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High‐throughput separation of DNA and proteins by three‐dimensional geometry gel electrophoresis: Feasibility studies
Author(s) -
Ventzki Robert,
Stegemann Josef
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
electrophoresis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.666
H-Index - 158
eISSN - 1522-2683
pISSN - 0173-0835
DOI - 10.1002/elps.200305652
Subject(s) - electrophoresis , gel electrophoresis , chromatography , gel electrophoresis of nucleic acids , agarose , free flow electrophoresis , chemistry , polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis , analytical chemistry (journal) , materials science , gel electrophoresis of proteins , biochemistry , enzyme
We report a novel separation method that is applicable to both DNA and protein samples, based on electrophoresis in a three‐dimensional (3 ‐ D) geometry. In contrast to conventional electrophoresis, samples are applied in a two‐dimensional, planar array to one of the surfaces of a 3 ‐ D geometry separation medium. Loading onto a plane results in a very high sample capacity. Sample migration and separation occur along the third spatial dimension, which is perpendicular to the loading plane. The key problem of electrophoresis in a 3‐D geometry separation setup is that temperature gradients are caused by Joule’s heat, affecting the electrical conductivity and viscosity of the separation medium. A means of achieving straight sample migration under these circumstances is to force heat flow through the separation medium parallel to the axis of sample migration. This can be done by dissipating the heat via the electrode sides of the gel and blocking any other heat transfer. The separation of DNA and proteins by this method has been tested using agarose gel electrophoresis, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Data were acquired off‐line by conventional staining methods as well as on‐line by detection of laser‐induced fluorescence. We describe how to excise samples from the separation medium for preparative purposes. Possible unique applications of this 3‐D geometry electrophoresis separation method are also discussed.