Synchronized, continuous-flow zone electrophoresis.
A new method for performing continuous electrophoretic separation of complex mixtures in microscale devices is proposed. Unlike in free-flow electrophoresis devices, no mechanical pumping is required--both fluid transport and separation are driven electrokinetically. This gives the method great potential for on-a-chip integration in multistep analytical systems. The method enables us to collect fractionated sample and tenfold purification is possible. The model of the operation is presented and a detailed description of the optimal conditions for performing purification is given. The chip devices with 10-microm-deep separation chamber of 1.5 mm x 4 mm in size were fabricated in glass. A standard microchip electrophoresis setup was used. Continuous separation of rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G, and fluorescein was accomplished. Purification was demonstrated on a mixture containing rhodamine B and fluorescein, and the recovery of both fractions was achieved. The results show the feasibility of the method.
Zalewski
Dawid R
DR
MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, P.O. Box 217, 7500AE Enschede, The Netherlands. D.R.Zalewski@utwente.nl
Kohlheyer
Dietrich
D
Schlautmann
Stefan
S
Gardeniers
Han J G E
HJ
D046209:Electrophoresis, Microchip / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019793:Fluorescein / Q000032:analysis*; D008433:Mathematics; D012235:Rhodamines / Q000032:analysis*
D012235:Rhodamines; C026188:rhodamine 6G; C029773:rhodamine B; D019793:Fluorescein