Methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis

Abstract

The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The invention particularly concerns devices comprising a channel that contains an in-line sol-gel column to concentrate samples being subjected to capillary zone electrophoresis, and the use of such devices to enhance the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 693,047 (filed on Jun. 23, 2005), which application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to novel methods and apparatus for improving the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE). The invention particularly concerns devices comprising a channel that contains an in-line sol-gel column to concentrate samples being subjected to capillary zone electrophoresis, and the use of such devices to enhance the sensitivity of capillary zone electrophoresis. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] There is a growing need for analysis of biomolecules, including proteins, polypeptides and DNA. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is a process for separating molecules based on their size or charge. In capillary electrophoresis molecules are introduced into a fluid-filled capillary tube and subjected to an e...

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Benefits of technology

[0018] In detail, the invention provides a sol-gel concentrating device comprising a channel that contains a column of a monolith of a polymerized alkylsilicate gel matrix containing c

Problems solved by technology

Although CZE has multiple advantages, the CZE detection limit based on concentrations is far less than that of HPLC, and is not sufficient for many practical applications.

In certain situations, the concentrations of analytes found in a sample may therefore be too low to permit the use of CZE separation methods.

Although such samples may be concentrated using conventional methods, the resulting small volumes encumber sample manipulation, and such handling may cause a loss of analyte.

In some cases the ionic profile of samples may be compromised by electrokinetic injection, leading to poor accuracy.

High salt content in the sample may also lead to problems with high localized currents causing unwanted heating.

Present off-line preseparation concentration methods are, however, time-consuming and suffer from various sample-handling risks such as contamination or sample loss due to spill or adsorption onto container walls.

While such stacking is thus of some benefit, it has certain significant limitations.

Thus, since the size of the analyte peaks is affected by the sample volume, the use of larger sample volumes can adversely affect peak resolution (Beckers, J. L. et al.

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