Dual-mode scanning optical system for capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

A dual mode capillary electrophoresis system (100) is disclosed, comprising a plurality of capillaries for receiving a plurality of samples, a UV radiation source (120) for generating UV radiation along a first path (PB), a laser source (110) for generating laser radiation along a second path (PA), and a galvanometer mirror (116) configured to receive radiation from the UV radiation source along the first path and light from the laser source along the second path, and to direct the received UV radiation and laser onto a common optical path, the galvanometer mirror further configured to sequentially scan the UV radiation and the laser over the plurality of capillaries. The system can further comprise a detector (190) for detecting UV radiation and a detector (180) for detecting fluorescent radiation emitted by a sample in response to laser excitation via an optical fiber (185).

Description

[0001] Related US applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 935,609, filed November 14, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system, and more specifically to a capillary electrophoresis system that can be easily operated in at least two detection modes, such as UV absorption mode and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) mode. Background Technology

[0004] Capillary electrophoresis is commonly used for the rapid separation and analysis of charged species, such as synthetic polynucleotides, DNA sequencing fragments, DNA restriction fragments, amino acids, optical isomers of dansyl amino acids, as well as the separation of proteins, viruses, and bacteria. Micellar electrokinetic capillary chromatography, isoelectric focusing, and on-column derivatization can all be performed on CE columns.

[0005] Current instruments typically analyze only one sample at a time, limiting their throughput. Furthermore, changing the detection mode of current instruments is difficult and usually requires hardware modifications and revalidation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one aspect, a dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system is disclosed, comprising: a plurality of capillaries for receiving a plurality of samples; a UV radiation source for generating UV radiation along a first path; a laser source for generating laser radiation along a second path; and a galvanometer configured to receive radiation from the UV radiation source along the first path and light from the laser source along the second path, and to guide the received UV radiation and the laser onto a common optical path. The galvanometer is further configured to sequentially scan the UV radiation and the laser across the plurality of capillaries. The system may further include a first detector positioned relative to the capillaries to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through each capillary when the capillary is irradiated with the UV radiation. At least one optical fiber is positioned relative to the capillaries to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by a sample disposed in each capillary in response to excitation of the sample in the capillary by the laser. A second detector is optically coupled to the optical fiber to receive at least a portion of the fluorescent radiation emitted by the capillary.

[0007] A lens may be positioned between the galvanometer mirror and the plurality of capillaries to focus the UV radiation and laser onto the capillaries during scanning across the capillaries. In some such embodiments, the lens is configured to focus the UV radiation and laser substantially onto the center of each of the capillaries.

[0008] In some embodiments, laser radiation can excite one or more fluorescent tags attached to a sample disposed in a capillary. In some embodiments, ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be used to excite the natural fluorescence of a biological sample. An optical fiber can collect the fluorescence radiation. In some embodiments, two optical fibers are used to collect laser-induced fluorescence radiation or UV-induced fluorescence radiation. In some such embodiments, one optical fiber is positioned above a lens and angled downward toward the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the laser-induced or UV-induced fluorescence radiation, and another optical fiber is positioned below the lens and angled upward toward the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the laser-induced or UV-induced fluorescence radiation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the proximal ends of the optical fibers may be coupled to a plate to hold them relative to a capillary. In some such embodiments, the distal ends of the optical fibers may be coupled to a coupling element that aligns those distal ends relative to a second detector, such that light exiting the optical fiber can be detected by the detector. In some embodiments, the detector may simultaneously measure light with multiple wavelengths, or it may be a detector that provides spectral separation to measure multiple wavelengths separately.

[0010] In some embodiments, the system may further include a controller for controlling the galvanometer lens. The controller may be implemented in hardware, software, and / or firmware. For example, the controller may include a processor and one or more memory modules that communicate with the processor via at least one communication bus. In some embodiments, instructions for operating the galvanometer lens may be stored in a permanent memory module and may be transferred by the processor to a random access memory module during runtime for execution to operate the galvanometer lens. For example, the controller may cause the galvanometer lens to sequentially illuminate the plurality of capillaries. In some such embodiments, the controller may communicate with a UV radiation source and a laser source to activate the UV radiation source and the laser source at different time intervals to transmit UV radiation or laser light to the galvanometer lens during these time intervals. In each time interval, the lens may sequentially scan the UV radiation or laser light across the plurality of capillaries.

[0011] In some embodiments, the plurality of capillaries are housed within a housing. A mounting bracket may be provided to which the housing can be mounted to position the capillaries within the path of UV radiation and laser.

