Abstract: Methods for reducing peak broadening associated with the establishment of a run field in a capillary electrophoresis process, and apparatus useful for carrying out such methods, are described. Such methods include defining a maximum ramp rate to be used during an initial electric field ramp, defining a minimum period over which the run field is established, and/or maintaining a temperature of a separation medium to within certain ranges during the initial electric field ramp. In addition, methods for determining a ramp rate effective for reducing peak broadening are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides electrophoresis apparatus and electrophoresis methods employing gellan gum based gels employing divalent metal cation and diamine cross-linking agents. The gels are reversible under conditions that do not damage the biomolecules separated using the gels. The present invention also provides novel gellan gum-based gels which are cross-linked which employ a diamine cross-linking agent.

Abstract: A sensor device for the analysis of a sample fluid comprises a substrate in a surface of which an elongate channel is micromachined. The channel contains a material, such as a starch, agarose, alginate, carrageenin or polyacrylic polymer gel, with a biological material for causing separation of the sample fluid as the fluid passes along the channel. The biological material may comprise, for example, a binding protein, an antibody, a lectin, an enzyme, a sequence of enzymes or a lipid. Pairs of sensing electrodes are spaced apart along the walls of the channel. The device may be used, for example, for testing blood samples.

Abstract: An electrodeionization apparatus and process are provided for removing ions from liquids. Liquid to be purified is passed through depleting compartments containing mixed anion and cation exchange resin beads while a second liquid is passed through concentrating compartments free of ion exchange resin beads. Ions, under influence of a D.C. potential, pass from the depleting compartments into the concentrating compartments through ion permeable membranes. The beads in the depleting compartments are housed within subcompartments of controlled width and thickness and are retained therein by the ion permeable membranes which are secured to the wall of the subcompartments.