Z. Csapo et al., Automated ultra-thin-layer SDS gel electrophoresis of proteins using noncovalent fluorescent labeling, ANALYT CHEM, 72(11), 2000, pp. 2519-2525
Ultra-thin-layer SDS gel electrophoresis in conjunction with automated lase
r-induced fluorescence detection is a novel and powerful method for the ana
lysis of fluorophore-labeled proteins. The technique described in this pape
r employs instant, noncovalent fluorophore labeling by the addition of a fl
uorescent staining dye to the sample proteins either during or immediately
prior to the sample loading process. Thus, the method does not require time
-consuming post- or preseparation staining/labeling. By combining the multi
lane format of SDS polyacrylamide slab gel electrophoresis and the high sep
aration efficiency of capillary SDS gel electrophoresis, ultra-thin-layer S
DS gel electrophoresis features rapid, high-throughput, and high-resolution
analysis of proteins in the molecular mass range of 14-116 kDa. The good h
eat dissipation inherent to the ultrathin format enables the use of agarose
and agarose-based composite separation matrixes, which can be easily repla
ced within the separation platform. Labeling efficiency as a function of th
e concentration of the staining dye, SDS, and proteins is thoroughly discus
sed. Detection sensitivity of the method was found to be at the low-femtomo
le level (1.25 ng/band), determined by analyzing a set of serial dilutions
of standard proteins. Practical example of molecular mass determination and
characterization of a complex protein mixture are also shown.