Rapid concentration and dialysis of proteins with single hollow fibers: Possible applications in analysis of protein secretion by isolated cells and steroid radioimmunoassays

Abstract

Single hollow fibers were used in specially made cells for fast concentration and dialysis of solutions containing macromolecules. Volumes on the order of 5 ml of diluted protein solutions could be concentrated to 50–100 μl or less within 7 min with a protein recovery of 60–80%. More than 99% of the molecules with a molecular weight less than 500 could be removed in less than 1 hr. A possible application of the rapid dialysis method for the mechanization of radioimmunoassays is indicated. It was shown that in the radioimmunoassay of steroids the unbound steroids could be removed after incubation with antiserum, within 10 min and without a change in volume.