Abstract
Behavior of DNA molecules in a ratcheting electrophoresis microchip (REM), a novel microdevice that can separate biomolecules such as DNA and proteins in aqueous solution using low applied voltages as low as 1V, was examined by a Lanvegin simulation. The device has been modified to start the electrophoresis in the direction normal to the electrode surface, which enabled us to give large area to the electrode without deteriorating resolution of separation. A Langevin simulation has been performed for DNA ions as well as H^+ and OH^- ions in pure water, in which an electric field is generated due to the voltage of the electrodes. Influence of electric charges of H^+ and OH^- ions on the electric field is also considered so that the Debye screening is well reproduced. The simulation clarified that the modified REM has much better capability to separate sample molecules with better resolution. Also it is tough against the Debye screening.
