Currently, we have an SDS-PAGE method to determine relative mobilities of proteins. However, it seems to be time consuming and lot of sample prep. We do have a HP-CE instrument that's not being used. I was wondering if we could develop a method using the CE instrument. Could anybody suggest :
a. if this is feasable?
b. what should I consider?
c. suggested reading materials
thank you

SDS-protein complexes can be separated by a technique variously termed "nongel sieving," "dynamic sieving," or "entangled polymer sieving." In this technique, a hydrophilic polymer is added to the electrophoresis buffer. At the right concentration the polymer chains become "entangled" to form a dynamic pore network which mimics the effect of a cross-linked polyacrylamide gel. Small proteins migrate more rapidly, while larger proteins are hindered by the polymer network and migrate more slowly. The advantage of polymer solutions is that they are replaced between each injection by simply purging the capillary with fresh solution.

Applications kits for polymer sieving separations of SDS-proteins are available from Bio-Rad and Beckman. I am very familiar with the Bio-Rad kit as my group worked on its development when I was at Bio-Rad. Hewlett-Packard is recommending the Bio-Rad kit for use on the HP CE system. If you want more information about this kit and its use, please contact me by e-mail (see below) or phone (925-930-9043). I can also put you in contact with a biochemist at a biopharmaceutical company who is developing & validating a method using the Bio-Rad kit on an HP CE system.