Filter Paper Electrophoresis

Filter paper electrophoresis is one of the earliest forms of zone electrophoresis used for the separation of small-charged molecules, such as amino acids and small proteins using a strip of filter paper (chromatography paper) which is soaked in buffer solution, usually diethylbarbituric acid and barbituric acid dissolved in alkali (Veronal buffer), pH 8.6. Migrated proteins are examined after staining. The two ends of the paper are in contact with anode and cathode. Filter paper electrophoresis is easier in comparison to gel electrophoresis. It does not require matrix preparation and it does not contain charges that interfere with the separation of compounds.