The Effect of Matrix Order in Dna Capillary Zone Electrophoresis

The effect of order in separation media on DNA capillary zone electrophoresis is studied experimentally. A microfluidic technique based on colloidal self-assembly is employed to generate structures with different degrees of order. A model, SEM, and thermoporosimetry of the structures are employed to characterize media properties. The DNA mobility and dispersion coefficient is quantified in each structure through fluorescent detection. The result shows that higher ordered structures are favored because of greater mobility and less dispersion. This shows DNA separation can be improved further by introducing ordered materials in dense porous matrix.