Title :
A DNA prism: physical principles for optimizing a microfabricated DNA separation device
Author :
Huang, L.R. ; Tegenfeldt, J.O. ; Sturm, James C. ; Austin, R.H. ; Cox, E.C.
Author_Institution :
Dept. of Electr. Eng., Princeton Univ., NJ, USA
Abstract :
Recently, we reported a microfabricated "DNA prism" device that continuously sorts large DNA molecules (61 kilo-base pair to 209 kb) according to size in 15 seconds. In this paper, we develop models to understand and optimize the device. The device\´s complicated characteristics are explained poorly by a simple model based on the assumption that DNA molecules are fully stretched. Assuming DNA molecules obey Hooke\´s law, a second model successfully explains the "biphasic" separation characteristics under low fields. Further, the model suggests the use of high fields combined with shorter pulse durations for more linear separation dependence on molecular weight, an advantage which is then confirmed by experiments.
Keywords :
DNA; biological techniques; genetics; microfluidics; molecular biophysics; molecular weight; separation; Hooke law; biphasic separation characteristics; fully stretched DNA molecules; high fields; integrated microfluidic channels; large DNA molecules; low fields; microfabricated DNA prism device; microfabricated DNA separation device; molecular weight; physical principles; pulse durations; second model; Biological cells; DNA; Joining processes; Microfluidics; Microorganisms; Protocols; Reservoirs; Springs; Thermal force;
Conference_Titel :
Electron Devices Meeting, 2002. IEDM '02. International
Conference_Location :
San Francisco, CA, USA
Print_ISBN :
0-7803-7462-2
DOI :
10.1109/IEDM.2002.1175815