Optimization of Capillary Gel Electrophoresis for the Analysis of Serum

Abstract

Capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) is a protein separation technique that could help identify disease biomarkers using microliters of human blood serum. Analytical techniques that separate serum proteins with high sensitivity and repeatability have the potential for significant clinical impact. This study examined multiple ways to improve current CGE methodology, such as the injection method, separation voltage, and serum concentration to buffer ratio. Electrokinetic injection with a 15kV separation and a 1:1.4 protein to buffer mass ratio were found to increase electropherogram resolution and repeatability. With these improvements, CGE may become an important future instrument for disease detection.