Abstract: This application describes a method for measuring the molar concentrations of lipoprotein particles and lipoprotein subclass particles in bodily fluid by Multipixel Capillary Isotachophoresis Laser Induced Fluorescence (MPCE-ITP-LIF) and compositional analysis of spherical lipoprotein particles. The ability to measure several kinds of lipoproteins and particles in one unified system provides a useful diagnostic tool for predicting the risk of developing metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and cardiodiabetes.

Abstract: A method for determining the molar concentration of specific lipoprotein particles present in a bodily fluid is presented. Multipixel Capillary Isotachophoresis Laser Induced Fluorescence is applied to fluorescently-labeled lipoproteins or immunologically-labeled apolipoproteins, facilitating quantification of lipoproteins and/or lipid particles and/or their associated apolipoproteins in a sample. The measurements are used to predict the risks of developing, progressing in severity of diseases related to lipoprotein particles, including cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing separation of molecules, in particular biomolecules such as nucleic acids and peptides, are disclosed. The method comprises separating molecules by a first characteristic along a linear dimension of a channel, and separating the molecules by a second characteristic along the same linear dimension, with the rust and second separations being carried out within at least partially overlapping sections of the channel. The two separations may then be combined to give a virtual two-dimensional separation which is carried out in a single dimensional real space. The method may also include detecting molecules during the second separation, preferably using an intrinsic characteristic of the molecules for example UV absorbance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the detection of nucleic acid the method comprising carrying out a PCR reaction in a microfluidic device wherein the sample shuttles within the microfluidic channel and the amount of nucleic acid is determined based on the UV absorption of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: A system for separating biological molecules includes a chip (10) on which there is an electrophoresis separation microchannel (16). At the start of the channel there is an isoelectric focusing section (14) containing a gel having a pH gradient. Molecules to be separated are placed in the focusing section (14) and move to an equilibrium position under the influence of an electric field. The electrophoretic state of the molecules is then changed, and a high voltage potential applied across the entire length of the focusing and separation sections. The molecules migrate under the influence of the electric field from the focusing section into the separation section where their position and velocity are tracked. From a knowledge of position and velocity, a user can determine both charge/mass ratio and isoelectric equilibrium point for each molecule. The gels can be replicated in the chip to allow parallel analysis, and hence comparisons, to take place.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analysing temperature-dependent molecular configurations such as folding comprises a multi-channel flow-through chip (12) along which molecules to be analysed pass. A temperature gradient is maintained along the length of the chip. As molecules pass along the channels they fold or unfold, in response to the changing temperature. These changing molecular configurations are investigated by simultaneously measuring the extent to which the molecules absorb UV light, and the extent to which they fluoresce. The absorption and fluorescence information is supplied to a computer system (26) for real-time analysis.

Abstract: A system for separating biological molecules includes a chip (10) on which there is an electrophoresis separation microchannel (16). At the start of the channel there is an isoelectric focusing section (14) containing a gel having a pH gradient. Molecules to be separated are placed in the focusing section (14) and move to an equilibrium position under the influence of an electric field. The electrophoretic state of the molecules is then changed, and a high voltage potential applied across the entire length of the focusing and separation sections. The molecules migrate under the influence of the electric field from the focusing section into the separation section where their position and velocity are tracked. From a knowledge of position and velocity, a user can determine both charge/mass ratio and isoelectric equilibrium point for each molecule. The gels can be replicated in the chip to allow parallel analysis, and hence comparisons, to take place.

Abstract: A method of imaging molecules of interest within a biological sample includes shining a UV light onto the sample and detecting the molecular UV absorption. Where the molecules of interest are themselves UV absorbers, the intrinsic absorption of those molecules may be used. If the molecules of interest are not good UV absorbers, UV-aborbing tag molecules may be use. The method may be used in molecular imaging devices of all types, and in DNA sequences. A novel diamond-based detector is disclosed which is suitable for many applications.

Abstract: A method of imaging molecules of interest within a biological sample includes shining a UV light onto the sample and detecting the molecular UV absorption. Where the molecules of interest are themselves UV absorbers, the intrinsic absorption of those molecules may be used. If the molecules of interest are not good UV absorbers, UV-absorbing tag molecules may be used. The method may be used in molecular imaging devices of all types, and in DNA sequencers. A novel diamond-based detector is disclosed which is suitable for many applications.