Ultrathin slab gel separations of DNA using a single capillary sample introduction system

We demonstrate here a novel method for DNA separations which combines the parallel processing capabilities of slab gels with the advantages of sample introduction obtained with a single capillary. This sample introduction format allows rapid sequential separations or continuous analysis to be carried out on ultrathin slab gels with efficient heat dissipation. Ultrathin slab gels have been fabricated by using 57-micron spacers between quartz plates, and a single capillary has been used to introduce plugs of dsDNA fragments into the ultrathin gel. These fragment plugs were deposited along the entrance to the ultrathin gel at spatially discrete locations by micromanipulation of the capillary. Spatially resolved detection has been accomplished with an argon ion laser focused to a line for excitation and a CCD for collection of fluorescence. Double-stranded DNA separations are demonstrated in a plug injection format. This approach allows multiple unique samples to be rapidly deposited on the ultrathin slab gels for separation.