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: The invention is related to methods and apparatus that manipulate droplets in a microfluidic environment. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention manipulate droplets by controlling the electro-wetting characteristics of a surface with light, thereby inducing a gradient in the surface tension of a droplet. The gradient in the surface tension propels the droplet by capillary force. A variety of operations, such as transporting, joining, cutting, and creating can be performed. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention obviate the need to create a relatively large and complex control electrode array. A plurality of photoconductive cells or a layer of a photoconductive material selectively couples an electrode carrying an electrical bias to otherwise floating conductive cells in response to a beam of light. The electrical bias applied to the conductive cell generates a localized electric field, which can change the contact angle of the droplet, thereby permitting the droplet to be propelled.

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: A capillary tube having a hard, optically clear external coating or cladding. In one embodiment, the external clear coating comprises hard-fluoropolymer. The hard-fluoropolymer coating bonds to the fused silica glass, providing higher strength and superior static fatigue performance resulting in vastly improved bending flexibility. The thin hard-fluoropolymer coating of capillaries provides higher initial tensile strength, longer lifetime (resistance to stress corrosion or static fatigue) and superior ability to transmit excitation light and emitted light directly through the coating for fluorescence based detection.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus having a plate on which channels are formed, a tray on which the plate is to be set, a tray driving unit for rotary driving the tray on which the plate is set, a voltage application unit for applying voltage to a buffer agent in the channels on the plate, an optical detection part for irradiating the channels on the plate with light, and detecting fluorescence that is generated from the sample due to the light irradiation. A plate clamp pressing the plate at only the channel formation areas of the plate against the plate setting surface of the tray, thereby fixing and holding the plate on the plate setting surface of the tray.

Abstract: An apparatus for aligning a capillary column with one or more excitation fibers and with one or more optical lens elements for Capillary Electrophoresis. The apparatus includes two identical blocks having a plurality of grooves for positioning and aligning the capillary column with the one or more excitation fibers, and a plurality of lens seats for optically coupling the lens element with the capillary column. Each block includes a male and female part for mating the two identical blocks together.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting the length of analytes and/or sequencing analytes are provided in which two or more electrical signals are obtained as an analyte traverses a fluidic channel. Detection of the relative position of probes hybridized to a biopolymer and/or the length of the analyte (e.g., a biopolymer) does not rely on the absolute time between detection events of a given electrical signal to determine a distance associated with the biopolymer. Instead, multiple signals are obtained (e.g., as functions of time) corresponding to a plurality of detector volumes at known locations along a fluidic channel through which the biopolymer passes, and the distances are determined from the multiple signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the measurement of a concentration of a charged species in a sample, the sample having a plurality of types of charged species and at least one insoluble component. The method comprises: providing the sample on a surface of a partly permeable layer (30); allowing components of the sample to pass through the partly permeable layer (30) into a channel (12); and separating the components into sections, such that each at least one of the sections substantially comprises a single type of the plurality of the types of charged species, and determining the charge concentration in the at least one of the sections.

Abstract: The invention describes a detection system (1) for analytical separation processes, particularly for electrophoresis, characterized by an optoelectronic sensor layer (5) made from organic semiconductor materials extending along the carrier layer (2) for the sample to be tested, for detecting the separated sample.

Abstract: An analysis chip that enables an apparatus to be small, analysis to be simple, analysis time to be short and analysis of both glycosylated hemoglobin and glucose to be highly accurate is provided. The electrophoresis chip includes an upper substrate 4, a lower substrate 1, a first introduction reservoir 2a, a first recovery reservoir 2b and a capillary channel for sample analysis 3x; the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are formed in the lower substrate 1; and the first introduction reservoir 2a and the first recovery reservoir 2b are in communication with each other via the capillary channel for sample analysis 3x.

