Poliovirus separation from cell extracts using capillary electrophoresis: Potential use in vaccine production and control?

► The presence of a virus in infected cell extracts was investigated using a label free, capillary electrophoretic method with large sample plug injections. ► Poliovirus was detected in the infected cell extracts rapidly, with minimal sample preparation, without any laborious staining procedures and incubation times. ► The poliovirus peak was first identified combining the electrophoretic and UV absorption information, and confirmed subsequently by spiking the samples with highly purified poliovirions. ► The identity of the poliovirus peak was validated using affinity capture. ► The potential of the method for monitoring the viral load during growth and purification was demonstrated.