The chromatographic separation of BSA on DEAE-Sepharose Fast Flow in an alternating electric field is studied with emphasis on the adsorption and desorption kinetics and mass transfer characteristics. The experimental results show that

within the range of the electric field strength applied in the experiments described in this study

the application of the electric field has not shown a significant effect on ion exchange isotherm. However

the transport of the biological molecules among the liquid and solid phases can be greatly enhanced by electroosmosis generated inter- and intra-particle. This leads to an increased dynamic binding capacity and available bed volume for adsorption

consequently. The application of the alternating electric field also improves the elution peak properties described by the ratio of peak height to peak width and this is essential for obtaining a high resolution.