Diethylaminoethyl cellulose

Diethylaminoethyl Cellulose (DEAE Cellulose) is a type of ion exchange resin made from cellulose. It is commonly used in biochemistry and molecular biology for the separation and purification of proteins and nucleic acids.

History

The development of DEAE Cellulose dates back to the mid-20th century, when scientists began exploring the use of cellulose as a base material for ion exchange resins. The introduction of diethylaminoethyl groups into the cellulose structure was found to give the material useful ion exchange properties.

Structure and Properties

DEAE Cellulose is a derivative of cellulose, the most abundant organic polymer on Earth. The cellulose structure is modified by the addition of diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) groups, which give the material its ion exchange properties. These groups are positively charged at neutral and acidic pH, allowing DEAE Cellulose to bind negatively charged molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids.

Applications

DEAE Cellulose is widely used in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology. Its primary application is in the separation and purification of proteins and nucleic acids. This is typically achieved through a process known as ion exchange chromatography, in which the sample is passed through a column packed with DEAE Cellulose. Negatively charged molecules in the sample bind to the DEAE groups on the cellulose, while other molecules pass through the column. The bound molecules can then be eluted from the column using a solution with a higher ionic strength.

See Also

• Ion exchange resin
• Ion exchange chromatography
• Cellulose