于芯片基底材料的性质难以满足芯片液相色谱进一步微型化和集成化的需求;因此芯片液相色谱在未来的发展中需要着重关注新型微流控芯片基底材料的开发以及微流控芯片通道结构的统一设计。该文着重介绍了芯片液相色谱技术近年来的研究进展,并简要展示了商品化芯片色谱当前的发展情况。     

Improved performance of protein separation by continuous annular chromatography in the size-exclusion mode.

In size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), proteins and peptides are separated according to their molecular size in solution. SEC is especially useful as an effective fractionation step to separate a vast amount of impurities from the components of interest and/or as final step for the separation of purified proteins from their aggregates, in a so-called polishing step. However, the throughput in SEC is low compared to other chromatographic processes as good resolution can be achieved only with a limited feed volume (i.e., maximal approximately 5% of the column volume can be loaded). This limitation opposed widespread application of conventional SEC in industry despite its excellent separation potential. Therefore a continuous separation process (namely preparative continuous annular chromatography) was developed and compared to a conventional SEC system both using Superdex 200 prep grade as sorbent. An immunoglobulin G sample with a high content of aggregates was chosen as a model protein solution. The influence of the feed flow-rate, eluent flow-rate and rotation rate on the separation efficiency was investigated. The height equivalent to a theoretical plate was lower for preparative continuous annular chromatography which could be explained by reduced extra column band broadening. The packing quality was proved to be identical for both systems. The productivity of conventional batch SEC was lower compared to continuous SEC, consequently buffer consumption was higher in batch mode.