Density gradient electrophoresis applications

Cells in aqueous suspension preferably are separated by physical methods under well-defined experimental conditions rather than by chemical modification that influences cellular viability or initiates cellular processes. Moderate physical forces and short separation time gready contribute to cellular integrity. In this chapter, the application of density gradient electrophoresis to the separation of mammalian cells is described. This process may be defined as the differential zonal movement of cellular particles of anionic character suspended in a stabilized liquid column under the influence of an external electrical field so that collection of differentially moved zones is feasible. 

In considering the applicability of preparative classical electrophoretic methods to chiral separations, it should be noted that practitioners in the art of classical electrophoresis have been particularly inventive in designing novel separation strategies. For instance, pH, ionic strength and density gradients have all been used. Isoelectric focusing and isotachophoresis are well-established separation modes in classical electrophoresis and are also being implemented in CE separations [7, 8]. These trends are also reflected in the preparative electrophoretic approaches discussed here. 

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