Selective extraction of small proteins from biological samples using a novel restricted access column with cation exchange properties

The determination of proteins utilising a polymer-based restricted access suppor material with ion exchange properties (IERAM) is outlined. Solid phase extraction coupled on-line with a mincrobore reversed phase HPLC system for the quantitation of small marker proteins is demonstrated. The cation-exchange restricted access packings were characterised with respect to their adsorption and desorption kinetics. The IERAM material was also investigated by capacity, selectivity, and biocompatibility determinations when applied to the quantification of small molecular weight proteins such as cytochrome C, Lysozyme, Ribonuclease A, Myoglobin, Insulin, human serum albumin, and a Tryptic inhibitor.