Isoelectric focusing in spaceThe potential of space electrophoresis is conditioned by the fact that all electrophoretic techniques require the suppression of gravity-caused convection. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) is a powerful variant of electrophoresis, in which amphoteric substances are separated in a pH gradient according to their isoelectric points. A new apparatus for large scale IEF, utilizing a recycling principle, has been developed. In the ground-based prototype, laminar flow is provided by a series of parallel filter elements. The operation of the apparatus is monitored by an automated array of pH and ultraviolet absorption sensors under control of a desk-top computer. The apparatus has proven to be useful for the purification of a variety of enzymes, snake venom proteins, peptide hormones, and other biologicals, including interferon produced by genetic engineering techniques. In planning for a possible space apparatus, a crucial question regarding electroosmosis needs to be addressed To solve this problem, simple focusing test modules are planned for inclusion in an early Shuttle flight.
Document ID
19830062063
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Bier, M. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Egen, N. B. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Mosher, R. A. (Arizona Univ. Tucson, AZ, United States)
Twitty, G. E. (Arizona, University Tucson, AZ, United States)
Date Acquired
August 11, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1982
Subject Category
Astronautics (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: Materials processing in the reduced gravity environment of space; Annual Meeting