Prevention of protein adsorption on surfaces by polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide triblock copolymers in capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

Protein adsorption to untreated fused-silica capillaries in capillary electrophoresis was prevented by a chemical modification of the capillary surface. This was achieved through the coating of Pluronic polymers onto capillaries which were pre-derivatised with silylating agents. The polymers were made up of polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide triblock copolymers. The coatings prevent protein adsorption and provide high-efficiency separations. Two different types of silylating agents were used and the effects of the concentrations on the stability and efficiency of the columns were examined. The application of these columns for capillary electrophoretic separation of protein samples was demonstrated. © 1994.