Abstract: A device for separating and purifying useful quantities of particles comprises: a. an anolyte reservoir connected to an anode, the anolyte reservoir containing an electrophoresis buffer; b. a catholyte reservoir connected to a cathode, the catholyte reservoir also containing the electrophoresis buffer; c. a power supply connected to the anode and to the cathode; d. a column having a first end inserted into the anolyte reservoir, a second end inserted into the catholyte reservoir, and containing a separation medium; e. a light source; f. a first optical fiber having a first fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a second fiber end connected to the light source; g. a photo detector; h. a second optical fiber having a third fiber end inserted into the separation medium, and having a fourth fiber end connected to the photo detector; and i. an ion-exchange membrane in the anolyte reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of detecting, purifying, quantifying, and separating molecules using an electrophoresis adapted biosensor.

Abstract: An optical image-driven light induced dielectrophoresis (DEP) apparatus and method are described which provide for the manipulation of particles or cells with a diameter on the order of 100 ?m or less. The apparatus is referred to as optoelectric tweezers (OET) and provides a number of advantages over conventional optical tweezers, in particular the ability to perform operations in parallel and over a large area without damage to living cells. The OET device generally comprises a planar liquid-filled structure having one or more portions which are photoconductive to convert incoming light to a change in the electric field pattern. The light patterns are dynamically generated to provide a number of manipulation structures that can manipulate single particles and cells or groups of particles/cells. The OET preferably includes a microscopic imaging means to provide feedback for the optical manipulation, such as detecting position and characteristics wherein the light patterns are modulated accordingly.

Abstract: The invention aims to improve the spatial resolution in a multi-focus type electrophoresis apparatus that irradiates a capillary array from both ends thereof with laser beams. The invention relates to an electrophoresis apparatus in which capillaries at both ends of a capillary array are irradiated respectively with laser beams, and each of the two laser beams traverses multiple capillaries. In the electrophoresis apparatus, the laser beams are coaxially introduced into the capillary array from the both ends thereof to travel in a direction vertical to axis of each capillary and horizontal to the aligrnent plane of the capillary array; and a ?/4 plate and a polarizer are arranged on the laser beam optical axes. According to the invention, the total width of the incident laser beams is made narrow, generation of pseudo signals is prevented, and an analysis performance is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging one or more selected fluorescence indications from a microfluidic device. The apparatus includes an imaging path coupled to least one chamber in at least one microfluidic device. The imaging path provides for transmission of one or more fluorescent emission signals derived from one or more samples in the at least one chamber of the at least one microfluidic device. The chamber has a chamber size, the chamber size being characterized by an actual spatial dimension normal to the imaging path. The apparatus also includes an optical lens system coupled to the imaging path. The optical lens system is adapted to transmit the one or more fluorescent signals associated with the chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the selection or processing of particles sensitive to the application of an external stimulus, in which is produced, by applying the external stimulus, the rupture/lysis of at least one selected particle or the fusion of first and second selected particles, by means of the organisation of the particles using a first field of force by selectively energising electrodes of an array of selectable electrodes having dimensions comparable to or smaller than those of the particles, applying to the electrodes a first configuration of stresses; and by applying to the electrodes a second configuration of stresses, so as to create a second field of force, located substantially close to at least one selected particle to be lysated or to a pair of first and second particles to be fused and such as to produce the application of a stimulus suited to produce their lysis or fusion.

Abstract: The invention provides a capillary electrophoresis apparatus which can improve the operability and measuring speed. According to the invention, a sensor for identifying the type of sample containers is fixed at the position away from a capillary anode electrode. The sensor is made to be closer to the sample containers by moving a moving stage so that the sample containers disposed on the moving stage can be identified by the sensor. A fixing apparatus for fixing at least a pair of sample containers is provided on the moving stage.

Abstract: A modular multiple lane or capillary electrophoresis (chromatography) system that permits automated parallel separation and comprehensive collection of all fractions from samples in all lanes or columns, with the option of further on-line automated sample fraction analysis, is disclosed. Preferably, fractions are collected in a multi-well fraction collection unit, or plate. The multi-well collection plate is preferably made of a solvent permeable gel, most preferably a hydrophilic, polymeric gel such as agarose or cross-linked polyacrylamide.

