Free mobility determination by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide containing agarose at a nonrestrictive concentration

In the determination of the free mobility, related to the surface net charge, by quantitative gel electrophoresis, the previous arbitrary extrapolation of Ferguson plots from the lowest gel concentrations that give a mechanically stable gel to 0% T has recently been replaced by measurement of mobilities across that concentration range, using the addition of 0.5% agarose to polyacrylamide at the various low concentrations in application to a DNA fragment 155 bp in size (Orbán, L. et al., in preparation). The present study applies that approach to several proteins and DNA fragments smaller than 1300 bp, using 0.4% agarose in polyacrylamide gels of varying concentration. The intercepts of the plots with the mobility axis provide experimental data by which the free mobility in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis can be estimated for molecules not significantly retarded in their migration at the agarose concentration admixed to polyacrylamide. Across the gel concentration range below 3% T, in the presence of agarose, the Ferguson plots of proteins and DNA fragments are convex. It was shown by mass spectrometry that this convex curvature of the plots in the mixed polymer is not significantly due to low polymerization efficiency in the concentration range of liquid polyacrylamide (below 3%T).     

Ferguson plots based on absolute mobilities in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis: dependence of linearity of polymerization conditions and application to the determination of free mobility

In contrast to Ferguson plots based on relative mobilities, Ferguson plots of proteins in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis based on their absolute mobilities were found to be linear under unusual polymerization conditions which yield relatively wide gel fibers and a low total fiber length per unit weight, but not under previously and commonly used conditions. These linear Ferguson plots in gels of 1, 3 and 5% crosslinking intersect at a single gel concentration between 1 and 2% T (M-point). It is postulated that the measure of free mobility of the proteins is the M-point, and not the intercept of their Ferguson plots with the mobility axis as assumed previously. This postulate abolishes the well-known paradoxical interpretation of the increase with %C of the linearly extrapolated intercept of the Ferguson plot with the log(mobility) axis (designated Yo) in terms of free mobility. The postulate is also compatible with the interpretation of the points of intersection of the Ferguson plots of oligomeric series of proteins at finite gel concentrations (designated mu-points) as their common free mobilities.     

Estimation of polyacrylamide gel pore size from Ferguson plots of linear DNA fragments. II. Comparison of gels with different crosslinker concentrations, added agarose and added linear polyacrylamide.

The mobilities of various DNA fragments in two normally migrating molecular weight ladders were studied in polyacrylamide gels containing different concentrations of the crosslinker N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide (Bis). The acrylamide concentration ranged from 2.5-10.5%T (w/v); the Bis concentration ranged from 0.5-10%C (w/w), with respect to total acrylamide. Ferguson plots were constructed for each of the DNA fragments in gels of each composition. The Ferguson plots of the different multimers in each molecular weight ladder were nearly parallel in gels containing 0.5-3%C, converged close to a common intercept at zero gel concentration in gels containing 4%C, and crossed at approximately 1.5%T in gels containing 5 and 10%C. If the mobilities observed for the different DNA fragments at zero gel concentration were also extrapolated to zero DNA molecular weight, a common limiting mobility was observed in gels of all crosslinker concentrations. This limiting mobility was approximately equal to the free solution mobility of DNA. The effective pore radius of each gel was estimated from Ferguson plots based on relative mobilities, using the mobility of the smallest DNA fragment in each molecular weight ladder as the reference mobility. The calculated gel pore radii ranged from 142 nm to 19 nm, respectively, for gels containing 4.6%T, 1.5%C, and 10.5%T, 5 or 10%C. These pore radii are an order of magnitude larger than previously accepted values, but are consistent with scanning electron microscope measurements (Rüchel, R., et al., J. Chromatogr. 1978, 42, 77-90).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Procedures and computer program for deriving the Ferguson plot from electrophoresis in a single pore gradient gel: application to agarose gel and a polystyrene particle.

