In a gel filtration experiment Ve of unknown protein is 22 m

In a gel filtration experiment, Ve of unknown protein is 22 ml while Blue Dextran is eluted in 8 ml. The total volume gel in the column is 15 ml. Calculate distribution/ partition coefficient of the unknown protein. What is the significance of calculated distribution coefficient?

Solution

Partition coefficient is calculated based on the distribution of the given solutes between the mobile and the stationary phases and is represented by letter K.

Partition coefficient ( K)= Cs/Cm

Cs = solute concentration in the stationary phase

Cm = solute concentration in the mobile phase.

Ve = elution volume for the protein of interest

Distribution/ partition coefficient of the unknown protein=22 ml/15ml=1.47

Partition coefficient is an important parameter and by knowing the partition coefficient of unknown protein, we can plan the purification process, through this we can achieve the purification of target protein without any contamination.

If the Ka is higher, then retention time will be high. If KA=0, then the protein is non-retainable.