Computer simulation of the variable agarose fiber dimensions on the basis of mobility data derived from gel electrophoresis and using the Ogston theory.

Agarose gel electrophoresis of viruses and proteins was evaluated for estimating fiber dynamics of agarose by computer simulation based on the extended Ogston theory. By introducing functions, in place of previously used constant parameters, into the equations derived from the Ogston theory it was demonstrated that the effective fiber properties are variable as a function of both gel concentration and the size of the particle passing through the gel. This variability accounts for the curvature of plots of log(mobility) vs gel concentration in agarose gel electrophoresis as well as for the apparent dichotomy between fiber properties obtained from the electrophoresis of either viruses or proteins. Specifically, computer simulation based on the electrophoretic mobility values of five viruses and seven proteins by use of an eight (gel-specific) parameter model yielded functions relating gel concentration and/or particle size with electrophoretic mobility of particles, the retardation coefficient, K'R, and effective fiber radius, length, and volume. The simulations give further insights into, as well as mathematical basis for, a number of previously made assumptions (such as variation of agarose fiber structure with gel concentration, variation of fiber volume with particle size, continuity of the K'R vs radius plot from 0 to 45 nm), thus demonstrating the continued usefulness of the Ogston model. The mathematical model provides the elements for an improved method for the determination of particle size, charge, and potentially shape by agarose gel electrophoresis, and can be regarded as the basis for future elaboration of a computer program for the routine determination of these parameters.