Isotachophoretic zone formation of serum albumin in different free fluid electrophoresis instruments.

The isotachophoretic behavior of a model protein, serum albumin, was examined (i) by computer simulation, (ii) by capillary isotachophoresis in HPE 100 and Tachophor 2127, (iii) by continuous flow isotachophoresis in Elphor VaP 22 and the BIO-STREAM Separator and (iv) by recycling isotachophoresis in an apparatus of our own design. Variations in monitored zone shapes can be explained by differences in engineering aspects and fluid stabilization principles of the instruments.