Abstract: An electrophoresis device is disclosed that is capable of reducing waves occurring in a fluid in which the capillary tips of a capillary assay are immersed. A plurality of partition plate members can be provided in a container containing the fluid to divide the surface of the fluid into several sections. The container can be transported at a high speed, and the capillary tips can be immersed in the fluid quickly, thereby preventing resolution degradation caused by a long period of exposure of the capillary tips to air. Throughput of sample analysis can also be improved because it is not necessary to wait until waves disappear before conducting an analysis.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for control over the distortion of a sample zone upon exiting an electrophoresis separation channel. According to the teachings herein (i) the downstream regions of the channels, near the outlet ends, and/or (ii) the detection chamber, is/are configured so that distortion of one or more sample zones passing from the channels into and across the detection chamber can be controlled (e.g., reduced) in a fashion affording enhanced detectability. In certain embodiments, the lumens along the end regions of the separation channels progressively expand.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for control over the distortion of a sample zone upon exiting an electrophoresis separation channel. According to the teachings herein (i) the downstream regions of the channels, near the outlet ends, and/or (ii) the detection chamber, is/are configured so that distortion of one or more sample zones passing from the channels into and across the detection chamber can be controlled (e.g., reduced) in a fashion affording enhanced detectability. In certain embodiments, the lumens along the end regions of the separation channels progressively expand.

Abstract: A multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus is provided for reducing errors during analysis caused by fluctuations in electrophoresis time among plural capillaries of the apparatus. The multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus can contain a multi-capillary array that has a separation medium filled therein for isolating a sample. A detector component can be provided at a position remote from a sample injecting end of the array for acquiring information from the sample. A buffer container can be provided for holding a buffer solution into which the sample injecting end can be immersed. One or more temperature controlling component devices can be arranged for controlling a temperature of the buffer solution, of the detector component, or of both the buffer solution and the detector component.

Abstract: Errors upon analysis caused by, fluctuation in electrophoresis time among plural capillaries in a multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus is reduced. The multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus contains a multi-capillary array that has an isolation medium filled therein for isolating a sample, has a sample injecting end on one end thereof, and has, at a position remote from the sample injecting end, a detector part for acquiring information depending on the sample, a voltage applying part for applying a voltage to an electrification path containing the sample injecting end and the detector part, a thermostat oven containing all or a part of the multi-capillary array except for the sample injecting end, a buffer container containing a buffer solution, in which the sample injecting end is immersed, and a temperature controlling part for controlling a temperature of the buffer solution.

Abstract: A sample handling system in a multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The sample handling system includes a work surface for supporting a plurality of samples located at a plurality of work surface coordinates and a sample loading assembly comprising a plurality of loading wells. At least one of the loading wells includes a capillary fixedly positioned therein. The system further includes a programmable sample transfer device for automatically transferring a sample from a work surface coordinate to a loading well. The invention further includes methods for using the sample handling system.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and devices are disclosed for the manipulation (e.g., concentration, purification, capture, trapping, location, transfer, etc.) of analytes, e.g., biomolecules, with respect to analyte-containing solutions using one or more electric fields.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting analytes in a sample is provided. The apparatus includes: one or more channels having a detection zone; one or more irradiation sources disposed for irradiating the detection zone with non-coherent radiation; a detector array disposed for collecting light signals emitted from markers in the detection zone excited by the radiation, the detector array having an output; and a system coupled to the detector array for effecting time delay integration of the charges on the detector array corresponding to the light signals by accumulating the charges before reading the charges at the output of the detector array. Other apparatus and methods for detecting analytes in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for concentration and purification of analytes, e.g., polynucleotides, in channel devices using AC and DC electric fields.

Abstract: Embodiments of a device and method are described which provide for control over the distortion of a sample zone upon exiting an electrophoresis separation channel. According to the teachings herein (i) the downstream regions of the channels, near the outlet ends, and/or (ii) the detection chamber, is/are configured so that distortion of one or more sample zones passing from the channels into and across the detection chamber can be controlled (e.g., reduced) in a fashion affording enhanced detectability. In certain embodiments, the lumens along the end regions of the separation channels progressively expand.

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: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region, and a detection zone, where the receiving slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream from the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

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: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region and a detection zone, where the receiving, slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

Abstract: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region, and a detection zone, where the receiving slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream from the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

Abstract: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region, and a detection zone, where the receiving slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream from the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

Abstract: A serpentine electrophoresis channel, e.g., for a microchip format, is disclosed. The channel includes pairs of linear segments, e.g., parallel or right-angle segments, each joined by an angled channel region having a first curved channel portion subtending an angle &agr;f>&agr;, where &agr; is the angle between segments in a pair, and a second curved channel portion subtending an angle &agr;s=&agr;f−&agr;. The angles and cross-sections of the two channel portions are such that &dgr;tf, the time differential of analyte migration at inner and outer tracks in the first curved portion is equal to &dgr;ts, the time differential of analyte migration at outer and inner tracks in the second curved portion, respectively.

Abstract: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region, and a detection zone, where the receiving slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream from the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

Abstract: A sample handling system in a multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The sample handling system includes a work surface for supporting a plurality of samples located at a plurality of work surface coordinates and a sample loading assembly comprising a plurality of loading wells. At least one of the loading wells includes a capillary fixedly positioned therein. The system further includes a programmable sample transfer device for automatically transferring a sample from a work surface coordinate to a loading well. The invention further includes methods for using the sample handling system.

Abstract: An electrophoresis system including means for reducing the distortion of a sample zone eluting from a capillary electrophoresis separation capillary is disclosed. The system includes one or more separation capillaries, each separation capillary having an inlet end and an outlet end; a first electrode in electrical communication with the inlet ends of the separation capillaries; a second electrode in electrical communication with the outlet ends of the separation capillaries; and one or more focusing electrodes in electrical communication with the outlet ends of the separation capillaries. In operation, the voltage of each of the electrodes is adjusted such that (i) the sample zone is transported from the inlet end to the outlet end of the separation capillaries and (ii) the distortion of the sample zone eluting from the separation capillaries is reduced.