Counterbalancing hydrodynamic sample distortion effects increases resolution of free-flow zone electrophoresis

Partial Purification of a Megadalton DNA Replication Complex by Free Flow Electrophoresis

We describe a gentle and rapid method to purify the intact multiprotein DNA replication complex using free flow electrophoresis (FFE). In particular, we applied FFE to purify the human cell DNA synthesome, which is a multiprotein complex that is fully competent to carry-out all phases of the DNA replication process in vitro using a plasmid containing the simian virus 40 (SV40) origin of DNA replication and the viral large tumor antigen (T-antigen) protein. The isolated native DNA synthesome can be of use in studying the mechanism by which mammalian DNA replication is carried-out and how anti-cancer drugs disrupt the DNA replication or repair process. Partially purified extracts from HeLa cells were fractionated in a native, liquid based separation by FFE. Dot blot analysis showed co-elution of many proteins identified as part of the DNA synthesome, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), DNA topoisomerase I (topo I), DNA polymerase δ (Pol δ), DNA polymerase ɛ (Pol ɛ), replication protein A (RPA) and replication factor C (RFC). Previously identified DNA synthesome proteins co-eluted with T-antigen dependent and SV40 origin-specific DNA polymerase activity at the same FFE fractions. Native gels show a multiprotein PCNA containing complex migrating with an apparent relative mobility in the megadalton range. When PCNA containing bands were excised from the native gel, mass spectrometric sequencing analysis identified 23 known DNA synthesome associated proteins or protein subunits.

Free-flow electrophoresis in proteome sample preparation

An aim of proteome research is to identify the entire complement of proteins expressed in defined cell types of humans, animals, plants, and microorganisms. The approach requires searching for low abundant or even rarely expressed proteins in many cell types, as well as the determination of the protein expression levels in subcellular compartments and organelles. In recent years, rather powerful MS technologies have been developed. At this stage of MS device development, it is of highest interest to purify intact cell types or isolate subcellular compartments, where the proteins of interest are originating from, which determine the final composition of a peptide mixture. Free-flow electrophoresis proved to be useful to prepare meaningful peptide mixtures because of its improved capabilities in particle electrophoresis and the enhanced resolution in protein separation. Sample preparation by free-flow electrophoresis mediated particle separation was preferentially performed for purification of either organelles and their subspecies or major protein complexes. Especially, the introduction of isotachophoresis and interval zone electrophoresis improved the purity of the gained analytes of interest. In addition, free-flow IEF proved to be helpful, when proteins of low solubility, obtained, e.g. from cell membranes, were investigated.

A proteomic approach to analysing spheroid formation of two human thyroid cell lines cultured on a random positioning machine

The human cell lines FTC-133 and CGTH W-1, both derived from patients with thyroid cancer, assemble to form different types of spheroids when cultured on a random positioning machine. In order to obtain a possible explanation for their distinguishable aggregation behaviour under equal culturing conditions, we evaluated a proteomic analysis emphasising cytoskeletal and membrane-associated proteins. For this analysis, we treated the cells by ultrasound, which freed up some of the proteins into the supernatant but left some attached to the cell fragments. Both types of proteins were further separated by free-flow IEF and SDS gel electrophoresis until their identity was determined by MS. The MS data revealed differences between the two cell lines with regard to various structural proteins such as vimentin, tubulins and actin. Interestingly, integrin α-5 chains, myosin-10 and filamin B were only found in FTC-133 cells, while collagen was only detected in CGTH W-1 cells. These analyses suggest that FTC-133 cells express surface proteins that bind fibronectin, strengthening the three-dimensional cell cohesion.

From micro to macro: conversion of capillary electrophoretic separations of biomolecules and bioparticles to preparative free-flow electrophoresis scale

This invited contribution in the special issue of Electrophoresis published in celebration of the 30th Anniversary of this journal reflects the impact of our milestone paper [Prusík, Z., Kasicka, V., Mudra, P., Stepánek, J., Smékal, O., Hlavácek, J., Electrophoresis 1990, 11, 932-936] in the area of conversion of microscale analytical and micropreparative CE separations of biomolecules and bioparticles into (macro)preparative free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) scale on the basis of a correlation between CE and FFE methods. In addition to the survey of advances in the relatively narrow field of CE-FFE correlation and CE-FFE conversion, a comprehensive review of the recent developments of micropreparative CE and (macro)preparative FFE techniques is also presented and applications of these techniques to micro- and (macro)preparative separations and purifications of biomolecules and bioparticles are demonstrated. The review covers the period since the year of publication of the above paper, i.e. ca. the last 20 years.

