The University of Texas System

Other

Baylor College of Medicine

Ampholife Technologies

L Scott Rodkey

Kenneth J Moise

Marwan A Yared

Philip R DeShong

G David Huff

Keith A Knisley

Disclosed are novel protein and peptide compositions comprising soluble and bound forms of immunologically-active blood group antigens including mammalian Rh antigens. In preferred embodiments methods for the isolation and purification of serologically-active human Rh antigens such as D, c, C, E, and e are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for the adsorption of immunologically-active Rh antigens to solid supports. Diagnostic kits, methods, and devices for the detection of Rh antibodies in clinical and non-clinical samples are also disclosed. Devices, compositions and methods for the isolation, purification and quantitation of anti-Rh antibodies from solution are also provided.

Rh blood group antigen compositions and methods of use

RH blood group antigen compositions and methods of use

New synthesis and analysis procedures for novel crosslinked polyamines and ampholytes. Polyamines are crosslinked with tartaric acid ester, malonic acid ester, or polycarboxylic acid esters of the citric acid cycle. The resulting crosslinked polyamine may further react with other compounds such as an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated or .alpha.-halo unsaturated carboxylic acids to prepare new ampholyte mixtures. The resulting novel ampholytes exhibit greater heterogeneity and complexity than presently prepared ampholytes, and can be used in analytical and preparative isoelectric focusing processes. Novel ampholyte analysis process entails analyzing chemical compounds, usually ampholytes, used in isoelectric focusing processes. The ampholyte is isoelectrically focused on an immobilized pH gradient, and then immersed in a picric acid solution to cause precipitation and visualization of amphoteric species. The isoelectrically focused and visualized ampholyte compounds may be photographed or analyzed densitometrically to compare it with other isoelectrically focused and visualized ampholytes to determine relative heterogeneity of the ampholytes over given pH ranges.

Synthesis of complex polyamines for ampholyte production

New synthesis and analysis procedures for novel crosslinked polyamines and ampholytes. Polyamines are crosslinked with tartaric acid ester, malonic acid ester, or polycarboxylic acid esters of the citric acid cycle. The resulting crosslinked polyamine may further react with other compounds such as an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated or .alpha.-halo unsaturated carboxylic acids to prepare new ampholyte mixtures. The resulting novel ampholytes exhibit greater heterogeneity and complexity than presently prepared ampholytes, and can be used in analytical and preparative isoelectric focusing processes. Novel ampholyte analysis process entails analyzing chemical compounds, usually ampholytes, used in isoelectric focusing processes. The ampholyte is isoelectrically focused on an immobilized pH gradient, and then immersed in a picric acid solution to c

Analysis of carrier ampholytes using immobilized pH gradients

The present invention includes novel isoelectric focusing cells and methods for isoelectric focusing of amphoteric substances within fluids containing carrier ampholytes which inhibit the phenomena known as spiking or acid notching. The apparatus includes a barrier separating the electrode compartments from the focusing cell compartments which minimizes hydrogen and hydroxyl ions contained in electrolyte solution within the electrode chambers from passing into the focusing cell passageways. The currently preferred barrier is a bipolar membrane; however, the combination of anion and cation selective membranes is also effective. Such a barrier enables very narrow pH gradients to be established and maintained, thereby permitting high resolution separations of amphoteric biological substances.

Apparatus and methods for isoelectric focusing of amphoteric substances

The present invention includes novel apparatus and methods for isoelectric focusing of amphoteric substances within fluids containing carrier ampholytes. The present invention utilizes multichannel recycling isoelectric focusing techniques which eliminate mixing of fluid which passes through the isoelectric focusing cell with the original crude fluid sample. Mixing is avoided by preferably using a dual reservoir system and alternating the fluid flow into and out of each reservoir after each pass through the isoelectric focusing cell. Fluid flow is alternated into and out of each reservoir of each reservoir pair through use of reservoir inlet and outlet valves. The reservoir inlet and outlet valves preferably operate in response to the fluid level within the reservoir supplying fluid to the isoelectric focusing cell. When the reservoir empties the corresponding reservoir outlet valve automatically engages to stop fluid flow from the empty reservoir and to start fluid flow from the full reservoir. Near instantaneously therewith, the reservoir inlet valve engages to stop fluid flow into the full reservoir and to start fluid flow into the empty reservoir. The isoelectric focusing cell preferably has a plurality of inlet ports and a plurality of corresponding outlet ports. The inlet and outlet ports permit fluid to flow into and out of the isoelectric focusing cell along discrete channels. Each inlet and outlet port is then coupled to a pair of the alternating reservoirs. The apparatus within the scope of the present invention preferably includes a heat exchanger for removing heat generated by the isoelectric focusing cell. The heat exchanger is preferably coupled directly to the isoelectric focusing cell thereby permitting greater power input to the focusing cell which results in rapid focusing of both the carrier ampholytes and the fluid sample.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

L Scott Rodkey