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Joachim kohn (1912-1987) and the origin of cellulose acetate electrophoresis

Richard M Rocco1

  • 1Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA, USA. rmrocco@comcast.net

Clinical Chemistry
|August 16, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Joachim Kohn discovered cellulose acetate (CA) electrophoresis 50 years ago. His work advanced CA techniques in clinical laboratory medicine, including hemoglobin separation and immunoelectrophoresis.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Clinical Pathology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Review of Joachim Kohn's pioneering work in cellulose acetate (CA) electrophoresis, initiated in 2006.
  • Kohn's 37-year career in pathology yielded over 50 publications in clinical laboratory medicine.
  • Focus on the 50th anniversary of CA electrophoresis discovery.

Discussion:

  • Kohn's innovation of using CA microbiology filters as solid supports for zone electrophoresis.
  • Development of CA membranes for hemoglobin phenotype separation.
  • Invention of specialized equipment: an electrophoresis chamber and an 8-position stamp applicator for CA membranes.

Key Insights:

  • Pioneered CA techniques for immunoelectrophoresis, counter immunoelectrophoresis, radial immunodiffusion, protein blotting, and immunofixation starting in 1957.
  • Developed a transport dressing for burn patients.
  • First to describe enzyme-based dipsticks for fingerstick blood glucose measurement.

Outlook:

  • Highlighting Kohn's foundational contributions to CA electrophoresis and its applications.
  • Emphasizing the lasting impact of his discoveries on clinical laboratory diagnostics.
  • Celebrating the legacy of innovation in biochemical analysis and medical devices.

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