Serum protein fractionation has been performed by electrophoresis on cellulose acetate membrane in clinical laboratory and has been applied to diagnostic procedure for pathological states. In Japan SEPARAX-SP (Fuji film Co.) has been used as the supporting media of cellulose acetate membrane for about twenty years and will finish its production soon. A new cellulose acetate membrane, SELECA-VSP (Toyo Roshi Kaisha Ltd.) has been developed instead of SEPARAX-SP. The SELECA-VSP has almost similar features and function. In this study we evaluated quality and utility of SELECA-VSP by automated electrophoresis system (Olympus AES320). Protein fractionation using SELECA-VSP was not worse than that of SEPARAX-SP. Separation sensitivity was higher in SELECA-VSP. However, irregularly smeared bands were sometimes observed adjacent to monoclonal protein bands. Areas of each fraction are highly correlated in between SEPARAX-SP and SELECA-VSP. The fraction area of α₁-globulin was significantly different in SEPARAX-SP and SELECA-VSP, and about 0.01 g / dl higher in SELECA-VSP. After the presence of the difference is recognized, automated classification system for pathological states by protein fractionation could be utilized for routine laboratory testing.
In conclusion, the new cellulose acetate membrane, SELECA-VSP will replace SEPARAX-SP as electrophoretic supporting media for serum protein fractionation.