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Injection of fluorescently labeled analytes into microfabricated chips using optically gated electrophoresis
Analytical Chemistry
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Optically gated electrophoresis offers rapid, picoliter sample introduction in microchips, achieving high reproducibility. This method enables fast serial sampling for analyzing dynamic events, outperforming traditional techniques.
Area of Science:
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microfluidics
- Separation Science
Background:
- Traditional sample introduction in microfluidic chips is often slow and space-intensive.
- Developing faster, more efficient injection methods is crucial for microchip electrophoresis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate optically gated electrophoresis as an alternative sample introduction technique in microfabricated chips.
- To assess the performance of optical gating for injecting NBD-labeled amino acids.
Main Methods:
- Optically gated electrophoresis was employed for sample introduction in microfabricated chips.
- 4-Chloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD)-labeled amino acids were used as analytes.
- Injection volumes of picoliters were reproducibly controlled.
Main Results:
- Optically gated electrophoresis yielded results comparable to traditional T-type injection methods.
- Reproducible picoliter injections showed less than 3% deviation in retention time and peak area.
- Six consecutive separations were completed in under 30 seconds with low plate heights (0.8-4.5 microm).
Conclusions:
- Optically gated electrophoresis is a viable, efficient method for sample introduction in microchips.
- The technique's speed and reproducibility are suitable for analyzing rapid dynamic events.
- This method offers advantages for on-line sampling and chemical process monitoring.