High-throughput DNA analysis by microchip electrophoresis

DNA analysis plays a great role in genetic and medical research, and clinical diagnosis of inherited diseases and particular cancers. Development of new methods for high throughput DNA analysis is necessitated with incoming of post human genome era. A new powerful analytical technology, called microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE), can be integrated with some experimental units and is characterized by high-speed, small sample and reagent requirements and high-throughput. This new technology, which has been applied successfully to the separation of DNA fragments, analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products, DNA sequencing, and mutation detection, for example, will become an attractive alternative to conventional methods such as slab gel electrophoresis, Southern blotting and Northern blotting for DNA analysis. This review is focused on some basic issues about DNA analysis by MCE, such as fabrication methods for microchips, detection system and separation schemes, and several key applications are summarized.