Capillary Electrophoresis of Peptides and Proteins Using Isoelectric Buffers

Abstract

Capillary electrophoresis in acidic isoelectric buffers is a novel methodology allowing fast protein and peptide analysis in uncoated capillaries. Due to the low pH adopted and to the use of dynamic coating with cellulose derivatives, silanol ionization is essentially suppressed and no interaction of macromolecules with the untreated wall ensues. In addition, because of the low conductivity of quasi-stationary isoelectric buffers, high voltage gradients can be applied (up to 800 V/cm), permitting fast peptide analysis with a high resolving power and minimal diffusional peak spreading.