Optically directed molecular transport and 3D isoelectric positioning of amphoteric biomolecules.

ABSTRACT: We demonstrate the formation of charged molecular packets and their transport within optically created electrical force-field traps in a pH-buffered electrolyte. We call this process photoelectrophoretic localization and transport (PELT). The electrolyte is in contact with a photoconductive semiconductor electrode and a counterelectrode that are connected through an external circuit. A light beam directed to coordinates on the photoconductive electrode surface produces a photocurrent within the circuit and electrolyte. Within the electrolyte, the photocurrent creates localized force-field traps centered at the illuminated coordinates. Charged molecules, including polypeptides and proteins, electrophoretically accumulate into the traps and subsequently can be transported in the electrolyte

SUBMITTER: Hafeman DG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1458903 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature