Isoelectric focusing of serum proteins on modified thin cellulose-acetate membranes

We applied a method previously described for treating cellulsoe acetate gel strips with boron trifluoride in methanol, to make them suitable for isoelectric focusing of proteins, to dry cellulose acetate membranes. The results obtained are shown to compare very favorably. Both wide and narrow pH gradients may be used and coupled either to conventional protein staining or to specific identification by immunofixation. Focusing ordinarily takes 90--120 min, is technically easy, and is economical in the use of ampholytes.