This study presents a computerized evaluation of pore gradient gel electrophoretograms to arrive at estimates for both the particle-free mobility and retardation coefficient, which is related to particle size. Agarose pore gradient gels ranging from 0.2 to 1.1% agarose were formed. Gel gradients were stabilized during their formation by a density gradient of 0-20% 5-(N-2,3-dihydroxypropylacetamido)- 2,4,6-triiodo-N,N'bis-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl)-isophthalamide (Nycodenz). Densitometry of gelled-in Bromophenol Blue showed that these pore gradients exhibited a linear central segment and were reproducible. Migration distances of polystyrene sulfate microspheres (36.5 nm radius) in agarose pore gradient gel electrophoresis were determined by time-lapse photography at several durations of electrophoresis. These migration distances were evaluated as a function of migration time as previously reported (D. Tietz, Adv. Electrophoresis 1988, 2, 109-169). Although this is not necessarily required, the mathematical approach used in this study assumed linearity of both the pore gradient and the Ferguson plot for reasons of simplicity. The data evaluation on the basis of the extended Ogston model is incorporated in a user-friendly program, GRADFIT, which is designed for personal computers (Macintosh). The results obtained are compared with (1) conventional electrophoresis using several gels of single concentration with and without Nycodenz, and (ii) a different mathematical approach for the analysis of gradient gels (Rodbard et al., Anal. Biochem. 1971, 40, 135-157). Moreover, a simple procedure for evaluating linear pore gradient gels using linear regression analysis is presented. It is concluded that the values of particle-free mobility and retardation coefficient derived from pore gradient gel electrophoresis using the different mathematical methods are statistically indistinguishable from each other. However, these values are different, albeit close, to those obtained from conventional Ferguson plots. One of the possible reasons for this relatively minor discrepancy is that the particle-free mobility changed slightly during electrophoresis, which has a different effect on electrophoresis in homogeneous gels (single time measurement) and pore gradient gels (multiple time measurements). The characterization of particles according to size and charge by pore gradient electrophoresis provides a significant operational simplification and sample economy compared to that requiring the use of several gel concentrations, although at the price of increased requirements of instrumentation.     

Sieving of ionic constituents across moving boundaries in gel electrophoresis

The representative beta-hydroxyethylmorpholinium-chloride-bicinate moving boundary with a trailing ion net mobility relative to Na+ of 0.41, detected by precipitation of chloride with silver nitrate, exhibits a decreasing chloride mobility at increasing polyacrylamide gel concentrations from 3.5 to 45%T, 5%CBis. This decrease, largely due to an increase of field strength at constant current, is described by a convex* plot of log (mobility) vs. %T (Ferguson plot) and signifies that chloride/bicinate are sieved by the gel. In agarose gels, the same plot of mobility vs. gel concentration is constant below 7% gel concentration, since in those gels field strength and migration rate remain the same within that gel concentration range. Both in polyacrylamide and in agarose gels the displacement rate of the chloride-bicinate boundary as a function of the time of electrophoresis or distance migrated remains invariant within 15%. The plot of log (mobility) vs. gel concentration extrapolated to 0%T is 5.85 and 5.41 (10(-5) cm2s-1V-1) for polyacrylamide and for agarose (SeaKem HGT-P,FMC) gels, respectively. The slightly decreased mobility intercept at 0%T for agarose is presumably due either to the electroendosmotic properties of agarose HGT-P and/or failure to Sufficiently take into account the flattening of the Ferguson plot in the polyacrylamide concentration range below 3% in which a transition from a gel to a fluid (sol) medium takes place.     

Evaluation of isoelectric focusing runs as specific resistance/volthour plots.

Isoelectric focusing (IEF) runs, e.g. on ultrathin gels, are characterized by an extensive change of gel electric parameters, caused by the rearrangement of carrier ampholyte components from a uniform distribution to a highly ordered pH gradient. A particularly important parameter is the specific resistance rho [Ohm*cm] which has been determined in polymerization mixtures (with and without carrier ampholytes) and in 125 x 0.15 mm ultrathin gels, pH 3-10 with 5% T, 3% C, 5% Servalyt carrier ampholytes, pH 3-10. The starting specific resistance rho of ultra-thin IEF gels, calculated from the geometric gel dimensions and electric current values (V, mA), is in agreement with the data determined directly in 30 mL samples of polymerization mixtures by using a conductivity meter. Electric specific conductivity/Volthour (Vh) plots proved to be a valuable tool for the evaluation of gel systems with and without protein samples during IEP runs. These plots are usually S-shaped, indicating that the key part of pH gradient formation takes places in a relatively short time. A "good" ultrahin gel, after a short lag phase, shows a rapid increase in specific resistance due to a rapid pH gradient formation and a slope of about 18 Ohm*cm/Vh. IEF is finished in about 3000 Vh. After prolonged gel storage, and especially in partially dried gels, the electrical parameters approach equilibrium only slowly, as indicated by the relatively shallow slope (8.9 Ohm*cm/Vh). Accordingly, separations need more than 4000 Vh.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Synthesis and characterization of biocompatible, thermoresponsive ABC and ABA triblock copolymer gelators