Effect of feed zone width on product purity in preparative-scale, continuous free-flow isoelectric focusing separation of enantiomers

The effects of the increased width of the sample feed stream upon the purity of the collected fractions were examined in the continuous free-flow isoelectric focusing separation of the enantiomers of dansyl-tryptophan. Compared to the reference separation obtained with a narrow feed stream introduced through the central sample feed port of the continuous free-flow isoelectric focusing separation unit, the final pH gradient, the position of the enantiomer band centroids and the values of the cumulative product recoveries and cumulative product purities remained essentially identical as the width of the feed band of the racemic sample dissolved in the carrier ampholyte was increased up to the full width of the separation chamber suggesting that the current, limiting practice of narrow, central feed bands can be safely abandoned and dilute feedstock solutions can be utilized in preparative-scale isoelectric focusing enantiomer separations.

Use of full-column imaging capillary isoelectric focusing for the rapid determination of the operating conditions in the preparative-scale continuous free-flow isoelectric focusing separation of enantiomers

A rapid, simple method is proposed here for the identification of the experimental conditions that lead to satisfactory preparative-scale isoelectric focusing enantiomer separations in continuous free-flow electrophoretic units. The method first calls for the use of a commercially available, full-column imaging capillary electrophoretic system to find the background electrolyte composition that generates the largest pI difference between the bands of the enantiomers. The method then calls for the finding of the minimum residence time that permits full development of the pH gradient across the separation chamber of the continuous free-flow electrophoretic unit by measuring the pH in the sample-free carrier electrolyte fractions collected during these runs. Finally, the quality of the predicted preparative-scale separation is verified by analyzing the enantiomer-containing collected fractions by capillary electrophoresis using a 14-sulfated, single-isomer cyclodextrin as resolving agent. The pI difference values and production rate values observed in this work agree well with the literature values that were obtained by much more time-consuming methods.

Optimization of preparative electrophoretic chiral separation of ritalin enantiomers

Continuous free flow electrophoresis (CFFE) was applied to the preparative chiral separation of ritalin enantiomers. Sulfated beta-cyclodextrin (sbeta-CD) was used as the chiral additive. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) experiments were applied to study the time averaged concentration of sbeta-CD in the separation chamber. The distribution of sbeta-CD in the separation chamber greatly influenced resolution and the angle of deflection. To optimize the separation, several parameters (methanol, concentration of sbeta-CD in the cathodic wash and in the separation buffer, and the introduction of a low conductivity zone) were investigated. The dependence of the resolution and deflection angles of ritalin enantiomers on the concentration of sbeta-CD in both the separation buffer and in the cathode wash solution appeared to be non-linear. Under close to optimal conditions, resolution of ritalin enantiomers was about 0.8 with an average processing rate of 0.5 mg/h. Overall, the enantiomeric purity of the individual isomers was approximately 83%; however, of the 20 vials containing ritalin, the presence of both enantiomers was only detected in three vials.

Fundamental aspects of chiral separations by capillary electrophoresis

A review is presented that surveys the basic theory of direct separation of enantiomers by capillary electrophoretic (CE) techniques. These separations are based on the formation of diastereomeric complexes between the enantiomeric analytes and a chiral selector added to the electrolyte solution. The review covers a comprehensive treatment of the equations needed for optimization of selectivity coefficients, resolution and analysis time in the zone electrophoretic mode. In this context, it takes into account combined equilibria of complexation and protonation/deprotonation as well as complexation and paritition into micelles. On the basis of these equations, the benefits of charged selectors and the optimization potential inherent to pH tuning can be documented. In addition, the review deals with some basic aspects of chiral isoelectric focusing and briefly discusses indirect enantioseparation. In a subsequent section a survey is given on particularfeatures of the various types of chiral selectors. Finally, the recent developments in preparative enantioseparation in continuous free-flow system and by use of isoelectric membranes are discussed.

