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: 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: In a device to operate and handle a laboratory microchip to chemically process or analyze substances, the microchip is on a chip holder (41) that is part of a first assembly (42). The first assembly (42) also has an optical device (43) for contactless detection of the results of the chemical processes carried out on the microchip. A supply device (56) required to operate the microchip is in a module releasably connected to a second assembly (44, 55). In particular, the second assembly (44, 55) has an intermediate carrier (57) that is releasably connected to the supply device (56). The intermediate carrier has continuous electrical paths (60) or connecting channels that can bridge electrodes (58) or supply channels of the supply device (56) and the assigned counterelectrodes (53) of the microchip. There are correspondingly connecting lines (61) to bridge the supply of materials.

Abstract: A capillary array electrophoretic device capable of securing a sample plate array and a buffer container three dimensionally on a tray of an autosampler. A tray (700) is provided with a guide groove (701) and a stopper (702) corresponding to guides (715, 716) of sample plate assemblies (710, 711) including a microtiter plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated microfluidic electrospray chip system and analytical method thereof, characterized in which the proteinase reaction, solid-phase extraction mechanism, electrophoresis and mass spectrometry are integrated into one system. This system allows continuous, fast and on-line detection and identification of a sample, where the sample is firstly hydrolyzed and desalted, and then introduced into the microfluidic electrospray chip to undergo electrophoresis. Finally, the separated sample is introduced into a mass spectrometer by means of electrospray for continuous detection and identification. This system applies mainly in the identification of biochemical substances, such as proteins.

Abstract: The present invention improves the performance of microchannel systems for chemical and biological synthesis and analysis by providing a method and apparatus for producing a thin band of a species sample. Thin sample bands improve the resolution of microchannel separation processes, as well as many other processes requiring precise control of sample size and volume. The new method comprises a series of steps in which a species sample is manipulated by controlled transport through a junction formed at the intersection of four or more channels. A sample is first inserted into the end of one of these channels in the vicinity of the junction. Next, this sample is thinned by transport across the junction one or more times. During these thinning steps, flow enters the junction through one of the channels and exists through those remaining, providing a divergent flow field that progressively stretches and thins the band with each traverse of the junction.

Abstract: The present invention is a capillary electrophoresis device, comprising a substrate; a first channel in the substrate, and having a buffer arm and a detection arm; a second channel in the substrate intersecting the first channel, and having a sample arm and a waste arm; a buffer reservoir in fluid communication with the buffer arm; a waste reservoir in fluid communication with the waste arm; a sample reservoir in fluid communication with the sample arm; and a detection reservoir in fluid communication with the detection arm. The detection arm and the buffer arm are of substantially equal length.

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: An electrophoresis apparatus 1 has an introducing passage 11 for allowing a sample to move from one end of the introducing passage 11 toward the other end thereof, and an analyzing passage 10, formed so as to cross the introducing passage in a cross-portion 8, for allowing a part of the sample in the cross-portion 8 to be separated from the other part of the sample in the introducing passage 11 to move by electrophoresis, wherein the angle between a downstream portion 10a of the analyzing passage 10 from the cross-portion 8 in an electrophoresis direction, and at least one of an upstream portion of the introducing passage 11 from the cross-portion 8 in a sample moving direction, and a downstream portion of the introducing passage 11 from the cross-portion 8 in the sample moving direction, is an acute angle.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for analyzing and/or sorting biological materials (e.g., molecules such as polynucleotides and polypeptides, including proteins and enzymes; viruses and cells) and methods for its use are provided. The device and methods of the invention are useful for sorting particles, e.g. virions. The invention is also useful for high throughput screening, e.g. combinatorial screening. The microfluidic device comprises a main channel and an inlet region in communication with the main channel at a droplet extrusion region. Droplets of solution containing the biological material are deposited into the main channel through the droplet extrusion region. A fluid different from and incompatible with the solution containing the biological material flows through the main channel so that the droplets containing the biological material do not diffuse or mix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus by which a sample can be taken from a process and be analyzed on-line by means of a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. On the feed side of the capillary electrophoresis unit (13) the sample is continuously collected via a duct (16) from the process into the sample feeding system and fed into the capillary ducts (2, 3) through the same duct as is the feed solution, and all the solutions (16, 17, 18, 19) both on the feed side and on the exit end of the capillary electrophoresis unit (13) are pumped through the flow ducts, and the liquids flown through the capillary are removed on the exit end of the capillary electrophoresis unit (13) by means of a liquid treatment system.

