Abstract: A method is disclosed for moving, isolating and/or identifying particles in a sample by placing said sample in a spatially varying electrical field wherein the spatially varying electrical field is following a mathematical nonmonotonous function, selected from the group consisting of linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, parabolic functions or y˜xp/q and combinations thereof wherein p q means an integer. Also various devices are disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of separating or distinguishing carbohydrate substances. More particularly the method includes using fluorescent labeling reagents which have a positive charge when bound to a carbohydrate, involves separating the labeled carbohydrate substances, such as by performing electrophoresis to cause differential migration of different labeled carbohydrate substances, or by isoelectric focusing in a pH gradient. The fluorescent labeling reagents are preferably cyanine dyes.

Abstract: A proteome analyzer includes a separation cassette having a first dimension separation compartment for separation of protein samples by isoelectric focusing and a second dimension separation compartment for separation of protein samples by SDS-polymer network electrophoresis. The first dimension compartment is a reservoir in which a porous material having capillary channels is disposed. The protein samples are disposed in the capillary channels and, in the presence of a pH gradient, are focused spatially by isolectric focusing upon application of an electric field. The second dimension compartment consists of two glass or plastic plates separated by a separation medium. The separation medium is an ultra-thin layer of a low concentration linear polymer supported by an inert matrix. The spatially focused protein samples are contacted with the separation medium in the presence of an electric field to initiate second dimension separation.

Abstract: A process and a kit are provided for detecting differences in two or more samples of protein. Protein extracts are prepared, for example, from each of a different group of cell samples to be compared. Each protein extract is labeled with a different one of a luminescent dye from a matched set of dyes. The matched dyes have generally the same ionic and pH characteristics but emit light at different wavelengths to exhibit a different color upon luminescence detection. The labeled protein extracts are mixed together and electrophoresed together. The gel is observed to detect proteins unique to one sample or present in a greater ratio in one sample than in the other. Those unique or excess proteins will fluoresce the color of one of the dyes used. Proteins common to each sample migrate together and fluoresce the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for two dimensional electrophoresis of analytes of interest, particularly polypeptides. The apparatus includes a sample separation cavity comprising (1) an electrophoresis region located along an upper portion of the cavity for performing charge and/or size-based electrophoresis in a first dimension along the upper portion, and (2) below the first said electrophoresis region, a second electrophoresis region for performing electrophoresis in a second dimension in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first dimension. In one preferred embodiment, the second electrophoresis region contains an isoelectric focusing region containing a continuous pKa gradient immobilized on at least one of the major opposing surfaces of the cavity.

Abstract: Provided are isoelectric point(pI) markers for isoelectric focusing with fluorescence detection. The markers are fluorescence-labeled oligopeptides which comprise a fluorescence dye bonded chemically to the amino group of N-terminal amino acid of oligopeptide. The marker shows its unique and narrow pI band(peak) in electrophoresis or isoelectric focusing. The markers can be designed to have appropriate pI value, and cover wide range of pI (3<pI<11). Further, the markers have good storage stability. The markers can be preferably applied to the capillary isoelectric focusing with fluorescence detection due to their sharp and narrow band with strong emitted fluorescence.

Abstract: A device and method for isoelectric focusing of ampholytes in a buffer uses a cone-shaped capillary with a positive electrode connected at a narrow end and a negative electrode connected at the wide end of the capillary. The electrical potential across the buffer creates a temperature gradient which, in turn, creates a pH gradient. The electric current also creates an electric field gradient which focuses the ampholytes. Previous devices and methods use carrier ampholytes or use temperature baths to create a temperature gradient.

Abstract: A preparative two dimensional gel electrophoresis system which serves as a single procedure for separation and isolation of preparative amounts of proteins from complex biological preparations. The system includes sized-up isoelectric focusing tube gels and slab gel molds which allow for sample loads of between about 0.5 and 2 mg or greater. Increased protein loads, resolution and electrotransfer allow for subsequent sequencing of separated proteins by conventional methods.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis method and apparatus for reducing dispersion of sample fractions are disclosed. The capillary tube in which the electrophoresis is performed has been flared, at least at its sample entrance end, to remove sharp corners which contribute to aberrations in the electric field distribution in a radial direction and result in differential migration of molecules depending on their proximity to the sharp corners. The flared tube, in contrast to a conventional tube, provides a more uniform electric field for electrophoresis and reduces undesired dispersion of the samples.