Abstract: There is described a device and method for generating gaseous ions of a sample material such as molecules in solution at atmospheric pressure. The device includes a conduit for receiving a solution containing the material to be ionized and form a stream. A jet of gas at supersonic velocity is directed at the stream and interacts therewith. Droplets are formed and by the adiabatic expansion of the gas and vigorous evaporation of the solution gaseous ions are generated. In the method a stream of the sample solution is delivered from a conduit with an electric potential. A gas jet at supersonic velocity interacts with the delivered solution and through the action of adiabatic expansion of the gas and evaporation of the solution gaseous ions are formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides control methods, control systems, and control software for microfluidic devices that operate by moving discrete micro-droplets through a sequence of determined configurations. Such microfluidic devices are preferably constructed in a hierarchical and modular fashion which is reflected in the preferred structure of the provided methods and systems. In particular, the methods are structured into low-level device component control functions, middle-level actuator control functions, and high-level micro-droplet control functions. Advantageously, a microfluidic device may thereby be instructed to perform an intended reaction or analysis by invoking micro-droplet control function that perform intuitive tasks like measuring, mixing, heating, and so forth. The systems are preferably programmable and capable of accommodating microfluidic devices controlled by low voltages and constructed in standardized configurations.

Abstract: An enhanced transfer system that increases the accuracy and sensitivity of a measurement system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the transfer system includes transfer tubing that transports samples from a spray chamber to an ionizer in a mass spectrometer system. The transfer system also includes a transfer gas line that is connected to the transfer tubing. The transfer gas line supplies a gas that assists with the transferring of the samples from the spray chamber to the ionizer. In one embodiment, the transfer gas line is angled relative to a portion of the transfer tubing. In another embodiment, the transfer gas line is perpendicular relative to a portion of the transfer tubing. The injected gas increases the quantity and quality of the samples transferred to the mass spectrometry system, thereby increasing the overall accuracy and sensitivity of the measurement system.

Abstract: Reactors and methods for miniaturized reactions having enhanced reaction kinetics. In particular the subject matter is directed to chemical and biological reactions conducted in a nanoporous membrane environment. The subject matter contemplates methods for modifying the kinetics of reactions and devices for conducting reactions having modified kinetics. The subject matter also provides systems for rapid miniaturized reactions. Further the subject matter includes methods and kits for conducting a reaction with enhanced throughput and methods of conducting miniaturized, high throughput analyses of reaction products, and the like. Reactions performed on or within a nanoporous membrane exhibits improved kinetic characteristics.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, and systems for calibrating a fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. One aspect of the invention is multiple color calibration standards and their use. A multiple color calibration standard is a mixture of at least two polynucleotides of different length, wherein each of the polynucleotides is labeled with a spectrally distinct fluorescent dye. Another aspect of the invention is to produce total emission temporal profiles of multiple color calibration standards for use in calibrating fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus. The peaks corresponding to the fluorescently labeled polynucleotides in the total emission temporal profile may be detected using a peak detector that is driven by changes in the slopes of the total emission temporal profile.

Abstract: A method for electrophoretic separation in separation channels in which the temperature of the channel is repeatedly cycled during the course of the separation.

