摘要 |
A method and apparatus are disclosed for simultaneously concentrating and separating a plurality of analytes which includes generating a continuous electric field gradient within an enclosed passageway, and where the electric field gradient is characterized by the graph of the gradient with respect to position along the length of the axis of the passageway being a non-linear, monotone, non-decreasing function with a non-increasing first derivative. Analytes entrained in a carrier fluid within the passageway are exposed simultaneously to the continuous electrical field gradient and an opposing force selected for exerting a force on the analytes. The analytes are allowed to reach equilibrium with respect to the continuous electric field gradient and the opposing force, then are released in a controlled manner to maintain separation. The unique shape of the electric field intensity curve allows for simultaneous concentration and separation of analytes.
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