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Handbook of Size Exclusion Chromatography and Related ...

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5.3 Mobile Phase<br />

A mobile phase is primarily chosen for its effectiveness in solubilizing <strong>and</strong><br />

stabilizing the sample. Because <strong>of</strong> the short contact time related to the isocratic<br />

conditions, proteins remain stable if the appropriate mobile phase <strong>and</strong> column are<br />

used. As discussed earlier, nonideal SEC behavior may be observed on silicabased<br />

columns. Mobile phase considerations therefore play an important role in<br />

SEC. Elimination <strong>of</strong> protein adsorption is crucial, but the effect <strong>of</strong> the eluant on<br />

protein structure must also be considered. Additionally, polyelectrolytes exp<strong>and</strong><br />

<strong>and</strong> condense with changes in macro-ion concentration within the buffer (117).<br />

Aqueous buffers around pH 6–8 are a good environment for many proteins<br />

<strong>and</strong> are suitable for silica-based SEC columns. The most common nondenaturing<br />

aqueous buffers are phosphate ( pKa ¼ 7:2) <strong>and</strong> tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane<br />

( pKa ¼ 8:1) (19,115). Phosphate buffer is most utilized because <strong>of</strong> the<br />

pH 2–7 limitation for silica-based materials. An ionic strength <strong>of</strong> 0.1–0.5 M is<br />

typically sufficient to prevent adsorption to the weakly anionic silica surface while<br />

avoiding hydrophobic effects. Hagel (19) suggested the use <strong>of</strong> Good’s buffers<br />

(118) if the buffer capacity <strong>of</strong> phosphate is too low or its properties are<br />

incompatible with the sample; phosphate is known to inhibit certain enzymes<br />

(119). It has also been noted that borate may interact with glycopeptides (120).<br />

The type <strong>of</strong> buffer anion has a significant influence on adsorption <strong>of</strong> proteins to<br />

silica. Polyvalent anions, such as sulfate <strong>and</strong> phosphate, are more effective in<br />

preventing adsorption than monovalent anions (chlorine, perchlorate, <strong>and</strong> acetate).<br />

However, sulfates may salt-out proteins <strong>and</strong> promote hydrophobic interactions<br />

with the matrix. In those cases, chaotropic ions, such as perchlorate, can be used to<br />

increase the ionic strength <strong>of</strong> the buffer (19), if sodium chloride is undesirable<br />

because <strong>of</strong> its corrosive properties in the presence <strong>of</strong> stainless steel components.<br />

Nonionic interactions can be eliminated by reversing the conditions used to<br />

prevent ionic interactions (that is, increase pH <strong>and</strong>/or decrease ionic strength) or<br />

by adding a small amount <strong>of</strong> ethylene glycol, glycerol, organic modifier, or<br />

detergent. These additives do not affect the physical properties <strong>of</strong> silica-based<br />

matrices. This stability is an advantage over less rigid SEC supports. Kelner <strong>and</strong><br />

co-workers (121) examined enzyme recovery from TSKgel G3000SW columns.<br />

The addition <strong>of</strong> glycerol reduces hydrophobic interactions <strong>and</strong> lessens<br />

denaturation. A more pronounced effect was seen for the recovery <strong>of</strong> a-amylase,<br />

<strong>and</strong> a striking increase in activity was found for adenosine deaminase. Increasing<br />

sodium chloride concentration led to a marked decrease in enzyme recovery as a<br />

result <strong>of</strong> hydrophobic interactions. Protein denaturation was more pronounced on<br />

the polymer-based TSKgel G3000PW column. The addition <strong>of</strong> glycerol did not<br />

overcome the observed lower mass or activity recoveries. Sykes <strong>and</strong> Flatman (122)<br />

report the use <strong>of</strong> organic modifier to decrease hydrophobic interactions <strong>of</strong><br />

human calcitonin gene-related peptide to a TSKgel G2000SWXL column.<br />

© 2004 by Marcel Dekker, Inc.

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