Abstract: A device and a method for detecting and/or characterizing particles are shown. The device includes at least one nanopore, a voltage source for generating an electric potential difference between the two sides of the at least one nanopore in order to generate an ion current through the nanopore when the nanopore is surrounded by an electrolyte, and a measuring instrument adapted for recording a change in the impedance of the at least one nanopore in respect of the ion current when one or more particles that are to be detected and are present in the electrolyte pass(es) through the at least one nanopore. The device also includes a pipette with an end portion in which an opening is formed. A flow of the particles that are to be detected from outside the pipette is generated through the opening and through the nanopore, and the pipette is moved relative to a sample.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to prevent a variation in heat dissipating effect of a capillary between a holder part and an oven, to improve reproducibility of migration time, and to reduce a variation of migration time among capillaries in a single electrophoresis run. A cylindrical wall is formed in an upper part of a septa that covers a container holding a solution, and the cylindrical wall surrounds a capillary hole through which a capillary penetrates. Accordingly, the capillary is prevented from being directly affected by wind generated between the septa and the oven.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for performing capillary isoelectric focusing followed by mobilization of the focused zones by induced hydrodynamic flow or chemical mobilization. These two dimensions of separation are integrated with real-time whole-channel electrophoresis detection and automatic sample injection to achieve a separation resolution superior to that obtainable using known orthogonal capillary two dimensional arrangements.

Abstract: In a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, a capillary array unit has a capillary array including capillaries having a capillary head and a detection unit, a frame for supporting the capillary array, and a load header for holding cathode ends of the capillaries. The frame has separators for separating and holding the capillaries. The capillary head, the detection unit, and the separators are disposed along one linear line. With this arrangement, there is provided the capillary array unit and the capillary electrophoresis apparatus which are arranged such that a job for mounting the capillary array can be executed easily.

Abstract: This invention is directed to methods and devices for separating molecules in a sample, based on differences in their isoelectric point (pI). The methods and devices make use of a diffusion potential created in a microfluidic chamber when a buffered solution comprising molecules, which differ in terms of their isoelectric point (pI) values and a second buffer, which differs from the buffered solution in terms of its pH or salt concentration are introduced in the chamber. The diffusion potential, in turn, enables charge-based separation of the molecules. Applications and permutations of the methods and devices are described.

Abstract: Interrogation of surface receptors of individual cells within a population of cell types in a single mixture is described. Each cell comprises, bound to target surface receptors on the cell, a collection of binding compositions, each comprising a distinct molecular tag. A continuous flow of cell medium containing the cells is pneumatically transported through a channel in a separation device, toward a cleavage/release zone, where specific tags correlating to each binding composition, and thus to each corresponding cell surface receptor, are released from the binding compositions on the cell surface. The method is effective to produce a separately detectable collection of tag signals for each cell.

Abstract: At a wall constituting a space for a thermostatic oven in an electrophoresis apparatus, a capillary array attachment portion is formed which permits attachment of a plurality of capillary arrays having different length. Thereby, a selected capillary array constituted by collecting a plurality of capillaries can be easily attached to the electrophoresis apparatus depending on measurement purpose.

Abstract: The troublesomeness during the setting of a plurality of capillaries is eliminated by composing pairs of electrodes, which are electrically connected to the common electrode, and capillaries. By bringing electrodes installed in the vicinity of each capillary disposed at the pitch of wells on the side of sample plate (within the area of the wells) into electrical contact with a common electrode, the capillaries and electrodes are made integral in construction. When a voltage is applied to the electrophoretic instrument via a common electrode portion, the voltage is applied to the electrodes for each capillary. This enables an inexpensive microtiter plate, etc. to be used and a multiple of capillaries to be simultaneously inserted, attached and detached.

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: An improved sample introduction probe is disclosed for the production of ions from liquid sample solutions in an electrospray ion source. Nebulization of a liquid sample emerging from the end of an inner flow tube is pneumatically assisted by gas flowing from the end of an outer gas flow tube essentially coaxial with the inner sample flow tube. The disclosed probe provides for adjustment of the relative axial positions of the ends of the liquid and gas flow tubes without degrading the precise concentricity between the inner and outer tubes. Additionally, the terminal portion of the outer gas flow tube may be fabricated either from a conductive or dielectric material, thereby allowing the pneumatic nebulization and electrospray processes to be optimized separately and independently. Hence, the disclosed invention provides a pneumatically-assisted electrospray probe with improved mechanical and operational stability, reliability, reproducibility, and ease of use compared to prior art probes.

