Isotachophoretic Focusing of Bacteria and Fungi for Analysis
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Chemistry, Russian Studies
Mentor Information
Andrew Lantz
Department
Chemistry
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 42
Start Date
11-4-2012 9:00 AM
Keywords
Life Science, Physical Science
Abstract
In this experiment we attempt to use the isotachophoresis mode of capillary electrophoresis to focus and potentially separate bacterial and fungal species. Isotachophoresis is typically used in biochemistry to concentrate and separate protein samples based on their electrophoretic mobilities as compared to the other components in a multi-electrolyte system. The same basic principle may be applied to the analysis of whole cells by exploiting their differences in size and surface charges. Different bacteria such as gram positive and gram negative have different surface characteristics as well as being vastly different from that of fungi. By focusing the cells into distinct zones based on these surface characteristics it would be possible to differentiate between species and thus have a fast and inexpensive test to determine the cause of sample contamination.
Isotachophoretic Focusing of Bacteria and Fungi for Analysis
Henry Hall Atrium 42
In this experiment we attempt to use the isotachophoresis mode of capillary electrophoresis to focus and potentially separate bacterial and fungal species. Isotachophoresis is typically used in biochemistry to concentrate and separate protein samples based on their electrophoretic mobilities as compared to the other components in a multi-electrolyte system. The same basic principle may be applied to the analysis of whole cells by exploiting their differences in size and surface charges. Different bacteria such as gram positive and gram negative have different surface characteristics as well as being vastly different from that of fungi. By focusing the cells into distinct zones based on these surface characteristics it would be possible to differentiate between species and thus have a fast and inexpensive test to determine the cause of sample contamination.