Honors Theses and Capstones

Date Completed

Spring 2026

Abstract

DNA can serve as a model polymer due to its high uniformity compared to synthetic polymers. Plasmid DNA (pDNA) in particular offers a well-defined, low-dispersity model for studying topologically uniform systems of a cyclic nature. pDNA has unique isoforms known as open circle (OC) and supercoiled (SC). Using fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC), specifically anion exchange chromatography (AEX), these OC and SC isoforms can be separated in order to access their unique material properties. Our lab was able to yield the pure SC isoform. However, OC isoform separation has been more challenging. Various difficulties arose during this process, including imaging via agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) in high salt concentration elution buffers and preserving the integrity of SC samples from mechanical damage such as nicking. Isolating pure isoforms will allow for the investigation of topologically uniform materials through DNA hydrogel formation.

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

First Advisor

Nathan Oldenhuis

College or School

COLSA

Department or Program

Biochemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

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