Abstract: A capillary array assembly is provided that can be used to inject samples into an electrophoresis device. The capillary array assembly can include an injection end that can be arranged to interface with output wells of a fluid processing device, for example, a microfluidic card-type device.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for loading a channel device for electrophoretic separation including cilia which can be deflected into wells of a multi-well tray.

Abstract: To provide a biochip, a biochip manufacturing method, an electrophoresis method, and an electrophoresis apparatus, by which the detection accuracy may improve, there is a biochip introducing a sample in band form into a sample separation passage, by a means for reducing the band width of sample, at which the sample is before being introduced in the sample separation passage in band form. The band of sample supplied to the sample separation passage is compressed, and the expansion by diffusion may be prevented, thus the detection accuracy may improve.

Abstract: In the present capillary electrokinetic chromatograpy method, analytes are injected by electroosmotic flow directly from a sample matrix into a separation buffer containing an electrokinetic vector with an opposite mobility. Analytes can now be injected at the velocity of electroosmotic flow, but are retained at the interface of the sample matrix-co-ion and separation buffer micelle zones as analyte/micelle complexes. Manipulation of the injecting force and opposing stacking force allow greatly increased length or volume of injection. Concentrations of the micelle, methanol, and borate in the separation buffer were provided to increase maximum injection length of neutral analytes. Reducing the analyte velocity in the separation buffer without substantially decreasing the velocity of the analyte during injection from the sample vial allowed greatly extended sample plug injection lengths. It is further enabled to inject sample solvent volumes equivalent to about twenty times the effective capillary volume.

Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis device as well as a process for fabrication of the device is disclosed. The capillary electrophoresis device comprises a device body structure having a plurality of reservoirs arrayed thereon for loading a sample, and a plurality of rows of grooves transversely defined to be connected with the reservoirs for receiving at least a capillary electrophoresis chip. The capillary electrophoresis chip comprises a straight main separation channel, an injection channel, and a plurality of sample transport channels defined thereon in liquid communication with the reservoirs. After an electrode means is applied, the sample can be transported into the separation channel for detection and analysis.

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: A sample handling system in a multi-channel capillary electrophoresis apparatus is disclosed. The sample handling system includes a work surface for supporting a plurality of samples located at a plurality of work surface coordinates and a sample loading assembly comprising a plurality of loading wells. At least one of the loading wells includes a capillary fixedly positioned therein. The system further includes a programmable sample transfer device for automatically transferring a sample from a work surface coordinate to a loading well. The invention further includes methods for using the sample handling system.

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: 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. 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.

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 microfluidic device is provided for regulating the temperature of a sample fluid flowing therethrough, as well as, a method of regulating the temperature of the sample fluid flowing through the microfluidic device. The microfluidic device includes a body member defining a fluid channel for allowing the sample fluid to flow therethrough and a first regulating channel. A regulating fluid having a predetermined temperature flows through the regulating channel adjacent the fluid channel so as to effectuate a heat exchange with the sample fluid flowing through the fluid channel to regulate the temperature thereof.

