Abstract:

In this paper , three kinds of suhunits of B-þhycoerythrin (B-PE) were tested and identified on line hy using inverse HPLC with photodiode array/UV -Vis and fluorescence detector , and hy using LC-electrospray ionization/MS. The results show that the α and β suhunits as well as three γ suhunits of B-PE are all successfully separated hy C4 column according to the on-line spectroscopic characteristics , and that hoth the α and the Bsuhunits have a maximum ahsorption at 555 nm , while the γ suhunit species show their maximum absorptions at 493 and 555 nm. Moreover , hy coupling with the MS ,α and β suhunits with respective relative molecular masses of 18977 and 20330 can he identified. It is thus concluded that a comhination of the techniques mentioned ahove helps to identify the suhunits of B-PE reliahly.

Key words: B-phycoerythrin, suhunit, HPLC/MS, ahsorption spectrum, fluorescent spectrum, separation, identification