Abstract: A multiplexed, absorbance-based microfabricated chip electrophoresis system, microfabricated chip, and method of use are included for the detection and identification of protein species. The microfabricated chip electrophoresis system capable of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously. The system uses a microfabricated chip having a sample chamber for first dimension separation of a sample, a first planar array of channels for second dimension separation of the sample approximately perpendicular the sample chamber, and a barrier separating the sample chamber from the first planar array of channels during the first dimension separation. In use, the sample is placed into a sample chamber, a barrier is established around the sample chamber, the sample is isoelectric focused within the sample chamber, the barrier is then removed, and the sample separated in the first array of channels by molecular weight.

Abstract: A multiplexed, absorbance-based microfabricated chip electrophoresis system, microfabricated chip, and method of use are included for the detection and identification of protein species. The microfabricated chip electrophoresis system capable of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously. The system uses a microfabricated chip having a sample chamber for first dimension separation of a sample, a first planar array of channels for second dimension separation of the sample approximately perpendicular the sample chamber, and a barrier separating the sample chamber from the first planar array of channels during the first dimension separation. In use, the sample is placed into a sample chamber, a barrier is established around the sample chamber, the sample is isoelectric focused within the sample chamber, the barrier is then removed, and the sample separated in the first array of channels by molecular weight.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-dimensional protein separation method. It makes separating a protein sample by chromatofocusing into a plurality of aliquots, and then loading each aliquot into a separate capillary tube; and separating each aliquot by multiplexed capillary electrophoresis to produce a two-dimensional array of separated proteins. A preferred integrated buffer for this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-dimensional protein separation method. It makes separating a protein sample by chromatofocusing into a plurality of aliquots, and then loading each aliquot into a separate capillary tube; and separating each aliquot by multiplexed capillary electrophoresis to produce a two-dimensional array of separated proteins. A preferred integrated buffer for this system is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for subsecond lysis of selected cells in a cell chamber using a voltage pulse of 10 ms to 10 &mgr;s in duration followed by nearly simultaneous collection of the lysed cellular contents into a capillary electrophoresis tube or other suitable micro-collection device. Cell chambers and capillary electrophoresis tubes configured with electrodes for performing the electrical lysis are described. The influence of variables that govern the rate of cell lysis, such as inter-electrode distance, pulse duration, and pulse strength are also described. The methods are illustrated using fluorophores that are loaded into a cell then collected following electrical lysis, separated by electrophoresis, and then detected by laser-induced fluorescence detection in a capillary electrophoresis system.