Reversible Composite Gels for Electrophoresis

We will develop a novel separation media technology to replace conventional polyacrylamide gels inelectrophoresis. The new sieving matrices will employ pre-polymerized acrylamide-based polymers capareversible gelation similar to agarose. As a result, these gel matrices can be pre-formulated and supowder or solution that is simply heated and poured into standard horizontal and vertical electrophoeliminating end-user involvement in the synthesis of polyacrylamide gels, significant enhancements iefficiency, safety and reproducibility will be achieved, while retaining the exceptional resolving ppolyacrylamide. The Phase I objectives are to (I) develop the basic formulation requirements for optproperties (e.g., strength, clarity and rheology), (2) develop specific gel formulations for use inPCR product analysis, mapping, etc., and (3) develop gel formulations for mutation screening by heteanalysis. Phase II will leverage the Phase I research by extending the range of applications to inclprotein electrophoresis.