The synthesis of doubly thermoresponsive PPO-PMPC-PNIPAM triblock copolymer gelators by atom transfer radical polymerization using a PPO-based macroinitiator is described. Provided that the PPO block is sufficiently long, dynamic light scattering and differential scanning calorimetry studies confirm the presence of two separate thermal transitions corresponding to micellization and gelation, as expected. However, these ABC-type triblock copolymers proved to be rather inefficient gelators: free-standing gels at 37 degrees C required a triblock copolymer concentration of around 20 wt%. This gelator performance should be compared with copolymer concentrations of 6-7 wt% required for the PNIPAM-PMPC-PNIPAM triblock copolymers reported previously. Clearly, the separation of micellar self-assembly from gel network formation does not lead to enhanced gelator efficiencies, at least for this particular system. Nevertheless, there are some features of interest in the present study. In particular, close inspection of the viscosity vs temperature plot obtained for a PPO43-PMPC160-PNIPAM81 triblock copolymer revealed a local minimum in viscosity. This is consistent with intramicelle collapse of the outer PNIPAM blocks prior to the development of the intermicelle hydrophobic interactions that are a prerequisite for macroscopic gelation.     

Concave Ferguson plots of DNA fragments and convex Ferguson plots of bacteriophages: evaluation of molecular and fiber properties, using desktop computers.

A desktop computer program evaluating physical properties of DNA and bacteriophages is presented. The analysis is based on data obtained from capillary and submarine-type agarose electrophoresis. Native molecular/particle properties and properties of the gel (or polymer) medium can be derived from electrophoresis at several gel concentrations. This is done conveniently by a computerized evaluation of the semi-logarithmic plot of mobility vs. gel concentration, designated the Ferguson plot. In application to most proteins, this plot is linear and computer programs exist to evaluate it. However, nonlinear Ferguson plots have assumed great importance in view of the fact that the plots are concave for DNA. Similarly, convex plots are important since they prevail in the electrophoresis of large particles in agarose. The computer program reported here is the first to (i) address concave Ferguson plots and (ii) allow for the evaluation of both cases using a desktop computer. Program ELPHOFIT version 2.0, a Macintosh application, is available upon request.     

聚(对苯二甲酸-1,3-丙二酯)环状低聚物的合成、表征和开环聚合反应

探索了由对苯二甲酰氯和1,3-丙二醇在“假高稀”条件下合成聚(对苯二甲酸-1,3-丙二酯)(PTT)环状低聚物的可行性.通过柱色谱分离了环状低聚物和线形低聚物;用核磁共振、质谱和元素分析表征了产物的化学结构;用GPC和HPLC研究了不同大小环的分布,发现在本文实验条件下合成的PTT环状低聚物主要由二、三、四、五和七聚体构成,其中环状三聚体含量最多,没有发现环状六聚体的存在.PTT环状低聚物的熔程为92.3～222.6℃,熔融后是无色、透明的低粘度液体.于250℃将PTT环状低聚物分别在辛酸亚锡、1-乙基-3-氯四丁基锡氧烷、钛酸四丁酯和三氧化二锑催化下进行开环聚合反应,制备了特性粘数为0.18～0.49dL/g的聚合物.     

Electrophoresis and detection of tin-labeled DNAs on open-faced gels.

Alternative protocols are necessary for the use of polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in genome scale sequencing and mapping studies. The use of radioisotopes and manual gel reading will have to be replaced with a flexible labeling system that can be detected at levels similar or to better than radioisotopes but allows automated, high-speed detection. Labeling with stable isotopes is such an alternative. These nondecaying isotopes have the potential to be detected in sub-attomole quantities, despite being surrounded by the gel matrix, due to the high selectivity and sensitivity of resonance-ionization spectroscopy coupled with a mass spectrometer. In this study the detection limits of sputter-initiated resonance ionization spectroscopy (SIRIS) are investigated using thin, open-faced polyacrylamide gels supported by plastic. This system allows reproducibility and flexibility in the choice of gel size and buffer system since the gel can be cast, washed free of polymerization by-products, dried, and stored until use. Various concentrations of an Sn-labeled oligomer were run on these gels and loads of 5 femtomoles/mm could be detected on a 240 microns thick gel. Gels as thin as 60 microns lower the detectable concentration loads to 1 femtomole/mm. The limiting factor is tin contamination in the gel which, if reduced, will further increase detection. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products can also be labeled and detected using Sn isotopes, which could prove useful in mapping studies. Also presented are techniques which will facilitate resolution of these PCR products on open-faced gels by employing discontinuous buffers systems and DNA mobility modifiers.     

