Electrophoretic separation schemes in ultrathin channels with capillary sample introduction

A continuous sample introduction and separation scheme is presented as a rapid, low volume technique for bioanalytical separations. This new technique involves continuous sample introduction via a conventional small bore capillary coupled to a small dimension rectangular channel. Both free zone and size based separations have been carried out in the rectangular channel. Additionally, micellar electrokinetic channel chromatography is demonstrated. Laser induced fluorescence and electrochemical array detection schemes have been employed with this technique. Some of the areas this technology has been used to investigate include monitoring dynamic events from microenvironments, monitoring analytes over long periods of time, kinetic analysis, and performing parallel DNA separations.