EAGER: Separating Proteins Via Dynamic Light Scattering Guidance of Drop Splitting

ASU and the NASA Glenn Research Center propose to combine two relatively new techniques in order to change the existing paradigm on how proteins can be separated from a complex biological fluid. In order to explore the early-stage idea of controlling drop splitting via light scattering detection in a single drop, funding from the Early- Concept Grants for Exploratory Research program is well suited because it is a high risk and high payoff project. The paradigm of light scattering visualization as a means of controlling separation in a single drop would represent a fundamental change from current state of the art bioseparations in many ways: (1) there is no confinement of the liquid samples within a capillary, gel plate, or tube; (2) complex biological samples can be used; (3) simultaneous molecular weight and isoelectric point detection of proteins coincident with the separation process; (4) sequences of fractionations can be programmed and accomplished within minutes using the digital (e.g., drop-wise) nature of the liquid handling; and (5) the ability to modify focusing conditions on-thefly to better identify the proteins being detected during separation.