Swelling of <Emphasis Type="Italic">N</Emphasis>-vinylcaprolactam-dodecyl methacrylate gel in {heptane + toluene} mixtures

A copolymer gel has been synthesized from N-vinylcaprolactam and dodecyl methacrylate in ethanol using the free radical cross-linking polymerization method. Characterizations of the gel were performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) techniques. Swelling behavior of the gel was investigated in heptane, toluene, and their binary mixtures with different compositions. Swelling value in toluene is higher than that in heptane and swelling value increases with the increasing initial content of toluene in the binary mixture with heptane. The swelling values are correlated by the first- and second-order differential equations, and the best model correlating the experimental results is a second-order one. Diffusion coefficients have also been calculated for heptane and toluene at each concentration by power-law and first-order equations. While the diffusion mechanism of the gel in heptane is a Fickian one, the gel swelled in toluene exhibits a non-Fickian character. Diffusion mechanisms of the gels in binary mixtures are much more complicated. Because of the higher swelling degree in toluene compared to that in heptane, selectivity of the gel in different {heptane + toluene} mixtures with selectivity close to 1 has also been taken into consideration.     

Estimation of polyacrylamide gel pore size from Ferguson plots of normal and anomalously migrating DNA fragments. I. Gels containing 3% N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide

The mobilities of normal and anomalously migrating DNA fragments were determined in polyacrylamide gels of different acrylamide concentrations, polymerized with 3% N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide as the crosslinker. The DNA samples were a commercially available 123-bp ladder and two molecular weight ladders containing multiple copies of two 147-base pair (bp) restriction fragments, obtained from the MspI digestion of plasmid pBR322. One of the 147 bp fragments is known to migrate anomalously slowly in polyacrylamide gels. Ferguson plots were constructed for all multimer ladders, using both absolute mobilities and relative mobilities with respect to the smallest DNA molecule in each data set. If the retardation coefficients were calculated from the relative mobilities, and the rms radius of gyration was used as the measure of DNA size, the Ogston equations were obeyed and the gel fiber parameters could be calculated. The effective pore sizes of the gels were estimated from the gel concentration at which the mobility of a given DNA molecule was reduced to one-half its mobility at zero gel concentration. The estimated pore radii ranged from approximately 130 nm for 3.5% gels to approximately 70 nm for 10.5% gels. These values are much larger than the pore sizes previously determined for the polyacrylamide matrix.     

Ferroelectric liquid crystal gels Network stabilized ferroelectric display

Liquid crystal (LC) mixtures of a reactive diacrylate and a commercial ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) mixture were produced. The mixtures were brought into cells provided with orientation layers in which various orientations such as uniaxial and twisted orientations, could be induced. When the desired orientation had been obtained, the polymerization of the reactive molecules was induced creating a three-dimensional anisotropic network containing the FLC molecules which were not chemically attached to the network (ferroelectric gels). The presence of the anisotropic network was found to have a large effect on various properties of the FLC molecules. For example, complex orientations (for example, 180° twisted) obtained by polymerization (formation of the gel) in the nematic phase remained unchanged when the gel was cooled to the FLC phase. Likewise uniaxial orientation, which cannot be realised in thick cells containing the pure FLC, could be realised when ferroelectric gels were used. For this reason the ferroelectric gels will be referred to as an anisotropic network-stabilized FLC. Optical properties such as effective birefringence and tilt angle were also influenced by the network. When use was made of a network with a lower birefringence than the FLC, a reduced effective birefringence in gels was observed. This is important for technologies involving thicker cells. The switching covered a range of voltages in the case of the gels, instead of showing a well-defined threshold voltage as in the bulk. The possibility of using this effect to obtain grey scales in cells during passive addressing has also been demonstrated.     

Immobilized pH gradients in ultrathin-layer (100 micron) gels: avoiding capillarity by a 'squeezing-sealing mold' technique

Several procedures for casting 100 microns ultrathin immobilized pH gradients are described. When acrylate/glass molding cassettes (Pascali et al., Electrophoresis 1987, 8, 371-373) are used two main problems are encountered: (i) a tendency of polymerization solutions, at the beginning of delivery, to spread across the glass surfaces with troublesome effects on the gradient stratification, and (ii) the raising of steep menisci at both extremities of the pH intervals, originating from capillarity phenomena and resulting in nonuniform gradients with bowed electrophoretic patterns. The first shortcoming was acceptably solved by increasing the density of sucrose gradients, and pouring them into prewarmed molding cassettes. The detrimental effect of menisci could be overcome by using a 'squeezing-sealing mold' technique. A molding cassette was endowed with a continuous, squared spacer frame, the upper side being open by inserting a wedged clip. A slight excess of polymerization solution was first dispensed into the cassette and squeezed away on removal of the clip. By completely excluding air from the molding cassette, uniform and well reproducible ultrathin gels could be cast. A major advantage of ultrathin immobilized pH gradient gels is the drastically shorter focusing time.     

