Abstract: This invention provides a capillary electrophoresis device in which capillaries are thermally regulated on a thermally responsive electrical path attached to an electrically insulating circuit board. This invention also provides an optical scanner useful for scanning an array of capillaries. A laser, optical detector and optical selector are in an arrangement that allows the optical detector to selectively detect an optical signal from any one or more of the plurality of electrophoresis capillaries.

Abstract: A sample (14) is supplied into a sample reservoir (8) (see (A)). A voltage is applied by an electrode (20) to introduce the sample into a capillary (6) filled with a separation medium (see (B)). A liquid (16) for replacement having a larger specific gravity than the sample (14) is supplied into the sample reservoir (8), and the sample (14) remaining in the sample reservoir (8) is replaced with the liquid (16) for replacement (see (C)).

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of separation of compounds by electrophoresis in which the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely as samples are introduced directly into the separation tubes of the chip at the collection site, and therefore, it is not necessary to have separate fluid paths or individual sample storing apparatus that have been necessary for the conventional electrophoresis; it is easy to make the chips as the structure of the chip becomes extremely simple, and high-density arrangement of the separation tubes is enabled; and further, the compounds such as genes, proteins, etc. may be analyzed very precisely without interference in the storage tubs by using a non-polar solvent as the solvent of the sample storage tub.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a capillary electrophoresis apparatus comprising a plurality of separation micro-channels. A sample loading channel communicates with each of the plurality of separation channels. A driver circuit comprising a plurality of electrodes is configured to induce an electric field across each of the plurality of separation channels sufficient to cause analytes in the samples to migrate along each of the channels. The system further comprises a plurality of detectors configured to detect the analytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting nucleic acids, wherein a sample to be analyzed for the presence of nucleic acids is separated by capillary electrophoresis. The conditions of sample injection and separation allow for an extremely high sensitivity of the method, which can be applied, e.g. for quality control purposes in the determination or the presence, quantity and/or size of genomic DNA contaminants in samples comprising proteins for therapy or vaccination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for injecting a sample during electrophoresis, that generally comprise: loading a sieving matrix through a first end of a separation channel; having the an end of the sieving matrix at a set distance from the intersection of the separation channel and a loading channel; pressure loading a sample through the loading channel and filling an empty portion of the separation channel; applying an electric field across the separation channel while flowing a washing buffer through the loading channel; and injecting a portion of the sample into the separation channel, wherein the portion of the sample injected is of a size that is determined by a distance between the end of the sieving matrix and the intersection of the loading and separation channels.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for sequencing a template polynucleotide comprising a sequence of interest are provided herein. The compositions and methods employ at least one blocking probe that is designed to bind in a sequence-specific manner to a blocking sequence such that primer extension beyond the site where the blocking probe binds is reduced or prevented.

Abstract: An injection system including a first electrical circuit for concentration of an analyte and a second electrical circuit for injection of the concentrated analyte into an electrophoretic device is described, as well as methods of using the injection system.

Abstract: A method for separating the constituents of a mixture M by electrophoresis in a single capillary includes (A) separating compounds of the mixture M in a single capillary according to the capillary electrophoresis technique; (B) isolating a fraction F of the compounds thus separated by evacuating part of the compounds having the highest migration speeds from the capillary and/or evacuating part of the compounds having the lowest migration speeds from the capillary; (C) introducing a separating medium MS having a higher migration speed than the compounds of the isolated fraction F into the capillary containing the isolated fraction F, and (D) the compounds contained in fraction F are separated in the new electrophoretic conditions thus obtained.

