Title

Non Polar Electrical Field Flow Fractionation (Np-EFFF)

Document Type

Student Presentation

Presentation Date

4-15-2013

Faculty Sponsor

Dale Russell

Abstract

The purpose of the Non Polar Electrical Field Flow Fractionation (Np-EFFF) project is to explore a novel method of isolating membrane and lipophilic proteins from tissue samples so that they can be more fully characterized. Presently existing methods rely on waterbased solvents and the use of surfactants to suspend the proteins in solution. This process can destroy the protein function. The nonpolar solutions are expected to maintain the native conformation and function of the proteins and to permit the study of their function. We will design and construct the NpEFFF instrument which comprises two oppositely charged plate electrodes, a thin ribbonlike channel defined between the plates, a means for delivering a flowing medium through the channel, and a protein detector at the end of the channel. Protein fraction is extracted from a tissue sample and the extracted material is suspended in the non-polar solvent. In the EFFF channel, proteins are attracted to the plate of opposite electrical charge and the progress through the channel depends on the size and charge of the proteins. If successful, this method will allow for the understudied proteins that are critical to many life functions to be isolated and characterized.

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