PREVENTION OF PROTEIN ADSORPTION ON SURFACES BY POLYETHYLENE OXIDE-POLYPROPYLENE OXIDE-POLYETHYLENE OXIDE TRIBLOCK COPOLYMERS IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS

Protein adsorption to untreated fused-silica capillaries in capillary electrophoresis was prevented by a chemical modification of the capill ary surface. This was achieved through the coating of Pluronic polymer s onto capillaries which were pre-derivatised with silylating agents. The polymers were made up of polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-po lyethylene oxide triblock copolymers. The coatings prevent protein ads orption and provide high-efficiency separations. Two different types o f silylating agents were used and the effects of the concentrations on the stability and efficiency of the columns were examined. The applic ation of these columns for capillary electrophoretic separation of pro tein samples was demonstrated.