Abstract: A method to collect a plurality of target zones from a plurality of channels. The method includes introducing a plurality of compound mixtures into a plurality of microchannels on a microfabricated chip or a capillary tube. Optical signal measured at a detector window provides a signal of the position of a target zone. When a target zone has migrated to the location of a detector window, the detector senses an optical signal from the target zone and signals the system to disconnect a driving force from that channel. Once a plurality of zones in a plurality of channels are aligned, the driving force is reconnected and the zones are coeluted into a collection container.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system having a plurality of separation lanes is provided with an automatic color calibration feature in which each lane is separately calibrated. For each lane, a dye matrix standard is created using reference fragments which migrate either before, or after, the sample fragments being electrophoresced, during the same electrophoresis run. These dye standards are detected automatically for the purpose of determining coefficients used to identify sample fragments mixed together with the reference fragments. This allows for calibrating the dye standard matrix for each of a plurality of lanes each time the electrophoresis system is used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for separating components of a sample. The method includes obtaining a first separation of the sample components along a first dimension wherein the sample components are at least partially resolved, wherein the first separation can be performed in the absence of an electric field applied to the first dimension. An electric field is used to obtain a second separation of the sample components along a second dimension comprising a plurality of substantially isolated volumes. An intensity-time data record is obtained from each of the isolated volumes, the intensity-time data records containing peaks, each peak being indicative of a migration time. The migration time of a first peak is normalized with respect to a migration time of at least a second peak to correct for migration time differences between the isolated volumes.

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: Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.

Abstract: A novel class of capillary electrophoresis probes and a method of employing the same are described. The novel class of capillary electrophoresis probes are comprised of one or more vinylogous carboxylic acid compounds or their derivatives. In another aspect of the present invention, a method of detecting ions in water by capillary electrophoresis is provided wherein: water is introduced into a capillary filled with an electrolyte which contains UV absorbing species comprised of one or more vinylogous carboxylic acid compounds. An electric voltage is applied along the capillary to cause ions present in the water to move along the capillary and separate. The ions displace the UV absorbing species and are detected indirectly by a UV/visible light photometric detector.

Abstract: An electrophoretic device separates and detects particles such as DNA fragments, proteins, and the like. The device has a capillary which is coated with a coating with a low refractive index such as Teflon® AF. A sample of particles is fluorescently labeled and injected into the capillary. The capillary is filled with an electrolyte buffer solution. An electrical field is applied across the capillary causing the particles to migrate from a first end of the capillary to a second end of the capillary. A detector light beam is then scanned along the length of the capillary to detect the location of the separated particles. The device is amenable to a high throughput system by providing additional capillaries. The device can also be used to determine the actual size of the particles and for DNA sequencing.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, incident radiation (e.g., from a laser or LED source) for detection of separated analytes is directed at the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone. In one embodiment, incident radiation at one or more wavelengths is directed via at least one optic fiber that extends axially along the separation medium to the proximity of the detection zone. Emitted radiation from the detection zone passes through the boundary walls about the detection zone for off-column detection, and/or is directed axially along the separation medium for on-column detection. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: In a bio-separation system, emitted radiation signals representative of sample analytes are collected from the detection zone axially along the separation medium, instead of through the boundary walls of the detection zone or the separation column. In one embodiment, emitted signals are collected via an optic fiber that extends from the proximity of the detection zone along the detection collar. According to another embodiment, a single dual purpose (excitation and emission) fiber or dual fibers (one for excitation radiation and the other for emitted radiation detection) are incorporated into detection collar. In another aspect of the present invention, the detection zone is located at a widened zone along the separation channel. In a further aspect of the present invention, the optical detection configuration may be scaled up and implemented in a multi-channel CE system that comprises multiple capillary separation channels.

Abstract: The present invention aims at easy and efficient selection of bands present on a lane. A region 502 is set on a display of a lane 503 having a plurality of bands 504 to 508, based on an input cursor 501 of a pointing unit. The bands 506 to 508 within the region 502 are displayed to be in a selection candidate state. The size of the region 502 may be altered by an input of a predetermined key of a keyboard. Along with the size alteration of the region 502, bands to be displayed in the selection candidate state also change. By selecting with the mouse button, a band of interest is accurately selected from the bands in the selection candidate state.

