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Updated: May 22, 2026
09:06
Preparation of DNA-crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels
Published on: August 27, 2014
Nanotube-grafted polyacrylamide hydrogels for electrophoretic protein separation
Murugappan Gunavadhi1, Lourdusamy Arul Antony Maria, Vidya N Chamundeswari
1Centre for Nanotechnology & Advanced Biomaterials, School of Chemical & Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur, India.
Electrophoresis
|May 17, 2012
Summary
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes improve protein separation in polyacrylamide gels. Using nanotubes as a polymerization catalyst enhances gel properties and simplifies the process, avoiding sensitive reagents.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Polyacrylamide gels are crucial for protein electrophoresis.
- Incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can enhance gel performance.
- Traditional gel polymerization involves sensitive catalysts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate two methods of using MWCNTs in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE).
- To compare MWCNTs as fillers versus as polymerization catalysts.
- To evaluate the impact of MWCNTs on gel properties and protein separation.
Main Methods:
- In situ polymerization of acrylamide/bisacrylamide with dispersed MWCNTs.
- Two approaches: MWCNTs as fillers and MWCNTs as polymerization catalysts.
- Comparison with traditional N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) catalysis.
Main Results:
- MWCNT-grafted gels formed in 25 min when MWCNTs acted as catalysts.
- Using MWCNTs as catalysts improved pore size distribution and molecular weight calibration linearity.
- Eliminated the need for moisture-sensitive and corrosive external catalysts like TEMED.
Conclusions:
- MWCNTs can effectively serve as polymerization catalysts in PAGE.
- This approach offers improved gel performance and process simplification.
- MWCNT-modified gels present a more reproducible and robust alternative for protein separation.
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