Optimization of Isotachophoresis Coupled with Gel Electrophoresis in Microfluidics Devices for High Throughput Screening Applications

摘要

In the present study, we optimized a chip-based preconcentration-separation system using isotachophoresis (ITP) and gel electrophoresis (GE) for a potential use in high throughput screening (HTS) applications. By using multiport pressure control, we demonstrated multiple uses of the chip as is often desirable for HTS applications. Also, an automatic ITP-GE handoff mechanism was developed to improve the repeatability of the experiments. We optimized the stacking factor and separation resolution of the sample analytes by controlling the loading scheme, applied electric field, and gel/reagent properties. Using model systems, we demonstrated a greater than 200 fold stacking and baseline separation.