Abstract: The capillary electrophoresis device using one pressure-resistant syringe (125) is capable of automatically suctioning in polymer solution and injecting polymer solution into a capillary array (100). An electric hook (131) is installed for pulling up the syringe plunger on a push-in action type syringe (125). A check valve (124) is inserted between a polymer bottle (123) and syringe to prevent solution from flowing back into the polymer bottle. As a result, one syringe portion of polymer solution can be suctioned and injected, a large volume of polymer solution can be continuously used and device processing capability is improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mask for distributing reagents on an analytical support, such as an electrophoresis gel, the mask having a body with parallel upper and lower surfaces, a plurality of lanes located on the lower surface of the mask have wedge-shaped projecting elements with a sloped surface between first and second ends thereof, an opening extends from the upper surface of the body of the mask to the lowest point of the sloped surface. The mask is positioned over an analytical support and loaded with the desired reagents which are held by capillary action between the mask and the analytical support. The mask can then be moved in a sweeping motion across the analytical support to deposit the reagents thereon. In another embodiment, the projecting elements are rectangular in shape and the mask is positioned at an incline with respect the analytical support.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump for generating an Electroosmotic Flow (EOF) in a solution in a canal, guide, pipe or equivalent. Electroosmotic flow is generated by application of an electric field through a solution in a canal defined by insulating walls. The phenomenon depends on ionisation of sites on the surface so that for electroneutrality there is an excess mobile charge in the solution. The electric field acts on the excess charge in the solution causing the fluid to flow. The quantity and distribution of excess charge in the solution depends on the solution and the surface materials and is related to a parameter, the zeta (z) potential characterising material/solution combinations.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating fluid samples comprises a micro-chip device having first and second covered channels, each channel having openings at both ends. The channels intersect to form a common intersection. Three of the openings of the channels are connected to a multi-port valve to control pressure in the device.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides microfluidic devices which incorporate improved channel and reservoir geometries, as well as methods of using these devices in the analysis, preparation, or other manipulation of fluid borne materials, to achieve higher throughputs of such materials through these devices, with lower cost, material and/or space requirements.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for concentration and cleanup of samples containing bio-molecule analytes (e.g., polynucleotides, such as DNA, RNA, PNA). Various embodiments provide for pH-mediated sample concentration and cleanup of nucleic acid samples with channel devices (e.g., cross-T format, microchannel devices).

Abstract: A microfluidic device includes a base member, a separating channel, and a sample quantity control channel branching from the separating channel. The separating channel has one end projecting from the base member, and the one end forms a sample introduction portion. The other end of the separating channel and a forward end of the sample quantity control channel have opening and closing mechanisms, respectively. A capacity of the sample quantity control channel corresponds to a sample quantity to be injected.

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.

Abstract: A method for electrophoretic separation in separation channels in which the temperature of the channel is repeatedly cycled during the course of the separation.

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 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. 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 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: An electrophoresis chip is formed of a pair of transparent base plates. A sample introduction flow path and a separation flow path crossing each other are formed on a surface of one of the base plates, and the other base plate is provided with a separation buffer waste, a separation buffer reservoir, a loading buffer reservoir, and a loading buffer waste, which are formed as through holes at positions corresponding to ends of the flow paths. Further, a sample reservoir for injecting a sample therein is formed as a through hole on the sample introduction flow path at a position different from that of the loading buffer reservoir. Electrodes are disposed at the separation buffer waste, the separation buffer reservoir, the loading buffer reservoir, and the loading buffer waste. The electrode is not disposed at the sample reservoir.

Abstract: A supply element for a microfluid microchip that can be used for chemical analysis has supply lines or reservoirs that serve to supply the microchip with substances or reagents. Both ends of the supply lines are sealed to prevent the substances from leaving the supply element or contaminating the contained substances before an experiment. In addition, supply lines are provided that are designed as contact pins to transfer electrical voltage from the supply device to the microchip and serve to offer the required electrical potential for moving the substances corresponding to the microfluid structure of the microchip. The supply element permits the microchip to be easily supplied according to the cited requirements with the required substances for a respective experiment and, in particular, has the advantage that only the supply element itself directly contacts the microchip and can be soiled or worn.

Abstract: Improved sealing for microstructures in microfluidic devices having a plurality of units is provided by providing collars surrounding the openings to the microstructures, such as reservoirs. The collars are protrusions extending from the surface of the devices and the internal walls of the collars generally aligned with the internal walls of the microstructure. Conformable and/or adhesive lids are employed for sealing the microstructures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing nucleic acid (DNA and/or RNA) sequencing on a single molecule. The genetic sequence information is obtained by probing through a DNA or RNA molecule base by base at nanometer scale as though looking through a strip of movie film. This DNA sequencing nanotechnology has the theoretical capability of performing DNA sequencing at a maximal rate of about 1,000,000 bases per second. This enhanced performance is made possible by a series of innovations including: novel applications of a fine-tuned nanometer gap for passage of a single DNA or RNA molecule; thin layer microfluidics for sample loading and delivery; and programmable electric fields for precise control of DNA or RNA movement. Detection methods include nanoelectrode-gated tunneling current measurements, dielectric molecular characterization, and atomic force microscopy/electrostatic force microscopy (AFM/EFM) probing for nanoscale reading of the nucleic acid sequences.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and devices for the control of the movement of fluids and electrically charged sample components within those fluids. More particularly, the present invention permits exclusion or concentration of specifically chosen sample components within a fluid. The present invention provides an analytical device, either microchip- or capillary-based, having the means to exclude specific sample components of interest from a capillary or channel for the purpose of preconcentration or control of movement of sample components. Such a control system includes a means for controlling the flow of the fluid in the channel and the placement of an electrode at the immediate entrance of each channel on such devices so that material may be directly manipulated by effects of both bulk flow and electrically driven migration.

