LAUSR

BACKGROUND The evaluation of low abundance biomarkers in the circulating low molecular weight serum proteome is an important source of information. Techniques for sample preparation to remove high abundant proteins and to enrich the low molecular weight fraction are usually required prior to novel biomarker detection. METHODS A continuous elution electrophoresis was used to separate the low molecular weight serum proteins from the high abundance serum proteins, such as albumin and immunoglobulins. Centrifugal concentration, SDS-PAGE, and total protein staining were performed to analyze eluted protein fractions. RESULTS Consecutive concentrated serum protein fractions demonstrate separation at a high resolution of 1 - 2 kDa below 20 kDa. CONCLUSIONS Continuous elution electrophoresis is an adequate method to eliminate high abundance proteins which interfere with the detection of low abundance biomarkers in the low molecular weight proteome and to enrich its proteins for subsequent detection and clinical evaluation.