GB679278A - - Google Patents

Abstract

679,278. Separation of substances by electrolysis or electrophorisis. GRASSMANN, W. May 15, 1950 [May 24, 1949], No. 12102/50. Class 41. A process for the electrophoretic or electrolytic separation of mixtures of substances is characterized in that a liquid medium flows transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the direction of the existing electric field, the mixture of substances is continuously fed to the medium at a predetermined position and the components of the mixture deflected from the direction of flow by varying degrees are removed at separate points. The medium may be passed through a porous carrier substance which fills the space between the electrodes. This substance may also facilitate separation by chromatographic adsorption. As shown, an open-topped glass bath 2 is provided with a sieve-like bottom or a filter plate 7 and with an anode 3 and cathode 4. The bath contains a porous carrier substance 5, for example porous clay, sheets of filter paper pressed together, silica gel, or sand. Liquid, for example, water or a buffer solution, is supplied over the upper surface of the body 5 and flows downwardly at a uniform rate, and a solution of the mixture of substances to be separated is supplied between the points P and P<SP>1</SP>. Unchanged particles move downwardly in the direction PA, negatively-charged particles or ions of high mobility move in the direction PN, those of less mobility moving in a direction such as PN<SP>1</SP>. The direction of movement of positively charged particles or ions is indicated, for example, by PK. The separation may be further improved by the use of a series of baths. The lower part of the apparatus may be provided with means for measuring or recording physical properties of the liquid leaving different parts of the apparatus to enable the degree of separation to be more definitely controlled. The process may be used for the separation of substances in plant extracts, products of metabolism, dyestuffs, tanning agents, condensation and polymerization products, and is stated to be useful in the isolation of hormones, vitamines, ferments, growthpromoting substanes, and substances having an antibiotic action such as penicillin, streptomycin and alkaloids.