(391e) Optimal Resolutions for Microvoids with Imperfections in Gel- Electrophoresis

Gel electrophoresis is the most widely used technique for the separation and purification of biomolecules (DNA and proteins). The nanometer-scale pore structure of the gel tuned either by templating or by adding nanoparticles has been shown to alter the electrophoretic mobility of the biomolecules thus improving separation efficiency. In this research, we propose to computationally analyze different pore models (associated with gel materials) and study the effect of geometry on the transport properties in this anisotropic-like media. This research also introduces a novel approach to investigate the morphological effects of nanocomposite gel electrophoresis by integrating the numerical simulations based on finite element method and population-based search algorithm such as differential evolution. Simulations are performed to study the solute transport by electromigration-diffusion in a microchannel with axially varying cross-section. Morphological parameters such as channel shape and size, as well as operational parameters such as electric field in axial and orthogonal directions were considered and found to have considerable effects on the electrophoresis separation resolution.