Quantitative fractionation of casein mixtures by fast protein liquid chromatography

Abstract

SummaryAlkylation of whole casein samples by reaction with cysteamine and cystamine in a bis-tris-propane–urea buffer (pH 7·0) followed by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) at 20°C on a Mono Q HR5/5 column in the same buffer and using a NaCl gradient led to good resolution of the whole casein into fractions representing (i) γ2- plus γ3-caseins, (ii) κ-caseins, (iii) β-casein, (iv) αs2-caseins and (v) αsl-caseins, together with small amounts of unidentified materials. Quantitatively the FPLC values agreed well with those for αs1-, β-, αs2- and γ2- plus γ3-caseins obtained by ion-exchange chromatography on DEAE cellulose, Whatman DE52 and with those for º-caseins obtained by gel-permeation chromatography on Sephadex G–150.