The theory of DNA separation by capillary electrophoresis

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2003 Feb;14(1):58-64. doi: 10.1016/s0958-1669(02)00012-5.

Abstract

The Human Genome has been sequenced in large part owing to the invention of capillary electrophoresis. Although this technology has matured enough to allow such amazing achievements, the physical mechanisms at play during separation have yet to be completely understood and optimized. Recently, new separation regimes and new physical mechanisms have been investigated. The use of free-flow electrophoresis and new modes of pulsed-field electrophoresis have been suggested, while we have observed a shift towards single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and microchip technologies. A strong theoretical basis remains essential for the efficient development of new methods.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemical synthesis
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / chemistry
  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible / classification
  • DNA / analysis
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • DNA / classification
  • DNA / isolation & purification*
  • Diffusion
  • Electrochemistry / methods*
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / instrumentation
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Equipment Design
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Models, Chemical*
  • Molecular Weight
  • Motion
  • Particle Size
  • Polymers / chemistry
  • Quality Control
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / instrumentation
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods
  • Solutions / chemistry
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Viscosity

Substances

  • Coated Materials, Biocompatible
  • Membranes, Artificial
  • Polymers
  • Solutions
  • DNA