Electric birefringence imaging of DNA in agarose electrophoresis gels: noise limits and prolonged electric field effects.

Electric birefringence imaging (EBI) maps stresses in agarose electrophoresis gels. Both DNA and gel alignment can be monitored using this technique. Previously, we have reported birefringence images associated with resolved small (< 48 kbp) and partially resolved large 48 kb-(2 Mbp) DNA fragments oriented with relatively short electric field pulses. In this paper, differences between images acquired using short and long (DC) voltage pulses are presented. It is shown that stress signals distribute over long distances when exposed to prolonged electric fields. Resolution also affects band shapes. Refinements in instrumental design and evaluation of limiting noise sources of the technique are also described.