Device and Method for Fractionation of Proteomes and Complex Biological Mixtures

Inventors: David W. Speicher and Xun Zuo

Tech ID: SD-99001

Description: Two-dimensional electrophoresis, which is widely used for quantitatively comparing changes in protein profiles (proteomes) of cells, is not capable of resolving all of the thousands of proteins in eukaryotic cell samples. While two-dimensional electrophoresis may resolve up to 2,000-3,000 individual proteins, most eukaryotic proteomes have over 10,000 protein components.

To address this limitation, Wistar researchers have developed a new device and method to separate proteomes and other complex mixtures into multiple discrete fractions. The subsequent fractions are then suitable for analysis by other analytical methods, such as two-dimensional electrophoresis or liquid chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Using this new device and method to pre-fractionate samples before analysis permits increase in overall protein loads (with a resulting increased sensitivity to proteins present in low concentrations), improved resolution of proteins or other components, and greater dynamic range compared to currently available pre-fractionation methods.

The new Wistar device is also useful for separation of components of other complex mixtures (e.g. nucleic acids, biological fluids) prior to analysis. The Wistar device may be used as a component of an automated system.

Key Words: Research tool, screening, proteome, protein analysis, two-dimensional gels, prefractionation

Applications and Advantages: Pre-fractionation of a sample using this device will increase the number of proteins that can be identified from analysis of proteomes or other highly complex mixtures.

Intellectual Property Status: US and international patent applications have been filed. The technology is described in PCT/US01/10012 (Method and Device for Separation of Charged Molecules by Solution Isoelectric Focusing).

Licensing Opportunity: This technology is available for licensing on a non-exclusive basis for use in high-throughput systems.

Contact:

Meryle J. Melnicoff
Director, Business Development
The Wistar Institute
3601 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Phone: (215) 898-0049
Fax: (215) 573-2456
melnicoff@wistar.org

Last Updated: Aug-02