Devices, systems, and methods for microscale isoelectric fractionation

摘要

Embodiments of the present invention provide devices, systems, and methods for microscale isoelectric fractionation. Analytes in a sample may be isolated according to their isoelectric point within a fractionation microchannel. A microfluidic device according to an embodiment of the invention includes a substrate at least partially defining a fractionation microchannel. The fractionation microchannel has at least one cross-sectional dimension equal to or less than 1 mm. A plurality of membranes of different pHs are disposed in the microchannel. Analytes having an isoelectric point between the pH of the membranes may be collected in a region of the fractionation channel between the first and second membranes through isoelectric fractionation.

主权项

1. A method for forming a series of pH-specific membranes in a microchannel, the method comprising:
introducing a first aqueous acrylamide monomer solution into the microchannel having a first pH; polymerizing the first aqueous acrylamide monomer solution at a first location in the microchannel to generate a first membrane having the first pH; removing a non-polymerized portion of the first aqueous acrylamide monomer solution from the microchannel; introducing a second aqueous acrylamide monomer solution into the microchannel having a second pH; polymerizing the second aqueous acrylamide monomer solution at a second location in the microchannel to generate a second membrane having the second pH; removing a non-polymerized portion of the second aqueous acrylamide monomer solution from the microchannel; and filling the microchannel with a third aqueous acrylamide monomer solution having a third pH, wherein the third aqueous acrylamide monomer solution is located in the microchannel between the first membrane and the second membrane, and the first pH, the second pH, and the third pH are different.