Investigating the interaction of stretched, immobilized polyelectrolytes with external electric fields and fluid flows in presence of confined micro-geometries

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We experimentally and theoretically investigate the behavior of an immobilized polyelectrolyte chain subject to various external fields in presence of a confined micro-geometry. We want to elucidate the stretching behavior of a DNA chain in alternating electric fields as a function of frequency and further parameters. The chain will be subsequently exposed to an external fluid flow, and we will compute the force necessary to detach the DNA from the electrode. In addition we will focus on the conformational and dynamic properties of polyelectrolytes in confined microgeometries. The influence of several external conditions like pressure driven- and electrokinetic flows, the channel diameter as well as the behavior of the free ions will be investigated in detail. By a thorough analysis of these effects which alter the dynamics and conformations of polyelectrolytes in micro- and nanogeometries significantly, a deeper understanding of the underlying processes and potential novel separation techniques will be achieved.