Detection of DNA curvature by transverse pore gradient gel electrophoresis on PhastSystem gels.

It has been known since 1990 that DNA curvature can be recognized on transverse pore gradient gels by an intersection of "Ferguson curves" with those of DNA size standards. The miniaturized PhastSystem polyacrylamide gels allow one to detect DNA curvature effortlessly and fast and at great economy of sample relative to alternative methods of electrophoresis. Using the transverse gradient gel electrophoresis method, it was found that the 660 bp length subfragment of the matrix attachment region (MAR) sequence of the chicken lysosyme gene migrates as a fragment of 800-900 bp length. When subjected to digestion with the restriction enzyme HaeIII, the fragment gives rise to two species of 248 and 412 bp length, respectively. The Ferguson curves of both species intersect with those of DNA size standards, indicating that both exhibit curvature. Only the curvature of the 412 bp fragment conforms to prediction. Ethidium bromide abolishes the effect of curvature on the fragment, reducing its apparent size from 900 to 660, the value obtained by agarose gel electrophoresis.     

Acid-labile surfactant improves in-sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel protein digestion for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric peptide mapping

Mass spectrometry (MS) together with genome database searches serves as a powerful tool for the identification of proteins. In proteome analysis, mixtures of cellular proteins are usually separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gel-based two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) or one-dimensional gel electrophoresis (1-DE), and in-gel digested by a specific protease. In-gel protein digestion is one of the critical steps for sensitive protein identification by these procedures. Efficient protein digestion is required for obtaining peptide peaks necessary for protein identification by MS. This paper reports a remarkable improvement of protein digestion in SDS polyacrylamide gels using an acid-labile surfactant, sodium 3-[(2-methyl-2-undecyl-1,3-dioxolan-4-yl)methoxy]-1-propanesulfonate (ALS). Pretreatment of gel pieces containing protein spots separated by 2-DE with a small amount of ALS prior to trypsin digestion led to increases in the digested peptides eluted from the gels. Consistently, treatment of gel pieces containing silver-stained standard proteins and those separated from tissue extracts resulted in the detection of increased numbers of peptide peaks in spectra obtained by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS). Hence the present protocol with ALS provides a useful strategy for sensitive protein identification by MS.     

The electric field dependence of DNA mobilities in agarose gels: a reinvestigation

The electric field dependence of the electrophoretic mobility of linear DNA fragments in agarose gels was reinvestigated in order to correct the observed mobilities for the different temperatures actually present in the gel during electrophoresis in different electric field gradients. When corrected to a common temperature, the electrophoretic mobilities of DNA fragments less than or equal to 1 kilobase pairs (kbp) in size were independent of electric field strength at all field strengths from 0.6 to 4.6 V/cm if the gels contained less than or equal to 1.4% agarose. The mobilities of larger DNA fragments increased approximately linearly with electric field strength. If the agarose concentration was higher than 2%, the mobilities of all DNA fragments increased with increasing electric field strength. The electric field dependence of the mobility was larger in gels cast and run in Tris-borate buffer (TBE) than in gels cast and run in Tris-acetate buffer (TAE), and was more pronounced in gels without ethidium bromide incorporated in the matrix. Ferguson plots were constructed for the various DNA fragments, both with and without extrapolating the temperature-corrected mobilities to zero electric field strength. Linear Ferguson plots were obtained for all fragments less than or equal to 12 kbp in size in agarose gels less than or equal to 1.4% in concentration if the mobilities were first extrapolated to zero electric field strength. Concave upward curvature of the Ferguson plots was observed for DNA fragments greater than or equal to 2 kbp in size at finite electric field strengths. Convex downward curvature of the Ferguson plots was observed for DNA fragments greater than or equal to 1 kbp in size in agarose gels greater than or equal to 2% in concentration. The mobilities of the various DNA fragments, extrapolated to zero agarose concentration and zero electric field strength, decreased with increasing DNA molecular weight; extrapolating to zero molecular weight gave an "intrinsic" DNA mobility of 2.7 x 10(-4) cm2/Vs at 20 degrees C. The pore sizes of LE agarose gels cast and run in TAE and TBE buffers were estimated from the mobility of the DNA fragments.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Analysis of one-dimensional gels and two-dimensional Serwer-type gels on the basis of the extended Ogston model using personal computers

