My ride to RPI was cancelled because of the snow.
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Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Capillary Zone Electrophoresis
Due to the fact that I could not go to my internship again, this week, I did my research on CZE.
(While researching this topic, I realized over and over again how hard and challenging science is. Almost all of the scientific terms I had rarely heard of, and understanding what I was reading required a lot of research.)
The simplest form of CE is capillary zone electrophoresis
(CZE), also known as free solution capillary (FSCE). This form is based on the
differences in the charge-to-mass ratio. For this method of electrophoresis,
all that is needed is a “well-chosen buffer”. Separation is able to take place
because of the relatively simple interaction of the analytes with the pH of the
buffer.
The CZE samples being analyzed move in the EOF (electroosmotic
flow: “the movement of ions through a solute under the control of an applied potential") but then separate into
different bands as a result in the differences in their electrophoretic mobilities,
µ. (Electric mobility is the speed at which macromolecules pass through a
matrix “in the presence of the electric field”)
The differences in µ make each analyte’s overall velocity
slightly different. This difference in velocity is also known as separation.
The steps required for CZE are
very straightforward. First, one washes the capillary with buffer. Then, the
sample—already dissolved in the same buffer—is injected and the EOF is
established.
Capillary zone electrophoresis is
extremely useful for the separation of peptides and proteins since “complete
resolution can often be obtained for analyses differing by
only one amino acid substituent.”
While researching, I found it particularly interesting that this is very
important in tryptic mapping where mutations and post-translational
modifications can be found.
Beckman Coulter. Introduction to Capillary Electrophoresis. Retrieved from
https://www.beckmancoulter.com/wsrportal/bibliography?docname=360643-CEPrimer1.pdf.
Chasteen, T. F. Modes of Electrophoresis. Retrieved from http://www.shsu.edu/-chm_tgc/primers/pdf/CES.pdf.
Chasteen, T. F. Modes of Electrophoresis. Retrieved from http://www.shsu.edu/-chm_tgc/primers/pdf/CES.pdf.
Christi, the terms may be complicated, but you present them in an understandable and interesting way. You seem to have a good handle on the underpinnings of your project. I look forward to when you can apply your newfound knowledge!
ReplyDeleteThanks for making the most of a missed day, and including references. Keep up the great effort!