Theory of Simultaneous Multiple Streak Collimation in Continuous-Flow Electrophoresis by Superposition of Electro-Osmosis and Thermal Convection

Abstract

Abstract The resolving power in continuous flow streak deflection electrophoresis (the “free flow” curtain electrophoresis as well as in “endless fluid belt” electrophoresis) is limited by the broadening of the streaks during the process of electro-migration. This effect becomes more pronounced as the diameter of the injector is increased to augment the throughput. A gain in the latter is thus achieved at a sacrifice in resolution. It has been possible until now to avoid this limitation for only one fraction of an electrophoretic mixture, namely that component whose electrophoretic velocity is equal and opposite to the velocity of the electro-osmotic flow adjacent to the wall of the electrophoretic curtain (6,7). This paper elucidates a way to achieve streak collimation (i.e. elimination of streak broadening) simultaneously for all components of an electrophoretic mixture and to do it in an optimal velocity configuration where the throughput increases with the square of the injector diameter without an es...