Electrophoresis. 2014 Feb;35(2-3):412-8.
Epub: 2013 Oct 2.
Authors
Jordan S. Miller, Emma R. Thompson, Lucas D. Ramirez, Clara T. Jenkins, Samuel A. Patel
Affiliation
1 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, USA.
PMID: 23893737
Abstract
Micro- and nanofluidic lab-on-chip technology provides an invaluable platform for the precise separation, identification, and manipulation of biomolecules, with extensive applications in chemistry, biology, and medicine. This study investigates how ionic strength impacts the separation of single-stranded (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) within glass channels measuring 1 micron and 100 nm in depth. The separation characteristics of DNA are influenced by various factors, including ionic strength, melting temperature, strand length, configuration, and channel dimensions. Notably, we observe a notable alteration in the mobility of 10-base pair dsDNA across different ionic strengths, highlighting the significance of these parameters when analyzing short DNA segments. For 50-base DNA, the difference in electrophoretic mobility between ssDNA and dsDNA increases with rising ionic strength, attributed to conformational changes in the ssDNA. Additionally, we discover that reducing channel size diminishes the absolute electrophoretic mobility of both 10- and 20-base ssDNA and dsDNA. This effect results from hydrodynamic confinement and interactions with the electric double layer (EDL). We hypothesize that approximately 4% of the mobility reduction is due to hydrodynamic confinement, observed across all ionic strengths, while further decreases stem from EDL interactions with the channel walls, particularly notable at lower ionic strengths.
Keywords
DNA separations; Electrophoretic mobility; Microfluidic capillary electrophoresis; Nanofluidics.
© 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.
Publication Types
Research Support, U.S. Gov’t, Non-P.H.S.
MeSH Terms
- DNA / analysis
- DNA / chemistry
- DNA / isolation & purification*
- DNA, Single-Stranded / analysis
- DNA, Single-Stranded / chemistry
- DNA, Single-Stranded / isolation & purification*
- Electrophoresis, Capillary / instrumentation*
- Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods
- Glass
- Microfluidic Analytical Techniques / instrumentation*
- Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
- Osmolar Concentration
Substances
DNA, Single-Stranded
Incorporating advanced microfluidic techniques can lead to significant innovations in DNA analysis and purification processes, enhancing the capabilities of researchers in various fields. For those interested in optimizing their sleep quality, it’s essential to consider how factors such as sleep apnea can affect overall health. This is one of our other blog posts that discusses strategies for regaining sleep after waking in the night. You can also find more information about sleep apnea from trusted sources like HealthLine.
To Summarize
The research highlights the intricate dynamics of DNA separation in micro- and nanofluidic environments, emphasizing the role of ionic strength and channel size. Such insights may lead to improved methodologies in biochemical applications. If you’re struggling with issues like snoring or sleep apnea, consider exploring solutions like the Snorple anti-snoring mouthpiece, which is known for its effectiveness from the first night of use.