Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples is described. The apparatus comprises a micro-chip device having at least a first and second covered channel with openings at either end of said first and second covered channel. The first and second covered channels intersect to form a common intersection. In use at least three of the openings to said first and second covered channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control the pressure in the device.

Abstract: Fluid introduction is facilitated through the use of a port which extends entirely through a microfluidic substrate. Capillary forces can be used to retain the fluid within the port, and a series of samples or other fluids may be introduced through a single port by sequentially blowing the fluid out through the substrate and replacing the removed fluid with an alternate fluid, or by displacing the fluid in part with additional fluid. In another aspect, microfluidic substrates have channels which varying in cross-sectional dimension so that capillary action spreads a fluid only within a limited portion of the channel network. In yet another aspect, the introduction ports may include a multiplicity of very small channels leading from the port to a fluid channel, so as to filter out particles or other contaminants which might otherwise block the channel at the junction between the channel and the introduction port.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are provided for introducing large numbers of different materials into a microfluidic analytical device rapidly, efficiently and reproducibly. In particular, improved integrated pipettor chip configurations, e.g. sippers or electropipettors, are described which are capable of sampling extremely small amounts of material for which analysis is desired, transporting material into a microfluidic analytical channel network, and performing the desired analysis on the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for performing gel protein extractions and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: Integrated systems, apparatus, software, and methods for performing biochemical analysis, including DNA sequencing, genomic screening, purification of nucleic acids and other biological components and drug screening are provided. Microfluidic devices, systems and methods for using these devices and systems for performing a wide variety of fluid operations are provided. The devices and systems of are used in performing fluid operations which require a large number of iterative, successive or parallel fluid manipulations, in a microscale, or sealed and readily automated format.

Abstract: A sample is separated and separated components thereof are successively fed to a part to be detected. A laser beam of at least 600 nm from a laser beam source of an optical measuring part is applied to the part to be detected through a dichroic mirror and a lens, for making a fluorochrome bonded to the separated components absorb multiphotons, exciting the fluorochrome and making the same fluoresce. The optical measuring part captures the fluorescence so that photomultipliers detect fluorescence of not more than 510 nm in wavelength, fluorescence longer than 510 nm and not more than 560 nm in wavelength, fluorescence longer than 560 nm and not more than 580 nm in wavelength and fluorescence longer than 580 in wavelength respectively. Thus, a capillary electrophoretic apparatus can detect fluorescence from a fluorochrome bonded to samples as a label without influence by Raman scattering or Rayleigh scattering.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of electrophoretically separating macromolecular species, as well as compositions and systems useful in carrying out such methods. Specifically, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a substrate that has at least a first capillary channel disposed therein. The surface of the channel has a first surface charge associated therewith, and is filled with a water soluble surface adsorbing polymer solution that bears a net charge that is the same as the charge on the capillary surface.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for unbiased transport of materials on a microfluidic device are disclosed, including methods of maintaining the starting composition of an analyte during transport, and methods of simultaneously analyzing both cationic and anionic components of an analyte. Analyte is loaded into a four-way junction of channels by controlled differential pressure applied to the channels. After analyte loading, an electrical potential is established, forcing charged species into at least one of two separation channels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an on-chip packed reactor bed design that allows for an effective exchange of packing materials such as beads at a miniaturized level. The present invention extends the function of microfluidic analysis systems to new applications including on-chip solid phase extraction (SPE) and on-chip capillary electrochromatography (CEC). The design can be further extended to include integrated packed bed immuno- or enzyme reactors.

Abstract: A microanalysis system, comprising a microchip, a common well in the microchip, and multiple wells in the microchip, each of the multiple wells being connected for fluid flow to the common well by a channel. The common well is a waste well, and the multiple wells are sample introduction wells. The common well is at the center of the microchip. The channels radiate outward from the common well, and are equally circumferentially spaced. A buffer introduction channel is provided that intersects each of the channels.

Abstract: A holder for a capillary cassette closes a chamber, and is fixed to a detection side holder fixing member. An acidic solution container, an alkaline solution container, a pure water container and a drain container are arranged on a reservoir stage having a dry chamber. A holder up/down mechanism and a stage moving mechanism successively bring an end of a capillary array into contact with an acidic solution, an alkaline solution, pure water and nitrogen gas, and the chamber is decompressed for successively introducing these into capillary columns and performing pretreatment. Thereafter a gel container is arranged in the chamber, which in turn is pressurized for charging the capillary columns with a gel.

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: A method and device for preparing nanoscale reactions. An automated system utilizes an array of reaction chambers. The ends of the chambers are temporarily sealed with deformable membranes and reactions effected by incubation or temperature cycling. Reaction mixtures may be assembled by using the reaction containers to meter reaction components. After the reaction is finished, the reaction containers may be dispensed onto a substrate and the reaction products analyzed. An automated transfer device may be used for automated transport of the reaction container array or other transportable elements.

