Abstract: A method and system for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) of a reversible binding pair of a first compound and a second compound. The method comprises: injecting a sample into a capillary tube via one or more valves, wherein the sample comprises the first compound, the second compound, and a first compound-second compound complex; injecting a mobile phase into the capillary tube via said one or more valves, the sample flowing through the capillary tube under laminar flow conditions, wherein the second compound and the first compound-second compound complex is separated from the first compound by transverse diffusion; measuring time dependence of a signal that is proportional to the concentration of the first compound, both unbound and bound to the second compound using a measurement component; and determining the equilibrium dissociation constant based on the measured signal versus time dependence.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the dissociation constant (Kd) of a reversible binding pair of a first compound and a second compound. The method comprises: injecting a sample into a capillary tube via one or more valves, wherein the sample comprises the first compound, the second compound, and a first compound-second compound complex; injecting a mobile phase into the capillary tube via said one or more valves, the sample flowing through the capillary tube under laminar flow conditions, wherein the second compound and the first compound-second compound complex is separated from the first compound by transverse diffusion; measuring time dependence of a signal that is proportional to the concentration of the first compound, both unbound and bound to the second compound using a measurement component; and determining the equilibrium dissociation constant based on the measured signal versus time dependence.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aptamer or pool of aptamers (nucleic acid sequences) that bind(s) to a target molecule on the surface, accessible from the surface or inside of a mammalian sperm cell and a method for producing the aptamers. The method comprises contacting a collection of different nucleic acid molecules with the target molecule under conditions favorable for binding between at least one of the nucleic acid molecules and the target molecule, to form at least one complex comprising the nucleic acid molecule bound to the target molecule, wherein each of the nucleic acid molecules comprises at least one segment of randomized nucleotide sequences. The complexes are then separated from the unbound nucleic acid molecules and unbound target molecules, and the bound nucleic acid molecule is recovered from the separated complex. The aptamers are used to separate sperm cells based upon sperm cell qualities, such as whether the cells contain X chromosomes or Y chromosomes.

Abstract: There is provided an electrophoresis device. The device includes a chamber, for containing liquid medium, the liquid medium including a flowing separation medium, carrying a sample, a pair of opposing electrodes for generating an electric field, with effect that the generated electric field effects spatial separation of the sample into sample fractions and, with respect to at least one of the electrodes, also effects generation of gaseous material from the liquid medium disposed at, or substantially at, an operative electrode surface of the electrode, with effect that the generated gaseous material becomes, at least initially, disposed within the liquid medium, wherein the generated gaseous material includes at least one generated gaseous compound, and at least one outlet for collecting a sample fraction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aptamer or pool of aptamers (nucleic acid sequences) that bind(s) to a target molecule on the surface, accessible from the surface or inside of a mammalian sperm cell and a method for producing the aptamers. The method comprises contacting a collection of different nucleic acid molecules with the target molecule under conditions favorable for binding between at least one of the nucleic acid molecules and the target molecule, to form at least one complex comprising the nucleic acid molecule bound to the target molecule, wherein each of the nucleic acid molecules comprises at least one segment of randomized nucleotide sequences. The complexes are then separated from the unbound nucleic acid molecules and unbound target molecules, and the bound nucleic acid molecule is recovered from the separated complex. The aptamers are used to separate sperm cells based upon sperm cell qualities, such as whether the cells contain X chromosomes or Y chromosomes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Non-Equilibrium Capillary Electrophoresis of Equilibrium Mixtures (NECEEM) method and NECEEM-based practical applications. The NECEEM method is a homogeneous technique, which, in contrast to heterogeneous methods, does not require affixing molecules to a solid substrate. The method of the invention facilitates 3 practical applications. In the first application, the method allows the finding of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of complex formation. It advantageously allows for revealing two parameters, the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, and the monomolecular rate constant of complex decay, koff, in a single experiment. In the second practical application, the method of this invention provides an approach for quantitative affinity analysis of target molecules. It advantageously allows for the use of affinity probes with relatively high values of koff.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aptamer or pool of aptamers that bind(s) to a target molecule on the surface of a mammalian sperm cell and a method for producing the aptamers. The method comprises contacting a collection of different nucleic acid molecules with the target molecule under conditions favorable for binding between at least one of the nucleic acid molecules and the target molecule, to form at least one complex comprising the nucleic acid molecule bound to the target molecule, wherein each of the nucleic acid molecules comprises at least one segment of randomized nucleotide sequences. The complexes are then separated from the unbound nucleic acid molecules and unbound target molecules, and the bound nucleic acid molecule is recovered from the separated complex. The aptamers are used to separate sperm cells based upon sperm cell qualities, such as whether the cells contain X chromosomes or Y chromosomes.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Non-Equilibrium Capillary Electrophoresis of Equilibrium Mixtures (NECEEM) method and NECEEM-based practical applications. The NECEEM method is a homogeneous technique, which, in contrast to heterogeneous methods, does not require affixing molecules to a solid substrate. The method of the invention facilitates 3 practical applications. In the first application, the method allows the finding of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of complex formation. It advantageously allows for revealing two parameters, the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, and the monomolecular rate constant of complex decay, koff, in a single experiment. In the second practical application, the method of this invention provides an approach for quantitative affinity analysis of target molecules. It advantageously allows for the use of affinity probes with relatively high values of koff.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for mixing three or more fluids inside a capillary. The present invention further provides a method for optimizing efficient mixing of two or more fluids inside a capillary, and a computer-readable medium for use by a processor to carry out this method. Additionally, the present invention provides an automated system for mixing two or more fluids inside a capillary. Also provided is a system for optimizing efficient mixing of two or more fluids inside a capillary.

Abstract: The invention discloses a Non-Equilibrium Capillary Electrophoresis of Equilibrium Mixtures (NECEEM) method and NECEEM-based practical applications. The NECEEM method is a homogeneous technique, which, in contrast to heterogeneous methods, does not require affixing molecules to a solid substrate. The method of the invention facilitates 3 practical applications. In the first application, the method allows the finding of kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of complex formation. It advantageously allows for revealing two parameters, the equilibrium dissociation constant, Kd, and the monomolecular rate constant of complex decay, koff, in a single experiment. In the second practical application, the method of this invention provides an approach for quantitative affinity analysis of target molecules. It advantageously allows for the use of affinity probes with relatively high values of koff.