Recent work at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has provided a means by which lot-to-lot variation of ampholytes in any range can be precisely measured and quantitated using an invariant independent standard for comparison. This method would enable manufacturers to eliminate lot-to-lot variation and ensure standardization for customers.
The University of Texas has recently received a process patent for quantitative analysis of the distribution of carrier species in ampholyte mixtures. The process is simple and inexpensive. The general approach is to carry out isoelectric focusing of each batch of ampholyte in a way that does not permit the ampholyte to dictate its own gradient. The gel is then treated in a way that makes each buffering subspecies in the gradient detectable and quantifiable using a densitometer. This approach is conceptually similar to the routine approach in which protein mixtures are analyzed after doing either IEF or SDS separation by staining them and reading the resulting pattern of separated proteins in a densitometer.
This patented process allows manufacturers to compare different batches of ampholyte quantitatively. This removes the guesswork and provides an objective basis for blending or eliminates the need for blending altogether. Further, this process allows manufacturers to compare their ampholytes quantitatively with the competitor's product.
Technology Status:
This patent is available for licensing from UT-Houston Health Science Center.
Patent Status: Patent No. 5,173,160
