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Capillary electrophoretic separation of uncharged polymers using polyelectrolyte engines. Theoretical model.
L C McCormick1, G W Slater, A E Karger
1Department of Physics, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Journal of Chromatography. A
|August 28, 2001
Summary
This study introduces a theoretical model for analyzing uncharged polymer mass distribution using DNA-polymer conjugates in capillary electrophoresis. The model reveals an optimal DNA size for separation and a method to estimate polymer stiffness.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biophysics
Background:
- Analyzing molecular mass distribution of uncharged polymers is crucial.
- Free-solution capillary electrophoresis of DNA-polymer conjugates offers a novel approach.
- Existing methods may have limitations for uncharged polymers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a theoretical model for DNA-polymer conjugate electrophoresis.
- To understand the relationship between polymer properties and electrophoretic behavior.
- To provide a method for estimating polymer persistence length.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of electrophoresis.
- Analysis of DNA-polymer conjugates.
- Hydrodynamic drag and friction coefficient calculations.
- Mobility measurements.
Main Results:
- An optimal DNA size exists for separating a given polymer sample under diffusion-limited conditions.
- The effective friction coefficient relates to polymer stiffness.
- The model provides a basis for estimating polymer persistence length.
Conclusions:
- The theoretical model validates the DNA-polymer conjugate electrophoresis method.
- This technique allows for the analysis of uncharged polymer molecular mass distribution.
- It offers a new route to determine polymer persistence length via mobility measurements.