Handling of long DNA - applications and polymer physics

Abstract: This thesis provides a proof of principle that deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) can be used to spatially separate DNA molecules by size. In order to achieve high separation quality, the pressure range, i.e. flow velocity has to be chosen carefully. The experiments were conducted in DLD devices fabricated in PDMS using soft lithography methods. Fluorescently labeled DNA molecules were transported through the device by pressure driven flow. The separation results were determined from and the separation result was recorded optically at the outlet. Both tested devices, with a critical diameter Dc of 0.64 μm and 0.75 μm respectively, showed capable of separating <10 kbp from 48.5 kbp DNA molecules with a separation quality of ~94%.