Western blotting using capillary electrophoresis

Anal Chem. 2011 Feb 15;83(4):1350-5. doi: 10.1021/ac102671n. Epub 2011 Jan 25.

Abstract

A microscale Western blotting system based on separating sodium-dodecyl sulfate protein complexes by capillary gel electrophoresis followed by deposition onto a blotting membrane for immunoassay is described. In the system, the separation capillary is grounded through a sheath capillary to a mobile X-Y translation stage which moves a blotting membrane past the capillary outlet for protein deposition. The blotting membrane is moistened with a methanol and buffer mixture to facilitate protein adsorption. Although discrete protein zones could be detected, bands were broadened by ∼1.7-fold by transfer to membrane. A complete Western blot for lysozyme was completed in about one hour with 50 pg mass detection limit from low microgram per milliliter samples. These results demonstrate substantial reduction in time requirements and improvement in mass sensitivity compared to conventional Western blots. Western blotting using capillary electrophoresis shows promise to analyze low volume samples with reduced reagents and time, while retaining the information content of a typical Western blot.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western / methods*
  • Cattle
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Proteins / chemistry
  • Proteins / isolation & purification*
  • Proteins / metabolism*
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / chemistry

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate