In situ analysis of trace elements in metalloproteins of human liver by synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence

A method using synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis to in situ determine trace elements during protein electrophoretically separating pro cess was established. The distribution of elements in protein bands for hum an liver cytosolic sample separated by SDS-PAGE was analyzed along polyacry lamide gel. The results showed that the protein fraction of peak ill in cyt osol was mainly composed of metal ion Zn-associated proteins, being in agre ement with that given by atomic absorption spectrometry. Thus, it demonstra ted the feasibility of this novel technique for in situ analysis of trace e lements in protein bands.