| 主权项 |
1. A method for concentrating, separating and/or isolating a plurality of charged analytes contained in a sample by depletion zone isotachophoresis, in an apparatus comprising at least a main separation channel (C) comprising an electrolyte, the channel (C) comprising a downstream end (D) and an upstream end (U), and a depletion zone formation means (N) placed in or connected to an intermediate region between the upstream end and the downstream end, the method comprising the steps of:
(i) introducing the sample into the electrolyte at an upstream channel region adjacent to the upstream end (U), and (ii) forming and/or maintaining an ion depleted zone in the separation channel (C) and adjacent to the depletion zone formation means at a depletion rate (R) using the depletion zone formation means, and (iii) applying an electric field (E1) between the downstream end (D) and the upstream end (U) and applying a downstream fluid flow (F), thereby causing focussing and separation of the analytes forming respective focused analyte zones in the separation channel (C) and adjacent to the ion depleted zone, and (iv) optionally detecting the position and/or composition of the focused zones, and (v) adjusting fluid flow (F) and/or depletion rate (R) to move at least one focussed analyte zone in a upstream and/or downstream direction and/or position the one or more focussed analyte zones at a desired position in the separation channel (C). |
