Abstract: A vortex-stabilized electrophoretic processor comprises an annular processing chamber at least partly defined by concentric first and second processing chamber surfaces. At least one of the processing chamber surfaces is rotatable relative to the other processing chamber surface. The electrophoretic processor further comprises an electric field generator operative to be energized to establish a dynamic field gradient within the processing chamber. At least one fluid port is provided, having fluid communication with the processing chamber. The electric field generator may comprise an elongate electrode array positioned within a central bore of a rotor forming the inside surface of the processing chamber. One or both of the processing chamber surfaces can have shaping comprising multiple spaced tines or annular ridges extending toward the other of the processing chamber surfaces.

Abstract: Devices are provided for separating and focusing analytes, comprising a separation chamber and electrodes separated from the separation chamber by a membrane. The electrodes are operative to generate an electric field in the separation chamber. Molecular sieve in the separation chamber is operative to shift the location at which a stationary focused band of the analyte forms under a given set of focusing process parameters. Methods are provided for separating and focusing charged analytes, comprising introducing a first fluid comprising at least one charged analyte into the separation chamber of a device as just described, applying an electric field gradient to the separation chamber to focus the charged analyte at a location in the separation chamber.