Use of zwitterions to mobilize isoelectrically focused ampholyte zones

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Ampholytic solute zones which have been stabilized by isoelectrical focusing in a separation medium such as a capillary are mobilized by the introduction of a relatively large quantity of zwitterion to one of the electrode chambers. When a voltage is then applied between the electrode chambers as in the focusing stage, the zwitterion migrates into the separation medium in accordance with the isoelectric point of the zwitterion. The voltage is maintained to cause continuous migration of the zwitterion into the capillary thereby forming, an expanding zone which displaces the focused zones formed in the focusing stage and causes then to travel axially through the capillary toward a detection …