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Viscosity-adjustable block copolymer for DNA separation by capillary electrophoresis
1Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Stony Brook, 11794-3400, USA.
Electrophoresis
|April 21, 1998
Summary
The F127 block copolymer forms a gel-like matrix for automated capillary electrophoresis (CE), enhancing DNA separation resolution and reproducibility. This polymer effectively suppresses electroosmotic flow, improving analytical performance in CE.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a powerful separation technique.
- Controlling electroosmotic flow (EOF) and achieving reproducible separations are key challenges in CE.
- Poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO-PPO-PEO) block copolymers offer tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the utility of the F127 block copolymer (PEO99PPO69PEO99) as a separation medium in automated capillary electrophoresis (CE) for DNA analysis.
- To evaluate the F127 copolymer's ability to form a gel-like structure, act as a dynamic coating, and suppress electroosmotic flow.
- To assess the reproducibility and resolution of DNA separations using F127 in CE.
Main Methods:
- Utilized F127 block copolymer solutions in capillary electrophoresis (CE) setups.
- Investigated the gel-like properties and sieving ability of the F127 solution.
- Assessed the dynamic coating capabilities of F127 for suppressing electroosmotic flow.
- Performed DNA electrophoretic separations and analyzed migration times and reproducibility.
- Examined the effects of F127 concentration and temperature on DNA separation performance.
Main Results:
- F127 block copolymer forms a viscosity-adjustable, gel-like structure with sieving ability suitable for CE.
- The F127 solution effectively suppresses electroosmotic flow by acting as a dynamic coating.
- High separation resolution and reproducibility (RSD < 2% for DNA migration time) were achieved in automated CE.
- Easy injection, replacement, and capillary treatment were demonstrated advantages.
- Existing models failed to describe the DNA electrophoretic migration behavior in the F127 gel-like solution.
Conclusions:
- F127 block copolymer is a promising material for automated capillary electrophoresis (CE) of DNA.
- Its unique properties enable enhanced separation resolution, reproducibility, and simplified capillary management.
- Further research is needed to develop new models for understanding DNA migration in F127-based CE systems.