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: Fluid introduction is facilitated through the use of a port which extends entirely through a microfluidic substrate. Capillary forces can be used to retain the fluid within the port, and a series of samples or other fluids may be introduced through a single port by sequentially blowing the fluid out through the substrate and replacing the removed fluid with an alternate fluid, or by displacing the fluid in part with additional fluid. In another aspect, microfluidic substrates have channels which varying in cross-sectional dimension so that capillary action spreads a fluid only within a limited portion of the channel network. In yet another aspect, the introduction ports may include a multiplicity of very small channels leading from the port to a fluid channel, so as to filter out particles or other contaminants which might otherwise block the channel at the junction between the channel and the introduction port.

Abstract: A method of separating components having a given negative or positive charge and contained in a sample is disclosed. The method involves, in one embodiment, loading a microchannel with a sample, placed between a trailing-edge electrolyte having a selected concentration of a titratable species, and a leading-edge electrolyte.

Abstract: A microchannel that can be used for separating two or more substances present in a sample has a first substrate and a second substrate with printed component printed on one or both of the substrates and is shaped to define a perimeter of the channel. The substrates are affixed to one another so that the component is sandwiched between the substrates and is in contact with both substrates. The microchannel is constructed using printing techniques to define the channel on one or both of the substrates.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample analysis system with chip-based electrophoresis device, particularly, the chip electrophoresis is connected to the dynamic flow-based auto-sampling device to introduce the sample into the chip-based electrophoresis device. By utilizing the derivatization biochemistry method to have a surface modification on the sample loading channel, it prevents the sample from being adhered to the wall of the sample loading channel, and hence increases the sample loading rate, reduces cross-contamination of samples and performs specific bio-reaction by using the immobilization of matter including antigen, antibody, protein, or enzyme. This invention makes use of the continuous split flow and electric voltage control to work with the detecting unit, signal collecting unit, and signal processing unit so that the sample undergoes a timely, fast, continuous analysis without having interference from the sample of other time.

Abstract: A fully integrated monolithic small volume PCR-CE device in glass, or the like materials, is fabricated using thin film metal heaters and thermocouples to thermally cycle sub-microliter PCR volumes. Successful amplification of a PCR fragment is demonstrated on a PCR-CE chip. The process utilizes a linear polyacrylamide surface coating coupled with addition of BSA to the amplification buffer was necessary to obtain amplification efficiencies comparable to a positive control. The micro-reactor reduced significantly the time required for amplification and the reaction volume was in the sub-microliter regime. Likewise addressed are the known problems connected with reliable microfabrication of metal coatings and the insulating layers required to shield these layers from the PCR reaction mix, and the longstanding unresolved issue of exposed metal regions in the PCR-CE chip resulting in electrolysis of water and bubble formation whenever a voltage is applied.

Abstract: There is used at least one probe array obtained by arraying particles having various probes, respectively, fixed thereon (probe particles) in a definite order in a holder. A plurality of capillaries or grooves packed with various kinds, respectively, of probe particles are arrayed in parallel, and one of particles contained in each capillary or groove is injected into another capillary or groove to produce a probe array in which the various kinds of probe particles are arrayed in a constant and definite order. Various fluorophore-labeled DNA's are measured at the same time by attaching various probes to particles, respectively, of different sizes. A probe array composed of various fixed DNA probes can easily be produced, and there can be provided a probe array for detecting various DNA's which is composed of various fixed arbitrary DNA probes.

Abstract: A multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a capillary array assembly comprising a plurality of capillaries, each capillary having a capillary outlet, and an outlet support for supporting the capillary outlets. The apparatus further includes a cuvette defining a receiving slot, a gap region, and a detection zone, where the receiving slot is adapted to removably receive the outlet support, and wherein when the outlet support is inserted into the receiving slot, the capillary outlets are positioned in the gap region in proximity to the detection zone, and a flow channel is formed by the outlet support and the receiving slot such that the flow channel is in fluid communication with the gap region. In addition, the apparatus includes a front plumbing block in fluid communication with the flow channel for supplying a fluid flow through the gap region sufficient to transport material downstream from the capillary outlets to the detection zone.

