Abstract: Methods for profiling oligosaccharides released from glycoproteins and methods for the electrophoretic separation of high mannose, complex and hybrid oligosaccharides are disclosed. The methods include first providing an analytical sample which includes at least one released oligosaccharide and introducing the sample into an electrophoretic channel containing a separation medium having a pH less than 8 and greater than 2.5. Then applying a sufficiently high electric field causes the released oligosaccharides to migrate and separate within the electrophoretic channel in accordance with their molecular size or charge to mass ratio. Detecting the separated oligosaccharides provides glycoprotein conjugate profiling information. Preferred embodiments include using a separation medium which includes lithium acetate buffer having a pH of about 4.75 and a gel of about 0.4% polyethylene oxide.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: A method for electrophoresis of nucleic acid fragments present in the solution which contains an amount, e.g., 0.2% or more, of a reagent, e.g., glycerol, dithiolthreitol (DTT) and trehalose or other sugars, which interact to form a complex with borate or boric acid. The method includes applying the solution to an electrophoretic gel and electrophoresing those fragments into the gel in the presence of a buffer lacking boric acid, or a derivative thereof, which forms a chelate complex with the reagent and thereby causes distortion of electrophoresis of the fragments in a gel including such a buffer.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrophoretic unit for the purification, concentration, and size fractionation of nucleic acids contaminated by organic acids, such as humic acids. The electrophoretic unit includes a counter ion, Bis (2-hydroxyethyl)-imino-tris (hydroxymethyl)-methane (BisTris), and an electrolyte 2-(N-Morpholino)ethanesulfonic Acid (MES).

Abstract: The invention concerns electrophoresis and methods and electrolyte compositions for decoupling or isolating the dual functions of the electrolyte composition in order to increase separation selectivity or reduce electromigration dispersion, or both. An electrolyte composition is used in electrophoresis to separate a charged analyte having a mobility .mu..sub.a in an electric field. The composition includes a buffer system having an ionic component that controls the pH of the composition and mobility matching ions having a mobility .mu..sub.2 in the electric field, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. Alternatively, the buffer system may maintain the composition's pH and a complexing agent may complex with the buffer system to alter the mobility .mu..sub.2 of an ionic component of the buffer system, such that .mu..sub.a /.mu..sub.2 equals about one. The pH of the composition is within a pH range selected based on the analyte to be separated, and .mu..sub.

Abstract: Separation media for electrophoresis, and methods of filling and flushing of electrophoretic devices such as capillaries are described. By preparing submicron to above-micron sized cross-linked gel particles and using gel swelling equilibrium concepts, such devices can be easily filled and flushed. Gel particles can be prepared by inverse suspension, precipitation and suspension polymerization. These particles can be swollen and collapsed by small changes in temperature, pH, and ionic strength of solvent. Other approaches involve the formation of reversible cross-links by use of polyelectrolyte complexes, chelating agents or copolymers of hydrophobic and hydrophilic repeat units. Finally, reversibly solubilized systems may be used to change the viscosity of the media.