CONTROL OF PROTEIN ADSORPTION IN CAPILLARY ELECTROPHORESIS VIA AN IRREVERSIBLY BOUND PROTEIN COATING

We present a new method of controlling protein adsorption during capil lary electrophoresis which involves placement of a thermally treated m onolayer of adsorbed fibrinogen on the internal surface of the fused s ilica capillary. The thermal treatment is shown to render the adsorbed layer stable to an applied electric field. In contrast, an adsorbed l ayer not receiving thermal treatment will exhibit steady desorption wh en exposed to an electric field. Protein coated capillaries exhibit a surface potential and an electro-osmotic mobility that are (i) 30% sma ller that those of bare capillaries and (ii) stable over several measu rements. Protein coated capillaries will likely be useful in biosepara tions utilizing proteins. (C) 1996 Academic Press, Inc.