(273f) Nanoparticle-Composite Gels for Protein Separation: Synthesis and Preliminary Characterization

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). The dispersion of the nanoparticles, or filler, is characterized by the visual clarity of the resultant gels and will be further characterized by acoustical testing, and possibly other microscopic techniques. In this presentation, the authors will discus the synthesis and preliminary characterization protocols for the novel nanoparticle composite gels. Preliminary electrophoresis runs comparing the novel gels with standard gels used in current electrophoresis separations will be presented. 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. Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2006 (300): 429-436.