Abstract: A table is used to position eight specimen reservoirs of an electrophoretic chip into which a specimen is firstly dispensed to a specimen dispensing position. A specimen dispensing mechanism is used to move a head to thereby suck a test-specimen contained in eight different wells of specimen plates into eight nozzles respectively and then move the head to the specimen dispensing position, thus dispensing the test-specimen sucked into the nozzles into the specimen reservoirs simultaneously. The table is used to sequentially position the specimen reservoirs to the specimen dispensing position and then the specimen dispensing mechanism is used to sequentially dispensing the specimen into the specimen reservoirs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for rapid, automated, microscale sample analysis using pressure differentials. The invention includes an apparatus having intersecting channels for introduction of a sample and separation of that sample into its components. The sample introduction and separation channels preferably are etched in a microfabricated device, such as a microchip, to form a junction. Pressure gradients are applied to the channels to form a sample plug in the separation channel. The separation channel may have disposed within it a medium for separation of the components suspected to be contained in the sample. For example, with the proper medium, a voltage gradient may be applied along the separation channel to separate the components of the sample electrophoretically. The apparatus also may include means for detecting the components of the sample subsequent to separation.

Abstract: An automated 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 gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) within a single, integrated and disposable device. Fluid enters the device via a sample charging port. From the sample charging port, the fluid travels through an inflow channel to the polymerase chain reaction chamber. This chamber is formed at a thin tab extension of a top portion of the device, and is generally defined by a cavity within the thin tab extension. After PCR is performed, the fluid leaves the polymerase chain reaction chamber through an outflow channel into a first sample well. A vent channel is connected to the first sample well for venting the first sample well to ambient atmosphere. The first sample well and a second sample well are in fluid communication by a sample channel. An electrophoresis separation channel is orthogonal to and intersects the sample channel, and has a first and second electrophoresis buffer well at each end.

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: An automated 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 gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.

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: Devices, systems and methods for use in separating sample materials into different fractions that employ bulk fluid flow for loading of samples followed by electrophoretic separation of the sample material. Devices employ configurations that optionally allow bulk sample loading with some or no displacement of a separation matrix within a separation conduit. Methods of using these devices, and systems that incorporate these devices are also envisioned.

Abstract: The invention provides uncharged water-soluble silica-adsorbing polymers for suppressing electroendoosmotic flow and to reduce analyte-wall interactions in capillary electrophoresis. In one aspect of the invention, one or more of such polymers are employed as components of a separation medium for the separation of biomolecules, such as polynucleotides, polysaccharides, proteins, and the like, by capillary electrophoresis. Generally, such polymers are characterized by (i) water solubility over the temperature range between about 20° C. to about 50° C., (ii) concentration in a separation medium in the range between about 0.001% to about 10% (weight/volume), (iii) molecular weight in the range of about 5×103 to about 1×106 daltons, and (iv) absence of charged groups in an aqueous medium having pH in the range of about 6 to about 9.

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 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: The present invention provides for techniques for transporting materials using electrokinetic forces through the channels of a microfluidic system. The subject materials are transported in regions of high ionic concentration, next to spacer material regions of high ionic concentration, which are separated by spacer material regions of low ionic concentration. Such arrangements allow the materials to remain localized for the transport transit time to avoid mixing of the materials. Using these techniques, an electropipettor which is compatible with the microfluidic system is created so that materials can be easily introduced into the microfluidic system. The present invention also compensates for electrophoretic bias as materials are transported through the channels of the microfluidic system by splitting a channel into portions with positive and negative surface charges and a third electrode between the two portions, or by diffusion of the electrophoresing materials after transport along a channel.

Abstract: A microchip apparatus and method provide fluidic manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip liquid chromatography. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolitographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis is performed in channels formed in the substrate. Injections are made by electro-osmotically pumping sample through the injection channel that crosses the separation channel, followed by a switching of the potentials to force a plug into the separation channel.

Abstract: A method and device for injecting a liquid sample into an electrolyte channel in a microfluidics device is disclosed. The device has a channel network that includes an electrolyte channel having upstream and downstream channel portions and first, second, and third side channels that intersect the electrolyte channel between the two channel portions at first, second, and third ports, respectively. In the method, a sample is moved electrokinetically into the electrolyte channel, to form a defined sample volume therein. By simultaneously controlling the voltage applied to the three side channels, and at least one of the upstream and downstream channel end portions, the sample volume element can be shaped to have a desired leading- and trailing-edge shape and/or distribution of sample components within the volume elements.

Abstract: A microchip apparatus and method provide fluidic manipulations for a variety of applications, including sample injection for microchip liquid chromatography. The microchip is fabricated using standard photolithographic procedures and chemical wet etching, with the substrate and cover plate joined using direct bonding. Capillary electrophoresis is performed in channels formed in the substrate. Injections are made by electro-osmotically pumping sample through the injection channel that crosses the separation channel, followed by a switching of the potentials to force a plug into the separation channel.