Improved preparative-scale. continuous, free-flow electrophoretic separation of the enantiomers of terbutaline utilizing equal-but-opposite enantiomer mobilities

The factors that influence yield and product purity in the continuous, preparative-scale electrophoretic separation of the enantiomers of terbutaline when using the principle of equal-but-opposite effective mobilities were studied. The sodium salt of heptakis-6-sulfato-beta-cyclodextrin was used as the resolving agent, in acidic, isopropanol-containing background electrolytes, in the continuous, free-flow, preparative electrophoretic instrument, the Octopus. By matching the linear velocity of the feed solution to that of the background electrolyte, lateral hydrodynamic dispersion was minimized resulting in a nonelectrophoresed feed band that was only three fractions (about 3 mm) wide as it exited the 0.5 m long separation channel. The multiple of residence time and applied potential was also optimized, constrained by migration of the front of heptakis-6-sulfato-beta-cyclodextrin out of the separation zone, leading to the recovery of 95% of both enantiomers in better than 99.99% purity, at a production rate of 0.1 mg/h.

Use of single-isomer, multiply charge chiral resolving agents for the continuous, preparative-scale electrophoretic separation of enantiomers based on the principle of equal-but-opposite analyte mobilities

A novel approach to continuous, preparative-scale electrophoretic enantiomer separations has been developed based on the observation that stable, equal-but-opposite effective mobilities can be created for the enantiomers of a single-charged analyte by complexing them with a single-isomer, multiply charged resolving agent, provided that the charge of the resolving agent is opposite in sign to that of the uncomplexed analyte enantiomers. When such an analyte-resolving agent system is fed into a continuous, free-flow electrophoretic apparatus, stable, steady-state operating conditions can be established which permit the continuous feeding of the racemic analyte and the collection of pure enantiomers at the opposite sides of the feed stream. This concept is demonstrated via the separation of the enantiomers of terbutaline using heptakis-6-sulfato beta-cyclodextrin as resolving agent, affording production rates as high as 2.8 mg/h in the general-purpose, continuous free-flow electrophoretic system, the Octopus.

Preparative-scale isoelectric focusing separation of enantiomers using a multicompartment electrolyzer with isoelectric membranes

The IsoPrime multicompartment electrolyzer, equipped with a series of isoelectric membranes with closely spaced pI values, was used for the first time for the preparative-scale separation of the enantiomers of dansyl phenylalanine with hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin as resolving agent. The final separation conditions could be established easily in three successive experiments by rationally narrowing the pH steps between the neighboring isoelectric membranes. The final separation yielded products with an enantiomeric excess greater than 99.9%, at production rates of about 0.1 mg/h. The greatest experimental difficulty was caused by the relatively high salt content of the hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin used, which resulted in high conductivity and limited the maximum field strength one could use.

Separation of plant membranes by electromigration techniques

The review focuses on the multiple separating regimes that offers the free flow electrophoresis technique: free flow zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, isotachophoresis, free flow step electrophoresis. Also, the feasibility to apply either interval or continuous flow electrophoresis is evaluated. The free flow zone electrophoresis regime is generally selected for the separation of cells, organelles and membranes while the other regimes find their largest fields of applications in the purification of proteins and peptides. The latter regimes present the highest resolution efficiency. Therefore, a large part of this review is devoted to the applicabilities of these different regimes to the purification of organelles and membrane vesicles at the preparative scale. Recent developments, both in instrumentation and procedures, are described. The major achievements in plant membrane fractionation obtained with free flow electrophoresis are outlined. The related procedures are both analytical and preparative: they separate tonoplast and plasma membrane simultaneously from the same homogenate, they discriminate for one type of membrane vesicles of opposite orientation, and process large quantities of membrane material by reason of the continuous flow mode. Recent advances using electromigration techniques that permit confirmation of the dynamic state of membranes, characterisation of complex membrane-dependent functions and discovery of new membrane-localised activities are presented.

Recent developments in preparative free flow isoelectric focusing

Continuous flow electrophoresis (CFE) is a promising method for preparative fractionation of a variety of biological species, ranging from peptides and proteins to subcellular particles and cells. The high separation efficiency of FFE may be deteriorated by hydrodynamic distortion of zones due to the omnipresent parabolic laminar flow profile. We show in this paper that the detrimental hydrodynamic distortion of separated proteins zones can be reduced, with resultant enhancement of separation efficiency, by employing continuous isoelectric focusing in pH gradients as the actual working regime in an advanced instrumentation. Newly developed media for fast generation of narrow- or broad-range pH gradients under CFE conditions are described. The separation efficiency of these pH gradients is comparable to that of the gradients formed with the aid of synthetic carrier ampholytes. The new media are defined mixtures of nontoxic chemicals, and thus they are compatible with the requirements of human medicine. Experimental data are given showing that the new media offer fractionation of isoforms of proteins, that they offer resolution of proteins differing in isoelectric point (pI) by less than 0.05 pH units, and that these media inhibit proteins precipitation in experiments with human serum proteins.