A two-dimensional separation platform of capillary isoelectric focusing(CIEF)-capillary zone electrophoresis(CZE) for proteins was constructed by a microdialysis hollow fiber interface. The interface provided ease of fabrication,speed of mass delivering and convenience of column switching. Chrome c was selected to demonstrate the 2D separation systems feasibility and resolving performance. The 2D separation system was found to greatly increase the resolving power and overall peak capacity over those obtained for either dimension alone.
A simple method for mobilizing the focused zones of capillary isoelectric focusing(CIEF) for single-point detectors was developed, in which a linear polyacrylamide(LPA) coated capillary was connected with an uncoated capillary by an etched porous joint. The etched section allows electrical conductivity but blocks the hydrodynamic flow. The focused zones of mixed proteins was mobilized by this method successfully. Compared with the traditional gravity mobilization step, it was found that this method can mobilize the focused zones more effectively without sacrificing separation efficiency.
