The objectives of this project are the design, development, testing, and investigations into mechanisms for separating milligram quantities of proteins using a novel electrofocusing device. This research employs a free flow chamber consisting of an annular device which will rotate in order to generate Taylor vortices. An electronic gradient is then applied along the length of the chamber in order to separate proteins on the basis of charge. The potential impact of this research would be to enable the focussing and purification of proteins at a pH which is removed from the protein's pI and thereby avoiding precipitation which would otherwise occur at the pI of the protein. The combination of this approach with the use of a computer controlled linear array of electrodes to obtain non-linear electronically generated electric fields will enable isoforms to be separated.