This report presents the stand-alone computer application ELPHOFIT, a software package for the analysis of gel electrophoretic data based on Ferguson plots. Either conventional one-dimensional gels or two-dimensional agarose gels (Serwer-type) can be evaluated. Special emphasis is on the latter gel type, which has been applied previously for the separation of DNA, intact viruses and polydisperse meningitis vaccines. ELPHOFIT is designed for Macintosh PCs and for the IBM XT, AT, PS/2 and compatibles. The program operates interactively with the user, who determines the course of evaluation. Data input is in the format of files providing values of gel electrophoretic migration distances or particle mobility (absolute or relative). Data processing involves a simultaneous least-square curve fitting algorithm (Newton-Gauss, Marquardt-Levenberg) which uses equations derived from the extended Ogston model. Functions are fit to the database by adjusting their variables, representing physical parameters of the gel and the electrophoresed particle. The program output consists of tables and graphics accompanied by an explanatory text providing the following information: (i) radius and free mobility of the electrophoresed particle, (ii) fiber radius, length and volume, mean or median pore radius of the gel, (iii) linear Ferguson plots, (iv) iso-free-mobility/iso-size nomogram for two-dimensional gels, (v) confidence ellipses, (vi) required parameters for image processing program GELFIT and (vii) goodness-of-fit and other statistical parameters, such as standard errors, dependency values, root-mean-square (RMS) error and determination coefficient. Other features of the program are (i) simulation of Serwer-type two-dimensional electrophoresis, (ii) standardization according to size, or size and free mobility, (iii) the conversion of particle radii to molecular (or particle) weight and vice versa, (iv) interconversion of DNA size specifications, i.e. the number of base pairs and the geometric mean radii, (v) computation of gel concentration for optimal resolution of two components, (vi) option to obtain a session record, (viii) option to establish a data output file containing the information of generated graphics (IBM only) and (ix) a text editing facility, e.g., for creating data files. Graphics (Macintosh version, PICT format) and text output files (both IBM and Macintosh versions, standard ASCII format) generated by ELPHOFIT are compatible with commercially available software.     

The effect of different storage temperatures on the physical properties of pectin solutions and gels

The stability (in terms of viscosity and gel strength) of pectin solutions and gels potentially plays an important role in their behaviour and functional properties in a wide range of applications and therefore any changes over time must be understood. The gel strength of pectin gels and intrinsic viscosity of pectin solutions at different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C and 40 °C) have been investigated using a “rolling ball” viscometer and a texture analyser respectively. Both the intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and gel strength decrease with increased storage time, although this more pronounced at elevated temperatures. The changes in intrinsic viscosity with storage time and temperature were used to determine the depolymerisation constant (k). Pectin storage conditions and particularly temperature have an influence on depolymerisation, particularly elevated storage temperatures, but whether or not this will be detrimental to its intended application will depend on the functional significance of the changes that occur. In this case based on the previous diffusion studies on a model drug (paracetamol) we conclude that the decreases in viscosity and gel strength within the range observed have no detrimental effect on the drug release properties.     

An investigation of patterning anisotropic gels for switchable recordings

A new kind of anisotropic gel has been produced by photopolymerization of liquid crystal (LC) mixtures composed of monoacrylates, diacrylates and non-reactive conventional LC molecules. After polymerization, lightly cross-linked anisotropic polymer networks swollen by the non-reactive molecules are produced. These systems showed a gel-point associated with the onset of the formation of a three dimensional network. Above this point, a rapid increase in the threshold voltage was observed. Various factors, such as the photoinitiator concentration and the monoacrylate and diacrylate concentrations, as well as the intensity of the light used for the polymerization, have a strong influence on the gel-point. The switching kinetics of the materials are also strongly influenced by the aforementioned parameters. Two relaxation processes were found to occur within the gels above the gel-point. Using dielectric spectroscopy, this behaviour was found to be associated with an inhomogeneous phase structure within the gels. Patterned irradiation was used to produce regions with different threshold voltages for switching. In this way, patterns were created in the gels, which become visible, by the application of an electric field. It was demonstrated that this technique can be used to produce switchable gratings, Fresnel lenses, and photographs.