HydroLink gel electrophoresis (HLGE). I. Matrix characterization

A new gelatinous matrix is reported, having intermediate properties between those of polyacrylamide and agarose gels. The matrix has the unique property of being amphiphilic, i.e. of swelling in both plain water and polar organic solvents, and seems particularly well suited for electrophoresis of DNA. The compatibility with organic solvents includes 50% dimethyl sulphoxide, 50% tetramethyl urea, 50% acetonitrile and 50% tetrahydrofuran, the latter having a dielectric constant of 20. The matrix is hypothesized to consist of brush-like pillars, having a hydrophobic core and a hydrophilic coating. The latter is formed by short chains protruding in the surrounding liquid and able to coordinate large amounts of water.