The preparation of stroma-free hemoglobin by selective DEAE-cellulose absorption

The preparation of stroma-free hemoglobin by selective DEAE-cellulose absorption is reported. The stroma-free hemoglobin prepared by this method is compared to the product obtained by crystallization from sodium phosphate. Both show normal serum potassium, sodium, and pH values, and no coagulant activity or blood type activity by blood type test. PAA gradient gel electrophoresis, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel all show the same well-defined bands in both preparations. The DEAE procedure requires 11 h as compared to 4 days for the crystallization method. The recovery of hemoglobin is 77% (less than 1% methemoglobin) in the DEAE preparation compared to 34% (greater than 3% methemoglobin) by the crystallization method. In addition, far fewer expensive materials are required.