Nonisoelectric focusing in buffers

Abstract

Stable pH gradients were formed and focusing of proteins was carried out in polyacrylamide gels containing mixtures of simple, amphoteric buffers, replacing the Ampholine hitherto used in isoelectric focusing (IF). Stable pH gradients can also be formed between acid anolyte and basic catholyte if Ampholine is replaced by nonamphoteric buffers. The fact that focusing can be carried out with nonampholytes shows that focusing in this case is, and in all other cases may be, nonisoelectric. It is postulated that the pH gradient in IF forms by steady-state stacking (isotachophoresis) and forms within the stack. In distinction to ordinary steady-state stacking, however, the stack remains confined within the gel (or density gradient) since the strong acid and base in the electrolyte reservoirs bar by deprotonation or electrostatic repulsion migration into the electrode chambers.