Abstract: Methods for reducing fluid carryover by microfluidic devices including capillary element and/or fluid motion. Capillary elements coated with hydrophobic or hydrophilic coatings to resist fluid carryover are also provided. Microfluidic device handling systems are additionally included.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention disclose a system in which multiple injections may be made into a capillary array. The injections are spaced in time with each injection followed by an interval of electrophoresis. Once all samples are loaded into the capillaries, continuous electrophoresis and detection is used to separate and detect target compounds within the sample. The interval between injections is matched to the target compound migration rate to be sufficient to allow the target compounds to be detectably separated when the compounds reach the detector.

Abstract: Ultra-high throughput systems and methods are used for sampling large numbers of different materials from surfaces of substantially planar library storage components. The systems and methods typically employ: microfluidic devices having integrated capillary elements for carrying out the analysis of the sampled materials; library storage components, e.g., planar solid substrates, capable of retaining thousands, tens of thousands and hundreds of thousands of different materials in small areas; sensing systems for allowing rapid and accurate sampling of the materials by the microfluidic devices, and associated instrumentation for control and analysis of the overall operation of these systems.

Abstract: A multi-capillary type electrophoresis analysis apparatus has a sample tray for containing a plurality of samples, wherein part of the sample tray is made from a conductive material. Samples are introduced by applying a high voltage from a high voltage power supply between the sample tray and a coupler in a state in which one-ends of the capillaries are inserted in the samples contained in the sample tray. The apparatus eliminates the necessity of individually inserting electrodes in a plurality of samples contained in the sample tray, thereby making easy works for analysis.

Abstract: Analytical systems and methods that use a modular interface structure for providing an interface between a sample substrate and an analytical unit, where the analytical unit typically has a particular interface arrangement for implementing various analytical and control functions. Using a number of variants for each module of the modular interface structure advantageously provides cost effective and efficient ways to perform numerous tests using a particular substrate or class of substrates with a particular analytical and control systems interface arrangement. Improved optical illumination and detection system for simultaneously analyzing reactions or conditions in multiple parallel microchannels are also provided.

Abstract: A sample injection method for horizontal configured multiple chromatography or electrophoresis units, each containing a number of separation/analysis channels, that enables efficient introduction of analyte samples. This method for loading when taken in conjunction with horizontal microchannels allows much reduced sample volumes and a means of sample stacking to greatly reduce the concentration of the sample. This reduction in the amount of sample can lead to great cost savings in sample preparation, particularly in massively parallel applications such as DNA sequencing. The essence of this method is in preparation of the input of the separation channel, the physical sample introduction, and subsequent removal of excess material. By this method, sample volumes of 100 nanoliter to 2 microliters have been used successfully, compared to the typical 5 microliters of sample required by the prior separation/analysis method.

Abstract: A capillary array includes a light detection portion, a sample supply portion, a buffer solution supply portion and a voltage application portion which are necessary functions for electrophoresis, thereby, when assembling the capillary array into an electrophoresis apparatus, the same can be immediately used. Accordingly, a capillary array is provided which can be easily incorporated into an electrophoresis apparatus.

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: The present invention provides a microfluidic analytical device and accompanying methods for injecting a sample and separating the components therein comprising an injection channel and an intersecting separation channel, the two channels formed to be in continuous fluid communication with one another. The separation channel preferably includes a separation material for resolving the components in a sample. The methods include using a first force, preferably a pressure differential, and a second force, preferably an electric field, to move samples through the microchannels. The device and methods are specially adapted to accommodate multiple sample injection and separation. Thus, the device and methods allow for increased sample throughput and are simple and inexpensive to carry out compared to related devices and methods.

Abstract: A multi-capillary type electrophoresis analysis apparatus has a sample tray for containing a plurality of samples, wherein part of the sample tray is made from a conductive material. Samples are introduced by applying a high voltage from a high voltage power supply between the sample tray and a coupler in a state in which one-ends of the capillaries are inserted in the samples contained in the sample tray. The apparatus eliminates the necessity of individually inserting electrodes in a plurality of samples contained in the sample tray, thereby making easy works for analysis.

Abstract: Microfluidic methods, devices, and systems are provided for monitoring and controlling flow rates in response to one or more marker signals. The marker signals are used to provide an indication of flow rate in the various channels of the devices. Signals obtained from the markers are deconvoluted and used in a feedback loop to make flow rate adjustments.

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: 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: A technique processes a sample of biomolecular analyte. The technique uses an apparatus having a support assembly that receives and supports a test module, a load assembly that loads the sample of biomolecular analyte onto the test module, an electrophoresis assembly that applies a current to the test module such that components within the sample separate by electrophoresis, and a controller that controls operations of the load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly. The load assembly and the electrophoresis assembly are coupled to the support assembly. The controller controls the operation of the load assembly in an automated manner. Preferably, the test module includes a dielectric plate member having an upper planar surface and a lower planar surface that is spaced apart from and coplanar with the upper planar surface. The dielectric plate member has at least one set of channels that includes an injection channel and a separation channel.