Abstract: An arrangement for two-dimensional separation of a complex analyte mixture is provided comprising a first separation device for the separation in a first dimension and a second device for the separation in the second dimension. In the area of the interface between the first and the second device a concentration zone is arranged for concentrating the individual sample fractions or components, respectively, leaving the first device before introduction into the second device. The concentration zone is defined in a segment between two or more electrodes seen in flow direction of the sample or sample fractions to be separated. The concentration is achieved by applying a voltage between two electrodes with polarity opposite to the charge of the components of the fraction, sufficiently strong to win the dragging force of the hydrodynamic flow. The introduction into the second device is carried out by turning off the potential difference between the electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a quantitative analysis method for microRNAs, wherein a fluorescence-labeled DNA probe, which is equinumerous and completely complementary to a microRNA, hybridize with the microRNA. The products of hybridization include the fluorescence-labeled DNA probe containing 22 nucleotides and the probe-microRNA duplex containing 22 base pairs. The products of hybridization is introduced into a capillary by the pressure difference between two ends of the capillary and the siphon effect and separated by electrophoresis. A laser is used to induce fluorescence from the products of hybridization. Then, the intensities of fluorescence are measured and analyzed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for size separation of proteins by capillary sieving electrophoresis with cationic surfactant, suitable for molecular-weight determination of proteins in the range between about 14,000 and 500,000, further a composition of a separation medium and of a denaturing solution for said method. In a preferred embodiment, the separation medium comprises a buffer having pH between about 3 and 5.5, a neutral hydrophilic sieving polymer, and between about 0.5 and 30 g/L cationic surfactant.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a microfluidic device which recreates important features of the human microcirculation on a microscope stage. In certain embodiments of the invention, the clinical scenario associated with ‘sickle cell crisis’ whereby blood vessels are occluded in various organs causing pain and tissue damage can be recreated. In certain embodiments, one can use a device of the invention to study the processes that lead to crisis, and screen therapies (such as small molecules) that might be used to prevent crisis. Further, certain embodiments of the invention allow one to study and screen therapies for a range of human blood disorders, such as hereditary spherocytosis, disorders of white blood cells, such as Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia or leukocytosis, disorders of blood platelets and coagulation, such as hemophilia A and B, activated protein C resistance, and essential thrombocythemia.

Abstract: The invention herein provides improved sample injection systems and related methods to create microfluidic devices with symmetrical channel configurations that can produce relatively large sample volumes. An embodiment of the invention provides microfluidic structures with different geometries that are symmetrical from the perspective of a sample load channel and a sample waste channel, which essentially eliminates issues of time offset and other problems commonly associated with twin-T sample formation techniques. A split-injection approach and related methods of sample plug formation are therefore provided.

Abstract: Microfluidic systems and methods can dispense single or multiple fluid particles (such as a gas or other fluid bubble) or an encapsulated particle (e.g., a bead or biological cell) into a microchannel.

Abstract: Methods and systems for injecting a sample during electrophoresis, that generally comprise: loading a sieving matrix through a first end of a separation channel; having the an end of the sieving matrix at a set distance from the intersection of the separation channel and a loading channel; pressure loading a sample through the loading channel and filling an empty portion of the separation channel; applying an electric field across the separation channel while flowing a washing buffer through the loading channel; and injecting a portion of the sample into the separation channel, wherein the portion of the sample injected is of a size that is determined by a distance between the end of the sieving matrix and the intersection of the loading and separation channels.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis device comprises a loading channel, an injection channel, and a separation channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The injection channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection. The separation channel is connected to the injection channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first and second reservoir, and wherein the injection channel is in fluid communication with a third reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the third reservoir, and the first reservoir and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the third reservoir and form a sample plug in the second intersection, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: A microchip for capillary electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well disposed on a first end of the separation channel; wherein the injection channel and the separation channel intersect to form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip further comprises a first valve disposed adjacent to the ‘T’ junction and on the separation channel and a second valve disposed at the ‘T’ junction. The second valve is a two-way valve. A sample plug is injected into an area between the ‘T’ junction and a second end of the separation channel.

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 electrophoresis chip that can be small and simple and that can analyze a sample with high accuracy is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, an introduction reservoir 2a, a recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1. The introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x. The introduction reservoir 2a receives a sample to be measured. The sample is electrophoretically introduced directly into the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x by creating a potential difference between the introduction reservoir 2a and the recovery reservoir 2b, and is also analyzed in the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x during the separation of the sample while the sample is being continuously supplied.

