Development and optimization of two-dimensional-electrophoresis protocol ofLeptospirillum ferriphilum

Leptospirillum ferriphilum is important in bioleaching, in which process it is often under heavy stresses of heavy metal ions and high oxidation reduction potential (ORP). Two-dimensional-electrophoresis (2-DE) and comparative proteomic analysis are useful to investigate the responses ofL. ferriphilum to environmental stresses. But, 2-DE analysis forL. ferriphilum is not successful as the samples ofL. ferriphilum contain low protein concentration, complex composition, high salt concentration, and many other interfering components, which make it difficult for 2-DE analysis. In this research, optimizations on the sample preparation and purification methods, sample volume, sample loading methods for isoelectric focusing (IEF), and gel visualization methods were made. More than 629 Coomassie stained spots in single gel were obtained. The image quality and protein concentration in most of the spots met the requirements for both differential spots analysis and mass-spectrum analysis. The 2-DE protocol forL. ferriphilum was successfully developed for the first time.