Electrophoretic capture is a chemical method for pre-concentrating the target analyte in a complex system. This method combines the principles of electrophoretic mobility with a balanced, reverse pressure driven flow. When done properly, the target analyte is captured in one location while other molecules are excluded. A detection method, such as surface plasmon resonance, can then be used to measure the target analyte. The Booksh research group is focused on developing electrophoretic capture methods for biomarkers that exist below the detection limit of most common detection methods. The combination of these two methods allows for the detection of low concentration analytes in high background concentration systems.
This process is especially advantageous in biological systems. Biological systems have inherently high background concentrations of non-target proteins, therefore being able to isolate only the desired analyte can greatly increase the effectiveness of the analysis. The Booksh group focuses specifically on developing new methodologies for unavailable commercial testing analytes. Specifically we aim to develop new and inexpensive testing methodologies for the detection of nanoscale concentration biomarkers signaling the micro-infarctions.