Abstract: A channel (12) is formed inside a transparent substrate (11), and the two ends are respectively connected to a sample inlet (13) and a separation medium filling port (14) both open to outside, and a sample outlet (15) which is open to outside is provided on the channel (12). The portion between the sample inlet (13) and the sample outlet (15) is a separation channel portion (12a), and the portion between the sample outlet (15) and the separation medium filling port (14) is a separation medium introduction channel portion (12b). A separation medium supplier is connected to the separation medium filling port (14) and the separation medium introduction channel portion (12b) is filled with a separation medium. Then a sample is dropped to the sample inlet (13), with the sample medium supplier still connected, to introduce the sample to the separation channel portion (12a). And then, buffer liquid is poured in buffer reservoirs (16) and (17) and a migration voltage is applied to perform a migration analysis.

Abstract: A sample plate assembly for an electrophoresis apparatus including a tray at a sample supply portion of a capillary array, an adapter for the tray, a sample plate mounted on the adapter, a septer mounted on the sample plate and a septer holder mounted on the septer. Thereby, many number of samples can be automatically supplied to capillaries in a multi capillary array.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for processing biological material which at least comprises a chamber at least closable to the outside and having an inner space for receiving the biological material. The chamber comprises at least one electrode placed in contact with the inner space for generating an electric field. Also disclosed is a method for processing biological material. The biological material is introduced into the inner space above and the electrode can generate an electric field after said biological material is introduced by applying voltage to said electrode and a further electrode in contact with the inner space. The chamber comprises at least one inlet line having at least one opening arranged close to the electrode. The biological material is almost completely rinsed out of the inner space after the electric field is generated, via a solution guided via an inlet line of the chamber along at least one electrode.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems and methods comprise an electrophoresis device, wherein the electrophoresis comprises a loading channel, a separation channel, and an injection channel. The loading channel is in fluid communication with a first and second sample port. The separation channel is connected to the loading channel to form a first intersection, and an injection channel connected to the separation channel to form a second intersection and in fluid communication with a first reservoir, and wherein the separation channel is in fluid communication with a second reservoir. The electrophoresis system further comprises two electrodes coupled to the first sample port and the first reservoir, and the first sample port and the second reservoir, respectively, that are adapted to move the sample into the loading channel towards the first reservoir and form a sample plug in the separation channel, and to further move the sample plug into the separation channel towards the second reservoir.

Abstract: A microfluidic device 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 electrolyte 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. Means are provided for electrokinetically injecting the sample into the sample volume.

Abstract: The processing apparatus for microchips, each at least having a main flow path performing migration of a sample for analysis inside a sheet-like member, comprises a holding part holding microchips so that the multiple main flow paths are provided; a pretreatment part common to the multiple main flow paths for performing a pretreatment step prior to an analysis step in each of the multiple main flow paths; a processing part for performing analysis in each of the main flow paths independently of the others; and a control part controlling an operation in the pretreatment part so that when a pretreatment step for one main flow path ends, a pretreatment for a next main flow path starts and further controlling an operation in the processing part so that an analysis is subsequently performed for the main flow path where the pretreatment step has ended.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high-density parallel channel design for a microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis chip, with vertical T or double T design for sample injection. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a closed buffer reservoirs with integrated electrodes and buffer feeding ports. Also disclosed are novel sample loading and injection methods, including the use of using either a capillary array connected to an electrode, or an array of metal pens as the loader/electrode.

Abstract: The invention provides for devices and methods for interfacing microchips to cartridges and pneumatic manifolds. The cartridges, microchips, and pneumatic manifolds can be integrated with downstream preparation devices, such as thermal regulating devices and separation and analysis devices.

Abstract: A sample (14) is supplied into a sample reservoir (8) (see (A)). A voltage is applied by an electrode (20) to introduce the sample into a capillary (6) filled with a separation medium (see (B)). A liquid (16) for replacement having a larger specific gravity than the sample (14) is supplied into the sample reservoir (8), and the sample (14) remaining in the sample reservoir (8) is replaced with the liquid (16) for replacement (see (C)).