Abstract: Improved sealing for microstructures in microfluidic devices having a plurality of units is provided by providing collars surrounding the openings to the microstructures, such as reservoirs. The collars are protrusions extending from the surface of the devices and the internal walls of the collars generally aligned with the internal walls of the microstructure. Conformable and/or adhesive lids are employed for sealing the microstructures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing nucleic acid (DNA and/or RNA) sequencing on a single molecule. The genetic sequence information is obtained by probing through a DNA or RNA molecule base by base at nanometer scale as though looking through a strip of movie film. This DNA sequencing nanotechnology has the theoretical capability of performing DNA sequencing at a maximal rate of about 1,000,000 bases per second. This enhanced performance is made possible by a series of innovations including: novel applications of a fine-tuned nanometer gap for passage of a single DNA or RNA molecule; thin layer microfluidics for sample loading and delivery; and programmable electric fields for precise control of DNA or RNA movement. Detection methods include nanoelectrode-gated tunneling current measurements, dielectric molecular characterization, and atomic force microscopy/electrostatic force microscopy (AFM/EFM) probing for nanoscale reading of the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: Devices are provided comprising reflecting channels for directing horizontally a vertical light beam through a multiplicity of streams. The devices provide particular applications in microfluidics, where streams of narrow cross-sectional dimensions are involved. Desirably, channels having 45° walls are provided for directing the beams and where the streams are divided by walls, the walls are at substantially 90°. Methods of fabrication of the devices are provided.

Abstract: An integrated optical capillary electrophoresis system for analyzing an analyte. A modulated optical pump beam impinges on an capillary containing the analyte/buffer solution which is separated by electrophoresis. The thermally-induced change in the index of refraction of light in said electrophoresis capillary is monitored using an integrated micro-interferometer. The interferometer includes a first interferometer arm intersecting the electrophoresis capillary proximate the excitation beam and a second, reference interferometer arm. Changes in index of refraction in the analyte measured by interrogating the interferometer state using white light interferometry and a phase-generated carrier demodulation technique. Background thermo-optical activity in the buffer solution is cancelled by splitting the pump beam and exciting pure buffer solution in a second section of capillary where it crosses the reference arm of the interferometer.

Abstract: A method and flow system for controlling the flow of a liquid in a flow system, the liquid flow comprising particles and being led into a channel thereof. The method comprises the steps of enveloping the liquid flow by a flow of carrier liquid, hydrodynamically focussing the particles in the liquid flow providing a measurement signal of the liquid flow from an observation area in the channel, and dividing the liquid flow at a branching point into two or more outlets in response to the measurement signal. The division of the liquid comprises introducing a control liquid from at least one control channel at a merging point or merging area in the channel. The amount of control liquid is controlled by at least one electro-kinetic pump, the pump effect of which is controlled in response to the measurement signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for conducting a microfluidic process and analysis, including at least one elongated microfluidic channel, fluidic transport means for transport of fluids through the microfluidic channel, and at least one thick-film electrode in fluidic connection with the outlet end of the microfluidic channel. The present invention includes an integrated on-chip combination reaction, separation and thick-film electrochemical detection microsystem, for use in detection of a wide range of analytes, and methods for the use thereof.

Abstract: A method of detecting nucleic acid fragments in plural samples is performed by the steps of: attaching an electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in one sample and attaching a different electroconductive label to nucleic acid fragments in another sample; preparing a mixture of these samples; spotting the mixture on an electroconductive microarray having plural electrodes onto which probe molecules complementary to the nucleic acid fragments are fixed, so that hybridization between the nucleic acid fragments and the probe molecules on the electroconductive microarray can proceed to form hybrid structures; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the former label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; applying to the electrode an electric potential corresponding to the oxidation-reduction potential of the latter label and detecting on the electrode an electric current; and comparing the electric current detected in the former de

