Ups and downs of protein crystallization: studies of protein crystals by high-performance capillary electrophoresis

High-performance capillary electrophoresis is a high-technology micro-separ ation method. Short run time, full automation and minute amounts of sample make it a very attractive technique. In this report we describe studies of protein crystals by capillary electrophoresis. We show how high-performance capillary electrophoresis can be used effectively for rapid evaluation and examination of the protein solution used for crystallization, the protein crystals (solubilized) and surrounding mother liquor. With coated capillari es, the runs were reproducible and disturbing effects, such as electroendos mosis and interaction of the proteins with the capillary wall, were suppres sed efficiently. We recommend this new technique as a powerful and routine companion to protein crystallography. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All ri ghts reserved.