METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR INTRODUCING A SAMPLE INTO A SEPARATION CHANNEL FOR ELECTROPHORESIS

摘要

Methods and apparatus for introducing a sample into a separation channel for electrophoresis are disclosed. In one arrangement sample droplets having a membrane that encapsulates a sample are formed and brought to an injection position in contact with a transport medium of a separation channel. An electric field is applied to rupture the sample droplets and cause the sample to enter the separation channel and undergo electrophoresis.

主权项

1. A method of introducing a sample into a separation channel for electrophoresis, comprising:
encapsulating the sample within a sample droplet, the sample droplet having a spatially continuous sample droplet membrane that surrounds the sample within the sample droplet; bringing the sample droplet to an injection position in which a first region of the sample droplet membrane is in contact with a portion of a first surface and a second region of the sample droplet membrane, different from the first region, is in contact with a portion of a second surface, wherein: the first and second surfaces are configured so that the material forming the sample droplet membrane will not pass through the surfaces and is capable of stably isolating the sample from the first and second surfaces while the droplet is intact; the method further comprises applying an electric field to the sample droplet via the first and second surfaces, the electric field being such as to cause the sample droplet membrane to rupture and the sample to be brought into contact with the first and second surfaces; and the second surface is a surface of a transport medium defining the separation channel, the transport medium being configured such that the sample passes through the second surface and into the separation channel when the sample droplet membrane is ruptured.