Abstract: A simple and rugged sheathless interface for capillary electrophoresis/electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (CE/ESI-MS) was designed using common laboratory tools and chemicals. The interface uses a small platinum (Pt) wire which is inserted into the CE capillary through a small hole near the terminus. The position of the wire inside the CE capillary and within the buffer solution is analogous to standard CE separation operations where the terminus of the CE capillary is placed inside a buffer reservoir along with a grounded platinum electrode. By combining the use of the in-capillary electrode interface with sharpening of the fused silica tip of the CE capillary outlet, a stable electrospray current was maintained for an extended period of time. The design was successfully applied to CE/ESI-MS separations and analysis of mixtures of peptides and proteins. A detection limit of approximately 4 femtomole (S/N=3) was achieved for detection of myoglobin utilizing a 75 ?m-i.d.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system having a plurality of separation lanes is provided with an automatic calibration feature in which each lane is separately calibrated. For each lane, the calibration coefficients map a spectrum of received channel intensities onto values reflective of the relative likelihood of each of a plurality of dyes being present. Individual peaks, reflective of the influence of a single dye, are isolated from among the various sets of detected light intensity spectra, and these can be used to both detect the number of dye components present, and also to establish exemplary vectors for the calibration coefficients which may then be clustered and further processed to arrive at a calibration matrix for the system. The system of the present invention thus permits one to use different dye sets to tag DNA nucleotides in samples which migrate in separate lanes, and also allows for in-situ calibration with new, previously unused dye sets.

Abstract: An on-column detector for electrophoresis samples based on the principles of potential gradient detection, in which the electrodes for detection are physically isolated from the electrophoretic separation process, but maintains the same electrical potential as the corresponding interior of the electrophoretic separation channel. Potential gradient detection is used to measure the applied electrical field at two points within the electrophoretic channel during electrophoresis. When sample components with conductivity different from the electrophoretic medium passes between these two points, it causes a change in the potential gradient between the two points, which would be sensed by the sensing electrodes of the detector and registered by a data acquisition system. The apparatus can make use of conventional separation channel as well as separation channels on microchips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a DNA base sequencing system having a compact, simple and convenient structure. In one embodiment of the present invention, a reaction chamber module for pyrosequencing in which a multiple number of reaction vessels (reaction chambers) 10 and reagent-introducing narrow tubes 6 are integrated is formed in a device board 5. Reagents held in reagent reservoirs 1, 2, 3 and 4 mounted separately from this reaction chamber module are introduced into the reaction vessels 10 via reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6. The reagent-introducing narrow tubes (capillaries) 6 at the area of 2 cm from the reaction vessels 10 are structured with narrow capillaries having an inner diameter of about 0.1 mm and the conductance of these capillaries for the reagent solution determines the injection speed of the solution. Using the present invention, many kinds of DNAs can be analyzed simultaneously.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis-based method of screening complex materials for any unidentified affinity ligand that binds to a target of interest. The method subjects a plug of a mixture of the target and a complex material sample, and a separate plug of a known, tight-binding competitive ligand, to capillary electrophoresis under conditions optimized to allow mingling of the two plugs during the capillary electrophoresis run. Preferably, migration of the competitive ligand is tracked.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sensing and measuring optically active material in a sample, comprising:

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for moving charged molecules through a medium by the application of a plurality of electrical fields of sufficient strength and applied for sufficient amounts of time so as to move the charged molecules through the medium. The devices although preferably small in size, preferably generate large numbers (100 or more) of electrical fields to a movement area which preferably contains a liquid buffered or gel medium. Mixtures of charged molecules are pulled through the gel by the force of the electrical fields. The fields are preferably activated simultaneously or sequentially one after another at various speeds to create complex force field distributions or moving field waves along the separation medium. Charged molecules capable of moving quickly through the gel will be moved along by the faster moving field waves and be separated from slower moving molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods, compositions, and systems for calibrating a fluorescent polynucleotide separation apparatus.

