Optical measurements of magnetophoresis of macromolecules

We investigated the magnetophoreses of two types of proteins, a sugar polymer and DNA, using an optical transmittancy measurement system and field gradients in an 8 T superconducting solenoid. A magnetophoresis quartz chamber was filled with an aqueous solution, and then placed in the superconducting magnet's bore. A He-Ne Laser was used as a light generator. The light, with a wavelength of 632.8 nm, transmitted through the solution was introduced into a spectrophotometer. The aqueous solutions of haemoglobin, water-soluble-collagen, and dextran showed a decrease of optical transmittancy under the 8 T magnetic field. The optical transmittances of DNA slightly increased under the 8 T magnetic field. The results indicate that due to the difference in the magnetic susceptibility of the molecules and water, the macromolecules in water drifted in a specific direction.