Resolution and Peak Capacity in Equilibrium-Gradient Methods of Separation

Abstract

Abstract A theoretical analysis is made of the relative resolving power of equilibrium-gradient separation methods, such as isoelectric focusing and density-gradient sedimentation, and the corresponding kinetic methods, such as electrophoresis and kinetic centrifugatipn. Both general and specific equations are derived for resolution and peak capacity. It is concluded that peak capacity, the most general index of over-all resolving power, is of comparable magnitude for these two different approaches. Two new equilibrium-gradient methods of separation are proposed, these employing dielectrical and thermal diffusion forces, respectively.