Abstract: After a sample is previously separated into plural components in a channel formed in a microchip (353), the channel is irradiated along a separation direction with a laser beam from a laser oscillator (361) to sequentially ionize each fraction separated in the channel. The ionized fraction is detected by a mass spectrometry unit (363) and analyzed by an analytical result analyzing unit (371). The analytical result is stored in a memory (369) while associated with position information in a driver control unit (367) and information on laser beam irradiation condition in a laser control unit (373), and the analytical result is imaged by an imaging unit (375). The imaged analytical result is displayed on a display (377).

Abstract: A kit for optically detecting proteins, in particular lipoproteins, in a sample, the kit comprising: a chip for performing a separation of the proteins, in particular of the lipoproteins, wherein the chip comprises at least one well for receiving the sample, and a separation channel coupled to the at least one well and being adapted for separating different compounds and a marker dye which contains a polymethine of the general formula (I) wherein Z is a substituted derivative of benzooxazole, benzodiazole, 2,3,3-trimethylindolinine, 2,3,3-trimethyl-4,5-benzo-3H-indolinine, 3- and 4-picoline, lipidine, chinadine and 9-methylacridine derivatives with the general formula IIa or IIb or IIc and wherein X is selected from the group consisting of O, S, Si, N-alkyl and C(alkyl)2, n is 0, 1 , 2 or 3, R1 to R14 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, linear or branched alkenyl, cycloalkenyl, aryl, heteroaryl, heterocycle, hydroxy, carboxy, amine, alkyl-substituted am

Abstract: A microchip for capillary electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well disposed on a first end of the separation channel; wherein the injection channel and the separation channel intersect to form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip further comprises a first valve disposed adjacent to the ‘T’ junction and on the separation channel and a second valve disposed at the ‘T’ junction. The second valve is a two-way valve. A sample plug is injected into an area between the ‘T’ junction and a second end of the separation channel.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip comprising a separation channel configured to receive a sieving matrix and a buffer and an injection channel in fluid communication with the separation channel. The injection channel is configured to receive a sample using a capillary force and a portion of the sample injects into the separation channel electro-kinetic force exerted on the sample.

Abstract: A microchip for electrophoresis is provided. The microchip comprises an injection channel and a separation channel configured to receive a sample through a sample well. The injection channel and the separation channel form a ‘T’ junction. The microchip comprises a first electrode disposed at a first end of the separation channel, a second electrode disposed in front of the ‘T’ junction and adjacent to the first electrode, a third electrode disposed at a first end of the injection channel and a fourth electrode disposed at a second end of the separation channel. A portion of the sample is injected and separated into an area between the ‘T’ junction and the fourth electrode.

Abstract: The invention features microfluidic devices that contain structures that impart differential resistance to a fluid flow. The structures are disposed adjacent to intersections of channels. Devices of the invention provide differential resistance, e.g., under electric-field-driven flow and pressure-driven flow.

Abstract: Methods and microfluidic circuitry for inline injection of nucleic acids for capillary electrophoresis analysis are provided. According to various embodiments, microfabricated structures including affinity-based capture matrixes inline with separation channels are provided. The affinity-based capture matrixes provide inline sample plug formation and injection into a capillary electrophoresis channel. Also provided are methods and apparatuses for a microbead-based inline injection system for DNA sequencing.

Abstract: Methods for detecting one or more analytes, such as a protein, in a fluid path are provided. The methods include resolving, immobilizing and detecting one or more analytes in a fluid path, such as a capillary. Also included are devices and kits for performing such assays.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic method for continuous pressure-driven flow injection analysis and a planar microfluidic device intended for pressure driven flow injection analysis are provided. A network of microchannels allows a continuous flow of sample stream on the devices, as well as facile and reproducible analyte plug injection to a reagent or buffer stream on microchip-based devices. The method allows for sequent separation analysis without additional purging cycles.

