Electrical Field-Flow Fractionation in a Rigid Membrane Channel

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Abstract
Experimental problems associated with the previous flexible membrane system of electrical field-flow fractionation (EFFF) are reviewed. The potential advantages of an effective EFFF system are discussed and compared to those of electrophoresis. The general theory of EFFF is briefly stated, and possible means for evaluating electrical field strength in the fractionating channel are discussed. Results are presented for protein components showing that retention follows the predicted behavior with variations in field strength. Retention becomes theoretically predictable in numerical magnitude with the aid of an internal standard. The determining parameter for this calculable retention is the ratio D/.mu., where D is the diffusion coefficient and .mu. is mobility. D/.mu. becomes a measurable parameter using this system. Preliminary efforts to induce the retention of denatured proteins and polystyrene beads are shown to be unsuccessful for entirely independent reasons.