Analysis of double-stranded DNA fragments by capillary electrophoresis using entangle polymer solutions in uncoated fused silica capillary columns

Abstract

DNA fragments (51-587 bp) were separated by capillary electrophoresis using entangled polymer, hydroxyethylcellulose, in uncoated fused silica capillary columns. The factors affecting the separation of DNA fragments with hydroxyethylcellulose media were evaluated, i.e., the concentration of buffer and entangled polymer, effects of additives (methanol, ethidium bromide, EDTA), temperature, and injection methods. Maximum performance was obtained by adding 5% methanol in 0.5% hydroxyethylcellulose solution at 30°C. Addition of methanol in polymer media increased the resolution of small size DNA fragments (< 100 bp). On the other hand, addition of ethidium bromide and EDTA, which are commonly used in conventional DNA separation, reduced the resolution of DNA fragments in the polymer solution. It turns out that the separation behavior of DNA in entangled polymer is more sensitive to the running condition compared to that in polyacrylamide gel-filled capillary, but the reproducibility of DNA separation in entangled polymer is reliable.