Abstract: A multiplexed, absorbance-based electrophoresis system for analyzing multiple samples simultaneously without use of a mask or slit comprising a light source, a planar array of capillary tubes and a detector positioned off-axis with the light source and positioned on-axis with and parallel to the planar array of capillary tubes. Another embodiment includes a vent valve directly attached to the reservoir manifold for venting pressure from the reservoir. Other embodiments include vacuum attached to the capillary tubes to increase the speed of detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection cell that comprises a body having a first end that defines a first opening, a second end that defines a second opening, and an internal surface that defines an interior cavity that fluidly connects the first opening and the second opening; wherein the interior cavity is capable of holding a support matrix for receiving a chemical species through the first opening, passing the chemical species through the interior cavity, and discharging the chemical species through the second opening; and wherein at least two portions of the body are capable of providing a first and a second guiding region each having an index of refraction less than that of the support matrix. A system utilizing the detection cell of the present invention is also provided. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for guiding light through a support matrix through which a chemical species is passing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analyzing implement (1) having a capillary for movement of a specimen liquid. The capillary has inner surfaces (21c, 32c) provided with a first and a second opposed electrodes opposed to each other. The implement (1) includes, for example, a substrate (20), a cover (40) and a spacer (30) between the substrate (20) and the cover (40). In this case, the capillary is provided by the substrate (20), the cover (40) and the spacer (30). Preferably, capillary forming surfaces (31c, 32c) of the spacer (30) are electrically conductive, in which case the surfaces (31c, 32c) provide the first and the second electrodes.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a high throughput capillary electrophoresis (CE) system, which comprises multiple mobile CE detector modules that are transportable by a programmable fluid-handling arm assembly to fixed samples in microtiter plate wells for analysis. The CE system of the invention is capable of simultaneously automating sample preparation and multiple CE analysis of the sample in a continuous timely process. The CE detector modules of the invention may be equipped with any suitable detection method, such as an ultraviolet (UV) absorbance or a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) detector.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis system comprises capillaries positioned in parallel to each other forming a plane. The capillaries are configured to allow samples to migrate. A light source is configured to illuminate the capillaries and the samples therein. This causes the samples to emit light. A lens is configured to receive the light emitted by the samples and positioned directly over a first group of the capillaries and obliquely over a second group of the capillaries. The light source is further configured to illuminate the second group of capillaries more than the first group of the capillaries such that amount of light received by the lens from the first group of capillaries is substantially identical to amount of light received from the second group of capillaries when an identical amount of the samples is migrating through the first and second group capillaries.

Abstract: Provided is a method for determining a zeta potential generated between a solid wall and a solution. The method includes (a) injecting an electrolyte solution into a first inlet of a T channel, which is provided with first and second inlet electrodes and a grounded outlet electrode, and a mixed solution of the electrolyte solution and a fluorescent dye into a second channel of the T channel and maintaining a steady-state of the two solutions; (b) applying a direct current electric field from the first and second electrodes to the outlet electrode to form an interface between the electrolyte solution and the mixed solution; (c) applying an alternating current electric field from one of the two inlet electrodes to the outlet electrode to oscillate the interface; and (d) measuring an amplitude of oscillation of the interface and determining the zeta potential from the standard relationship between the zeta potential and the amplitude.

Abstract: Impedance measurements between the electrodes in an electric field is utilized to detect the presence of pathogens trapped in the electric field. Since particles trapped in a field using the dielectiphoretic force changes the impedance between the electrodes by changing the dielectric material between the electrodes, the degree of particle trapping can be determined by measuring the impedance. This measurement is used to determine if sufficient pathogen have been collected to analyze further or potentially to identify the pathogen.

Abstract: To economically perform preparatory chromatography, a plurality of pumps each having a corresponding one of a plurality of pistons and a corresponding one of a plurality of cylinders are driven by one motor to draw and pump solvent simultaneously into corresponding columns. To form a gradient, the pumps are connected to two-way valves that are connected alternately to a first solvent and a second solvent, whereby the time said valve is in a first position controls the amount of solvent drawn from the first reservoir into said pumps and the amount of time in said second position controls the amount of said second solvent drawn from the second reservoir into said pumps and the solvent is mixed in the pumping systems. The detectors are photodiodes mounted to light guides in the flow cells that generate signals related to light absorbance and communicate with a controller, whereby the controller receives signals indicating solute between the light guides and causes collection of solute.

