Cell surface charge correlation of partition with electrophoresis

Critical mixtures of aqueous solutions of polymers separate into two or more immiscible phases. Particulate materials distribute in such phase systems generally between one bulk phase and the interface between bulk phases. The distribution is described by a simple partition law, and is quantitatively determined by, inter alia, the nature of the particle surface, particularly net electrical charge. The partition behaviour of various cells, native or modified by treatment with trypsin, neuraminidase or maleic anhydride, correlate strongly with electrophoretic mobility. Partition behaviour and electrophoretic mobility are both dependent upon cell surface charge. Thus, in appropriate conditions, changes in surface charge may be registered as changes in partition.