Abstract: When irradiating laser beam from the side face of the capillary array, an optical axis of the laser beam is inclined in vertical direction with respect to a plane face formed by the capillary array, thus, reflection light by the capillary array and returning light is prevented from entering into a laser beam source, thereby, instability of laser oscillation is eliminated.

Abstract: A multiplexed, absorbance-based microfabricated chip electrophoresis system, microfabricated chip, and method of use are included for the detection and identification of protein species. The microfabricated chip electrophoresis system capable of analyzing multiple samples simultaneously. The system uses a microfabricated chip having a sample chamber for first dimension separation of a sample, a first planar array of channels for second dimension separation of the sample approximately perpendicular the sample chamber, and a barrier separating the sample chamber from the first planar array of channels during the first dimension separation. In use, the sample is placed into a sample chamber, a barrier is established around the sample chamber, the sample is isoelectric focused within the sample chamber, the barrier is then removed, and the sample separated in the first array of channels by molecular weight.

Abstract: An analysis system for and method of enabling determination of the velocities of migrating objects and also classifying migrating objects into groups having a common constraint. In one aspect the present invention provides an analysis system for and method of enabling determination of the velocities of migrating objects, the system comprising: a space-time map generator for generating a space-time map of points representative of the signal peaks of signals detected at a plurality of spaced positions; and a vertex finder for identifying at least one vertex from the space-time map, with a single vertex being identified for each group of objects having a common constraint and the velocities of the objects being determinable from the sets of points in the space-time map corresponding to the respective objects as fitted to the respective vertex.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the membrane potential of red blood cells using electrophoretic analysis that analyzes red blood cells whose membrane potentials are reversed due to red blood cell agglutination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical chemistry, more particularly, to methods of electrophoretic analysis, and can be utilized to analysis of multicomponent solutions. The invention is aimed at elimination of effect of uncontrolled scatter of electroosmotic flow rates on reproducibility of electrophoretic separation.

Abstract: Use of a support material for capillary electrochromatography (CEC), characterized in that the support material has a porous design and a surface which consists of an outer surface and a pore surface, wherein the outer surface has regions of different derivatization and/or functionality from that of the pore surface.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure include mass spectrometry systems and methods of performing molecular mass spectrometry and elemental mass spectrometry using a single mass spectrometry system.

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: A multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus is provided for reducing errors during analysis caused by fluctuations in electrophoresis time among plural capillaries of the apparatus. The multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus can contain a multi-capillary array that has a separation medium filled therein for isolating a sample. A detector component can be provided at a position remote from a sample injecting end of the array for acquiring information from the sample. A buffer container can be provided for holding a buffer solution into which the sample injecting end can be immersed. One or more temperature controlling component devices can be arranged for controlling a temperature of the buffer solution, of the detector component, or of both the buffer solution and the detector component.

Abstract: Portable devices and methods for determining the presence of a target analyte using a portable device are provided. The portable device is preferably hand-held. A sample is injected to the portable device. A microfluidic separation is performed within the portable device and at least one separated component detected by a detection module within the portable device, in embodiments of the invention. A target analyte is identified, based on the separated component, and the presence of the target analyte is indicated on an output interface of the portable device, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophoretic mobility measuring apparatus capable of conducting measurement with high sensitivity with optical attenuation reduced by incidence of light through the electrode face. This apparatus comprises a transparent electrode 63 forming a part of a cell wall of a cell 6 capable of confining a sample, and the other electrode 62 opposite to the transparent electrode 63. A voltage is applied across these electrodes 62, 63, and light is incident upon the inside of the cell 6 through the transparent electrode 63. The scattering light which scatters from a sample S at a predetermined angle ? with respect to the incident angle, is received through the transparent electrode 63. The Doppler displacement is then measured based on the difference in frequency between the incident light and the outgoing light.