Abstract: A majority of E. faecalis and E. faecium clinical isolates fall into two groups and three groups, respectively. Distinct antigens are associate with each of the five groups. The Enterococcus antigens are readily obtained from strains of E. faecalis and E. faecium, and can elicit production of protective antibodies. Accordingly, the antigens are useful for vaccines which protect against infection by clinically significant (pathogenic) Enterococcus isolates. The antigens and antibodies generated to the antigens are also useful in diagnostic assays.

Abstract: A method for electrophoretic separation in separation channels in which the temperature of the channel is repeatedly cycled during the course of the separation.

Abstract: An analyser comprises a substrate (20) of diamond, sapphire or a polymer material; an array (10) of elongate capillary channels formed in the substrate; means (40) for driving a sample to be tested along one or more of the channels whereby the velocities of components of the sample along the channels depends on the relative molecular weights of those components; and a radiation source (100) and a radiation detector (30) disposed on either side of the channel array so as to detect the presence of material in the channels as interruptions in the radiation path between the radiation source and the radiation detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides microdevices, such as those used in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological fields, including an integrated memory. According to various embodiments, the integrated memory is readable, writable, and rewritable. The present invention further provides processing stations, e.g., for carrying out electrophoresis, pcr, genetic analysis, sample preparation, and/or sample cleanup, etc., that are capable of reading from and/or writing/rewriting to such memory.

Abstract: A mutiplexed enzyme assay method and substrate set for performing the method are disclosed. The method includes performing a plurality of enzyme reactions in the presence of a plurality of enzymes substrates, under conditions effective to convert an enzyme substrate to a corresponding product, where the product of each substrate and the substrate have different separation characteristics from each other and from the other substrates and their corresponding products. After performing the reactions, which may be carried out in separate or combined reactions, the substrates and products in said reactions are separated in a single separation medium. For each separated product and substrate, a separation characteristic effective to identify that product and substrate and a signal related to the amount of the product and substrate is detected. From this, one can determine the amount of substrate converted to the corresponding product in each of the reactions.

Abstract: In a method for controlling sample introduction in microcolumn separation techniques, more particularly in capillary electrophoresis (CE), where a sample is injected as a sample plug into a sampling device which comprises at least a channel for the electrolyte buffer and a supply and drain channel for the sample. The supply and drain channels discharge into the electolyte channel at respective supply and drain ports. The distance between the supply port and the drain port geometrically defines a sample volume. The injection of the sample plug into the electrolyte channel is accomplished electrokinetically by applying an electric field across the supply and drain channels for a time at least long enough that the sample component having the lowest electrophoretic mobility is contained within the geometrically defined volume. The supply and drain channels each are inclined to the electrolyte channel. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: An electrophoresis member is produced by laying a plurality of capillaries on an adhesive layer born on a support layer to form a capillary layer, laminating thereon a second support layer, and partially removing the first support layer, the first adhesive layer and the second support layer to partially expose the capillaries to form a window portion for irradiation and detection and a sample injection portion for injecting a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a mixture of sample substances comprises a fluid-guiding structure wherein the sample substances are moving essentially in one dimension along the structure and are subject to at least two separation mechanisms, such as capillary electrochromatography (CEC) and capillary zone electrophoresis using high voltage. The signals from a detection means are supplied to a signal processing means, which derives a parameter therefrom which in turn is used to derive improved measuring results for each of the separation results associated with the various separation mechanisms, respectively. The apparatus can be used for protein analysis, for example in combination with a mass spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated methods, systems, and apparatuses for protein separation and analysis. In particular, the present invention provides an automated system for the separation, identification, and characterization of protein samples. The present invention thus provides improved methods for the separation and analysis of samples containing a plurality of proteins (e.g., cells).