Shoshana Mayden

email address: smayden@ag.arizona.edu

The Arizona Daily Star
November 4, 1992

UA biochemist Porath to receive `Little Nobel'

UA biochemist Jerker Porath, who developed many of the modern techniques to separate biological substances, is scheduled to receive the prestigious Nordic Fernstrom Prize today in Sweden.

The prize, often called the "Little Nobel," is given each year by the University of Lund in Sweden.

"In Europe it's considered one of the most prestigious prizes," said Michael Wells, head of the University of Arizona biochemistry department. "Maybe second to the Nobel Prize."

Porath, 71, is a professor of biochemistry and biotechnology at the UA. He is also a professor emeritus at the Biomedical Center at Uppsala University in Sweden, where he developed methods for purifying proteins.

"Dr. Porath's work contributed two of the most powerful methods that can be used," Wells said.

Porath began working on separation techniques in the late 1950s, when he developed methods for isolating molecules according to their size. During the 1960s he developed affinity chromatography, which is used in protein purification.

These purification methods are crucial for modern biological research, Wells said. The techniques are used "hundred of times every day around the world," he said.

Included with the prize is a stipend of 400,000 Swedish kronor, which is approximately $75,000, Porath said. He will use the stipend for research both at the UA and in Sweden.

"I hope I can use it in promoting cooperation between Tucson and Uppsala in some way," he said.

Porath has continued his research into separation techniques since coming to the UA in 1989. He is working on methods for isolating components of human and insect blood, as well as snake venom.

He is also working on the isolation of a human protein that can accumulate toxic heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury. The protein would have important medical and environmental applications.

Porath divides his time between Tucson and Uppsala, spending six months here during the winter.