Electroelution of proteins from bands in gel electrophoresis without gel sectioning for the purpose of protein transfer into mass spectrometry: Elements of a new procedure

Electroelution of protein bands from a gel has advantages over the competit ive common technique requiring gel sectioning with respect to yield, speed and the potential for computer-controlled application to multicomponent two -dimensional (2-D) gels. The electroelution design for the commercial high- performance gel electrophoresis (HPGE) apparatus represented the most advan ced technique to date until the recent discontinuation of its production. T he present report serves to summarize the necessary design elements for the purpose of renewing and further developing the electroelution technique. A rudimentary technique is presented by which the electroeluate is collected in a glass tube superimposed an a reversibly stained gel band and connecte d to an anolyte reservoir. Although the stain used is insufficiently sensit ive, the technique allowed for the qualitative verification of its usefulne ss in the transfer of the electroeluate into mass spectrometry.