Partial Reflection of Hyaluronan Molecules Inside the Taylor-cone During Electrospray

Zhikai Tan

School of Biology Hunan University Changsha, Hunan, China, 410082.

DOI: 10.4236/eng.2012.410B022                

Abstract

Electrospray (ES) is of great interest in research for its finely controlled delivery of molecules. This study investigated mechanisms involved in the electrospray of biological macromolecules which may cause spraying instabilities. Hyaluronan (HA) has been studied for its biological significance. A mixture of ethylene glycol and deionized water with volume ratio of 1:1 is used to dissolve HA molecules. HA solutions with different concentrations and molecular sizes are investigated. Experimental results demonstrate that the molecular size and solution concentration of macro-molecules are critical factors affecting the spraying process. A concentration reduction of HA molecules happened during the ES process, and a hypothesis on partial reflection of HA molecules inside the Taylor-cone is presented in the study.

Keywords

Electrospray; Macro-molecules; Reflection; Talor-cone

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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