Microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis: A promising tool for protein purification and analysis in proteomics

Abstract

Microfluidic free-flow electrophoresis (mu FFE) is the most promising technique for proteomics. This method can perform real-time separation and detection of analytes in a small device where a continuous flow of carrier buffer is driven and an external electric field is applied perpendicular to the buffer flow. The capability of mu FFE has motivated extensive applications pertaining to the pre-fractionation, enrichment, and higher level purification of target proteins in biological systems. This review introduces the proteomics applications of the technique, along with a detailed theoretical overview, as follows. First, the principle and the band broadening involved in mu FFE are explained. Next, materials for the fabrication of a mu FFE device are described, followed by a summary of the online detection methods for mu FFE. Finally, various applications of mu FFE in proteomics fields are introduced, particularly focusing on microfluidic free-flow zone electrophoresis and microfluidic free-flow isoelectric focusing, the two major separation modes of mu FFE. (C) 2022 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.