Abstract: A capillary array includes multiple capillaries and two holding substrates for arranging the aforementioned multiple capillaries in a substantially plane surface by sandwiching at least some of these capillaries mutually. One of the holding substrates has a detection window for transmitting the detected light emitted by a test sample by irradiation of light. Especially, this detection window includes multiple light transmission areas provided to correspond to each capillary to transmit the detected light, and light cut-off areas provided between these light transmission areas to cut off the detected light. These light cut-off areas cut off light reflected from the surface of capillaries and hence improve the SN ratio, thereby ensuring high-precision detection.

Abstract: An electrochemical detector including side channels associated with a separation channel of a sample component separation apparatus is provided. The side channels of the detector, in one configuration, provide a sheath-flow for an analyte exiting the separation channel which directs the analyte to the electrically developed electrochemical detector.

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: There is provided a capillary electrophoresis apparatus wherein coupling efficiency of exciting irradiation light to a capillary array does not decline even if any one capillary array of two capillary arrays is removed. Light emission generated by capillaries of each capillary array of 2n (n is a positive integer) capillary arrays radiating exciting light from one side is detected by one optical detection system.

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 capillary array electrophoresis which can measure fluorescence of a number of capillaries at a time with high sensitivity and can automatically analyze a sample sequentially. An end edge as a sample dissolution edge of a number of capillaries is connected to a polymer filling block having a mechanism of filling the polymer as an isolation medium inside a capillary. Fluorescence irradiated from an edge surface of an end edge portion of the capillary is detected through a detection window in which distance between an external surface and a detection surface is smaller than focal distance of an optical lens closest to a detection flat surface.

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.

Abstract: One of the principal objects of the present invention is to realize, in a small scale and at a low cost, an analyzing apparatus that analyzes and manipulates a minute sample such as DNA. The analyzing apparatus 1 incorporates an optical system for measuring a fluorescence from a sample traveling through a minute channel 24c. Specifically, a light source that generates a light for exciting a fluorescence of the sample and a light guide that guides the light from the light source to the minute channel 24c are provided, whereby the fluorescence of the sample in the minute channel 24c is well excited. In order to observe the fluorescence of the sample, a condensing optical element 26, provided on a wall surface of the minute channel 24c, for capturing the fluorescence from the sample, and a sensor section 11 are provided, whereby the fluorescence of the sample in the minute channel 24c can be well observed.

Abstract: An electrically operated, particle detecting, or characterizing, sensor structured as a thin film multilayer sandwich. Three or more electrodes are deposited onto thin layers of film, and stacked to form the sandwich. A representative stacking arrangement provides a pair of stimulated electrodes spaced apart from an intermediate measurement electrode by insulating layers of thin film. A fluid conducting channel, having an axis perpendicular to the film layers, provides electrolytic electrical communication between the three electrodes. Contact pads, arranged to permit electrical interrogation of the electrodes by electrical circuitry, are desirably arranged for access to electrical interrogation probes from a single side of the sensor. Certain sensors may be included in single-use, disposable cartridges adapted for analysis by an interrogation platform.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis apparatus comprising an electrophoretic chamber containing at least on two-plate housing for a sieving matrix, each said at least one two-plate housing consisting of a cover plate and a plate for housing said sieving matrix, wherein said plate includes an optical waveguide array which is characterized by being aligned with respect to a reference direction such as to enable one or more light beams incident on the sieving matrix along said reference direction to be maintained well-confined along said reference direction within any desired length of interaction along the width of said sieving matrix.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is that a dynamic range is extended in an electrophoresis unit and concentration differences among a plurality of samples measured simultaneously are increased. An irradiation time to the samples is adjusted during analysis without changing a sampling time. By shortening the irradiation time, a fluorescence amount of the samples is reduced to cause signal intensity detected by a detector to physically decrease. If the irradiation time is very short (several 100 msec), the irradiation time and fluorescence intensity are in a direct proportional relationship. It is known that, if the irradiation time is reduced to 1/n, the fluorescence intensity, that is, signal intensity to be detected will be 1/n. Thus, for data whose irradiation time is reduced to 1/n during analysis, data obtained by multiplying a substantially measured value by n is used for data analysis as a true value to be originally acquired.