Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules.

Abstract: Electrophoretic media are provided comprising at least un-crosslinked polymers which have a temperature reversible transition from low viscosity to high viscosity, so as to be pourable at one temperature, while providing sieving properties at another temperature. Optionally included with the un-crosslinked polymers having a reversible temperature responsive viscosity change are gelling agents and polymers which do not have the reversible temperature responsive viscosity change. The subject compositions have excellent clarity, provide excellent separation and resolution, handling properties, and mechanical strength. The compositions are compatible with transfer of separated components from the gel to an accepting membrane.

Abstract: Integrated electrophoretic microdevices comprising at least an enrichment channel and a main electrophoretic flowpath are provided. In the subject integrated devices, the enrichment channel and the main electrophoretic flowpath are positioned so that waste fluid flows away from said main electrophoretic flowpath through a discharge outlet. The subject devices find use in a variety of electrophoretic applications, including clinical assays.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules.

Abstract: Thermoreversible hydrogels comprsing non-ionic, linear copolymers, and methods of their use in electrophoresis, are provided. The subject copolymers comprise polyacrylamide backbones, where a portion of the acrylamide monomeric units compose hydrogen bonding groups as N-substituents. Combination of the subject copolymers with an aqueous phase provides thermoreversible hydrodgels which find use as separation media in electrophoretic applications.

Abstract: Separation media for electrophoresis, and methods of filling and flushing of electrophoretic devices such as capillaries are described. By preparing submicron to above-micron sized cross-linked gel particles and using gel swelling equilibrium concepts, such devices can be easily filled and flushed. Gel particles can be prepared by inverse suspension, precipitation and suspension polymerization. These particles can be swollen and collapsed by small changes in temperature, pH, and ionic strength of solvent. Other approaches involve the formation of reversible cross-links by use of polyelectrolyte complexes, chelating agents or copolymers of hydrophobic and hydrophilic repeat units. Finally, reversibly solubilized systems may be used to change the viscosity of the media.