Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an interface mechanism in a bio-separation instrument that makes interface connections to a multi-channel cartridge. The interface mechanism precisely positions the cartridge in relation to the support elements in the instrument (e.g., high-voltage, gas pressure, incident radiation and detector), and makes automated, reliable and secured alignments and connections between various components in the cartridge and the support elements in the supporting instrument. The interface mechanism comprises pneumatically or electromechanically driven actuators for engaging support elements in the instrument to components on the cartridge. After the cartridge has been securely received by the interface mechanism, the connection sequence is initiated. The interface provides separate high voltage and optical connections for each separation channel in the cartridge, thus providing channel-to-channel isolation from cross talk both electrically and optically.

Abstract: A bio-separation system using an efficient, compact, portable, interchangeable, reusable, recyclable, multi-channel cartridge, has integrated pre-aligned optics and an integrated reagent reservoir. The cartridge supports, for example, multiple capillaries for CE separation. An integrated reservoir containing a separation support medium (e.g., a gel buffer) is common to all capillaries. The chemistry of the medium and the characteristics of the capillaries (e.g., capillary size, coating and length) are defined for each cartridge. Different cartridges can be easily interchanged in the bio-separation system to suit the particular sample based separation. The reservoir is coupled to an air pressure pump that pressurizes the gel reservoir to purge and fill the capillaries with buffer as the separation support medium.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.

Abstract: A bio-separation instrument using a multi-segment cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of efficient, compact, portable, interchangeable, reusable, recyclable, modular, multi-channel segments. Each segment supports multiple capillaries for CE separation. Each segment has an integrated reservoir containing a buffer/gel common to all the capillaries. Air pressure can be supplied to the reservoir through the periphery of each segment. Each segment has an integrated LED array board directly coupled to capillaries for providing excitation light. Optical fibers of a fiber bundle are individually guided through the periphery of each segment to the capillaries for emission collection. The fiber bundle delivers emissions to a detector that can read the emissions in a time-staggered multiplexed scheme. Each segment includes electrodes electrically coupled to a voltage source through the periphery of the segment for effecting CE separation.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, incident radiation (e.g., from a laser or LED source) for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In one embodiment, incident radiation at one or more wavelengths is directed via at least one optic fiber that extends axially along the separation medium to the proximity of the detection zone. Emitted radiation from the detection zone passes through the boundary walls about the detection zone for off-column detection, and/or is directed axially along the separation medium for on-column detection. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, emitted radiation signals representative of sample analytes are collected from the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone or the separation column. In one embodiment, emitted signals are collected via an optic fiber that extends from the proximity of the detection zone along the detection collar. According to another embodiment, a single dual purpose (excitation and emission) fiber or dual fibers (one for excitation radiation and the other for emitted radiation detection) are incorporated into detection collar. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: A multi-channel and multi-color bio-separation detection method and apparatus in which a single detector is coupled to a plurality of radiation sources, in a one detector/many radiation sources configuration. Each radiation source directs radiation at a detection zone of a single separation channel, and a single detector is applied to detect light emissions from the detection zones associated with several radiation sources. The radiation sources are activated to direct radiation at the detection zone in a predetermined sequence and further in a cyclic manner, with the detector output synchronized to the radiation sources by a controller. Bio-separation may be conducted simultaneously in all the channels in parallel, with detection time-staggered and/or time multiplexed with respect to the light sources. In one embodiment, low cost light emitting diodes may be used as radiation sources.

Abstract: A multi-channel bio-separation detection method and apparatus in which a single detector is coupled to a plurality of radiation sources, in a one detector/many radiation sources configuration. Each radiation source directs radiation at one detection zone of a single separation channel, and a single detector is applied to detect light emissions from the detection zones of several separation channels. The light sources direct radiation at the detection zones in a predetermined sequence and further in a cyclic manner, with the detector output synchronized to the light sources by a controller. Bio-separation may be conducted simultaneously in all the channels in parallel, with detection time-staggered and/or time multiplexed with respect to the light sources. In one embodiment, low cost light emitting diodes may be used as light sources. In another aspect, the detection scheme is configured for radiation induced fluorescence detection in a multi-channel capillary electrophoresis instrument.

Abstract: A process of collecting a sample of DNA from an individual for short-term or long term storage in the event that the DNA is required to identify the individual in the event of a cataclysmic accident. The collection of DNA sample from the individual begins with the completion of an application, for example for flight insurance, which is conveniently located at the airport, through a travel agent, etc. Upon completion of the application, a method of payment is determined and the DNA sample is collected. Preferably, the individual collects his or her DNA sample using a non-invasive approach such as swabbing the inside of his/her cheek and gum line. The DNA sample is then placed in a container and held in storage for a duration appropriate for the anticipated span of the activity or for a predetermined fixed term. At the conclusion of the activity, the DNA sample is either disposed of or returned to the individual for future use.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, the detection zone for optical detection of sample analytes is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In one embodiment of the present invention, the widened detection zone is a micro-bore collar having a micro-channel that coaxially surrounds the exit of a capillary column that defines a capillary channel. A separation support medium including a running buffer fills the capillary column and the collar. In another aspect of the present invention, incident radiation for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone and/or emitted radiation is collected axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a mult-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.