Fig. 2.

A graphical representation of hydrodynamic and diffusion broadening in free-flow electrophoresis. When the analyte has no net mobility in the electric field (μ=0) diffusion will broaden the peak as it moves though the channel. If the analyte is deflected by the electric field (μ ≠ 0), hydrodynamic broadening effects will occur. Hydrodynamic broadening is caused by the velocity difference created by parabolic flow profile in pressure-driven flow. Analytes near the walls of the channel will flow more slowly and experience the electric field longer and thus migrate further than analytes near the center of the channel. Reprinted with permission from Fonslow et al. (2006) Anal. Chem. Copyright 2006 American Chemical Society