Electrophoresis

Electrophoresis is a technique used for the separation of biological molecules based on their movement due to the influence of a direct electric current. The technique was pioneered in 1937 by the Swedish chemist Arne Tiselius for the separation of proteins. It has now been extended to the separation of many other different classes of biomolecules including nucleic acids, carbohydrates and amino acids.

Electrophoresis has become increasingly important in the laboratory for basic research, biomedical research and in clinical settings for the diagnosis of disease. Electrophoresis is not commonly used to purify proteins in large quantities because other methods exist which are simpler, faster, and more efficient. However, it is valuable as an analytical technique for detecting and quantifying minute traces of many biomolecules in a mixture. It is also useful for determining certain physical properties such as molecular weight, isoelectric point, and biological activity.