Abstract: An automated capillary zone electrophoretic system is disclosed. The system employs a capillary cartridge having a plurality of capillary tubes. The cartridge has a first array of capillary ends projecting from one side of a plate. The first array of capillary ends are spaced apart in substantially the same manner as the wells of a microtitre tray of standard size. This allows one to simultaneously perform capillary electrophoresis on samples present in each of the wells of the tray. The system includes a stacked, dual carrousel arrangement to eliminate cross-contamination resulting from reuse of the same buffer tray on consecutive executions from electrophoresis. The system also has a container connected to the detection end of the capillaries. The container is provided with valving which facilitate cleaning the capillaries, loading buffer into the capillaries, introducing samples to be electrophoresced into the capillaries, and performing capillary zone electrophoresis on the thus introduced samples.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for the separation of proteins, comprising a capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2) for primarily separating protein samples on the basis of pi; and a hollow fiber flow field flow fractionation unit (4), connected to one side of the capillary isoelectric focusing unit (2), for secondarily separating the protein samples. The apparatus allows proteins to be separated on the basis of pi and molecular weight without denaturation and can further be applied for the identification of proteins in conjunction with nanoflow liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry after enzymatic digestion of the protein fractions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electrophoresis in a separation chamber, the method involving introduction of one or more counterflow media of at least two differing properties through multiple counterflow medium inlets into the separation chamber, to provide improved collection of fractionated samples.

Abstract: A multi-compartment microfluidic device for enabling fluidic isolation among interconnected compartments and accomplishing centrifugal positioning and/or patterned substrate positioning of biological specimens. Includes micropatterned substrate coupled with optically transparent housing allowing imaging. Housing includes microfluidic region having entry reservoir for accepting first volume of fluid and additional microfluidic region(s) having a second entry reservoir for accepting second volume of fluid less than first volume of fluid to create hydrostatic pressure. A barrier region that couples the microfluidic region with the second microfluidic region enables biological specimen(s) to extend across the microfluidic, barrier region and second microfluidic region. The barrier region includes embedded microgroove(s) having width and height enabling second volume of fluid to be fluidically isolated from first volume of fluid via hydrostatic pressure maintained via the embedded microgroove(s).

Abstract: A method of discharging a fluid flow with suspended microparticles from a fluidic microsystem (10) is described, whereby the fluid flow converges with at least one output flow to form a discharge flow at the end of a discharge channel (14) of the microsystem, and the discharge flow is delivered through a conduction element (19). A microsystem with a flow output device for implementation of this method is also described.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus is generally disclosed for sequentially analyzing a single sample or multiple samples having one or more analytes in high or low concentrations. The apparatus comprises a relatively large-bore transport capillary which intersects with a plurality of small-bore separation capillaries and includes a valve system. Analyte concentrators, having antibody-specific (or related affinity) chemistries, are stationed at the respective intersections of the transport capillary and separation capillaries to bind one or more analytes of interest. The apparatus allows the performance of two or more dimensions for the optimal separation of analytes. The apparatus may also include a plurality of valves surrounding each of the analyte concentrators to localize each of the concentrators to improve the binding of one or more analytes of interest.

Abstract: An electrophoresis analysis method and apparatus capable of maintaining high reliability upon a repeated use of the same gel. A heat transfer medium selected from the group consisting of solids, liquids and gels is filled in substantially all of the gaps between the electrode and each capillary. A hollow electrode into which a capillary is inserted has a plurality of retaining shapes such that the capillary can be fixed at the center of the electrode. The heat from the capillary can be efficiently dissipated via the electrode, and also the temperature increase in the capillary can be prevented. Further, temperature increases due to the heating of the capillaries during operation can be controlled and thereby thermal deterioration of the gel can be prevented.

Abstract: A system and method for capillary electrophoresis are provided for analyzing a macromolecule prepared from a complex liquid mixture. In particular applications, methods and apparatus are provided for separating and analyzing a solution containing a denatured macromolecule by employing a stationary capillary electrophoresis apparatus. An apparatus for capillary electrophoresis includes an inlet chamber and a capillary electrophoresis column. One end of the column is fixed at the interior of the inlet chamber. The column has a length of at least about 20 centimeters. Also included is a liquid source adapted for automatic control. The liquid source supplies a liquid sample through an input valve into the inlet chamber so that the sample is in fluid communication with the end of the column. A method for capillary electrophoresis includes automatically supplying the liquid sample to the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a high-quality capillary tube used in an electrophoresis apparatus in a safe and inexpensive manner. A polymer coating on a capillary tube is converted into gas and removed through an oxidative reaction with oxygen radicals resulting from ozone decomposition.