Abstract: The present invention easies a connection between electrodes of a capillary array device and a connection plate for supplying a high voltage to the electrodes. According to the present invention, a connection plate 23 and hollow electrodes 20 are connected without solder but via a spring force. Alternatively, the hollow electrodes 20 can be connected to the connection plate 23 by utilizing volume elasticity of the connection plate.

Abstract: The present invention easies a connection between electrodes of a capillary array device and a connection plate for supplying a high voltage to the electrodes. According to the present invention, a connection plate 23 and hollow electrodes 20 are connected without solder but via a spring force. Alternatively, the hollow electrodes 20 can be connected to the connection plate 23 by utilizing volume elasticity of the connection plate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for improving the performance of an electrophoretic display by modifying the display cell surface. More specifically, the methods are directed to modification of the microcup surface after the microcups are released from the mold. The microcups which have undergone any of the treatment methods of the invention show significant improvement in their surface properties, such as chemical functionality, surface roughness, surface tension, morphology, surface charge, surface reflectivity, surface conductivity and optical properties, particularly optical density in the visible light region. An electrophoretic display formed from the treated microcups has many advantages. For example, the display shows a higher contrast ratio, lower electro-optic response time, lower driving voltage, longer shelf life, higher imageincreasing bistability and higher threshold voltage.

Abstract: In an electrophoresis device with numerous separation channels S loadable with samples, samples are loaded by applying samples in a shared injection channel I intersecting the separation channels S near a point where the injection channel I crosses one of the separation channels S. During exposure to a voltage in the injection channel, the samples are transferred to the separation channels S, and there electrophoretically separated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis-based method of screening complex materials for any unidentified affinity ligand that binds to a target of interest. The method subjects a plug of a mixture of the target and a complex material sample, and a separate plug of a known, tight-binding competitive ligand, to capillary electrophoresis under conditions optimized to allow mingling of the two plugs during the capillary electrophoresis run. Preferably, migration of the competitive ligand is tracked.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to improved methods, structures and systems for interfacing microfluidic devices with ancillary systems that are used in conjunction with such devices. These systems typically include control and monitoring systems (620) for controlling the performance of the processes carried out within the device, e.g., monitoring and controlling environmental conditions and monitoring results of the processes performed, e.g., detection.

Abstract: An electrode plate of a sample plate is set on the body of an electrophoretic apparatus, while a plug is inserted into a migration high voltage line connection hole and connected to a high-tension distribution cable. Each well of a base plate is inserted into a through hole of a well guide and further press-fit and engaged into a cavity of an electrode plate, for fixing the base plate to the electrode plate. Thereafter a sample is introduced into each well of the base plate and an end of a capillary column is dipped into each well for applying a migration voltage and electrophoretically injecting the sample into the capillary column.

Abstract: A microfluidic device for forming and/or dispensing minute volume segments of a material is described. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a microfluidic device and method is provided for spatially confining the material in a focusing element. The device is also capable of segmenting the confined material into minute volume segments, and dispensing a volume segment to a waste or collection channel. The device further includes means for driving the respective streams of sample and focusing fluids through respective channels into a chamber, such that the focusing fluid streams spatially confine the sample material. The device may also include additional means for driving a minute volume segment of the spatially confined sample material into a collection channel in fluid communication with the waste reservoir.

Abstract: A capillary array electrophoretic device capable of securing a sample plate array and a buffer container three dimensionally on a tray of an autosampler. A tray (700) is provided with a guide groove (701) and a stopper (702) corresponding to guides (715, 716) of sample plate assemblies (710, 711) including a microtiter plate.

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. Other embodiments include vacuum use attached to the capillary tubes to increase the speed of detection.