An Improved Gas-Phase Sequenator Including On-line Identification of PTH Amino Acids

Abstract

Since 1967, when P. Edman described the first automated liquid-phase sequenator [1] its basic chemistry has remained unchanged. However, many modifications in instrumentation and automation of Edman degradation have led to improvements in sensitivity, and finally to the realization of routine subnanomole sequence analysis in the spinning cup as well as in improved solid-phase instruments. Among others, modifications contributing to this advance are automated conversion of anilinothiazolinones (ATZ-derivatives) to PTH amino acids, miniaturization of the instruments, introduction of Polybrene as carrier [2], extensive purification of reagents and solvents, and, recently, on-line identification of PTH amino acids by HPLC [3].