Currently, there is an interest in novel drug delivery systems, diagnostic capabilities and improving separation of biomacromolecules such as DNA and proteins. After the successful modification of the gel morphology by using DNA, Xanthan, and SDS
1 as templating agents, electrophoresis efficiency for protein separation increases. Motivated by this success, we are currently using charged nanoparticles to modify the internal gel architecture as well as manipulate the electrostatics properties of the gels. Recently
2 , the addition of nanoparticles has shown a modification of the electrosmotic flow. We believe that both the electrosmosis and the gel morphology will affect tremendously the separation efficiency. In this project, polyacrylamide gels were successfully cast and crosslinked with well dispersed, charged nanoparticles of varying diameters (Southern Clay Laponite RD and an experimental Laponite) at a concentration of approximately 1% (w/w). In this presentation, the dispersion of the nanoparticles, or filler, will be characterized by acoustical testing. Acoustical testing measures the speed of sound though a material. The methodology is based on the fact that the speed of sound through a material is related to its density and the density of the nanocomposite gels differ from the standard gels used in current electrophoresis separations. Several preliminary results based on the principle described will be presented and analyzed. Other microscopic characterization techniques which ensure the well dispersion of the nanoparticles may also be presented for comparison purposes. Future work could include, for example, modifying the gel morphology and the electrostatics characteristics to tailor the rate of the macromolecule in applications such as drug delivery systems, bioseparation protocols and other related pharmaceutical applications to optimize the performance of the material.
1 Rill RL, Locke, BR, Liu, Y, Dharia, J, Van Winkle, D, “Protein electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gels with templated pores,” Electrophoresis 17 (1996) 1304-1312
2 Matos, MA, White LR, Tilton RD, "Electroosmotically enhanced mass transfer through polyacrylamide gels," Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2006 (300): 429-436.