Date of Award

Winter 3-22-2025

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Degree Name

M.S. in Bioengineering

Organizational Unit

Daniel Felix Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science, Mechanical and Materials Engineering

First Advisor

Daniel Paredes

Second Advisor

Casey Myers

Third Advisor

Goncalo Martins

Fourth Advisor

Mohammad Matin

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Keywords

Diagnostics, Electrophoresis, Fluorescence, Polyamines

Abstract

Capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is a powerful analytical technique widely used for biomolecular separation due to its high resolution, efficiency, and sensitivity. This report presents the development and validation of a novel CZE system designed to improve modularity, reproducibility, and operational efficiency. The system integrates a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detection method with a 488 nm laser, enhanced fluid control through a negative pressure system, and a user-friendly GUI for automated operation and data acquisition. Performance verification included pressure stability tests, fluorescence accuracy assessments, and electrophoretic reproducibility studies. Comparative analysis with a previous CZE iteration confirmed improved baseline stability, peak resolution, and modular integration, while maintaining comparable sensitivity. A vacuum pump vibration dampener was also developed to minimize interference. The new CZE system addresses key limitations of earlier models, enhancing usability and adaptability for biomedical research applications, particularly in neurodegenerative disease diagnostics and biomarker discovery.

Copyright Date

3-2025

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Aaron I. Mena

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

197 pgs

File Size

6.7 MB

Download



Share

COinS