[0012] In some embodiments, the UV radiation source may include a UV lamp for generating UV radiation and a plurality of filters that can be selectively deployed to select different wavelengths of the UV radiation emitted by the UV lamp. In some such embodiments, the UV lamp may generate UV radiation with wavelengths in the range of about 185 nm to about 400 nm. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or more filters may be positioned in front of a detector configured to detect fluorescence radiation, for example, to block excitation light, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio. In some embodiments, the light source may generate light with wavelengths in the range of about 372 nm to about 980 nm.

[0013] A wide variety of detectors can be used to detect UV radiation and laser-induced fluorescence. Some examples of suitable detectors include, but are not limited to, photodiodes and photomultipliers, and photomultiplier and photodiode array spectrometers.

[0014] In some embodiments, the plurality of capillaries are disposed within a removable cartridge that is slidably insertable into the system, and wherein when the removable cartridge is in the inserted state of the system, the plurality of capillaries are aligned to receive the UV radiation and / or the laser from the galvanometer lens.

[0015] On the other hand, a cartridge for use with a dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system is described, the cartridge comprising a plurality of capillaries adapted to receive a plurality of samples, and the cartridge being adapted to be inserted into the dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system between an insertion state and a removal state. The dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system may include: a UV radiation source for generating UV radiation along a first path; a laser source for generating laser radiation along a second path; a galvanometer lens configured to receive radiation from the UV radiation source along the first path and light from the laser source along the second path, and to guide the received UV radiation and the laser onto a common optical path, the galvanometer lens further configured to sequentially scan the UV radiation and the laser on the plurality of capillaries when the cartridge is in the insertion state; and a first detector, which, when the cartridge is in the insertion state, [is activated]. The device is positioned relative to the capillary to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through the capillary when each capillary in the capillary is irradiated with the UV radiation; at least one optical fiber, when the cartridge is in the inserted state, is positioned relative to the capillary to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by a sample disposed in each capillary in response to excitation of the sample in the capillary by the laser or UV radiation; and a second detector, optically coupled to the optical fiber, for receiving at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation captured by the capillary when the cartridge is in the inserted state. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1A A dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system according to an embodiment is schematically depicted.

[0017] Figure 1B schematically depicted Figure 1A Some components of the system shown.

[0018] Figure 1C schematically depicted Figure 1A Some components of the system shown.

[0019] Figure 1D A box according to an embodiment is schematically depicted, the box comprising a plurality of capillaries and a mounting element for receiving the box.

[0020] Figure 1E A UV radiation source suitable for practical use in some embodiments of this teaching is schematically depicted.

[0021] Figure 1F A schematic depiction of in Figure 1A The system shown uses a lens that focuses either UV radiation or laser light onto multiple capillaries holding samples.

[0022] Figure 1G The diagram shows multiple optical fibers for guiding laser-induced fluorescence radiation to a detector, a plate supporting the proximal ends of the optical fibers, a mounting for receiving a box containing a capillary, and a translation stage for moving the mounting and the plate.

[0023] Figure 2 An example of an implementation of a controller for operating a galvanometer mirror is schematically depicted.

[0024] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A capillary tube, which is incorporated into an embodiment of this teaching, is schematically shown, wherein the capillary tube is bonded to a chip.

[0025] Figure 4 The linear dynamic range of caffeine concentration detection from 2 μM to 2 mM was demonstrated.

[0026] Figure 5 The CZE separation is shown, in which the test matrix B sample (Sciex) is simultaneously run through 8 capillaries.

[0027] Figure 6 The fluorescence intensity is shown using different concentrations of sodium fluorescein.

[0028] Figure 7 The results of CZE separation are shown, in which the LIF test matrix sample (Sciex) was simultaneously run through 8 capillaries. Detailed Implementation

[0029] This teaching provides a dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system that facilitates the analysis of multiple samples. In some embodiments, the system employs a galvanometer scanning mirror that can sequentially guide radiation from a laser or UV source across a capillary array, for example, via a single lens. In some embodiments, the capillary array can be implemented in a silicon chip having windows at each capillary location where the capillaries are integrated into the chip. The windows control the passage of light through the capillaries and are configured to produce optimal system performance. As discussed in more detail below, in some such embodiments, photodiodes are positioned, for example, along the optical axis, to collect at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through the capillaries for performing absorbance measurements. The photodiodes can also be used to initially align the beam position with the center of each capillary window by sweeping the UV radiation or laser across the capillary array and recording the center position.

[0030] During data acquisition, the galvanometer scanning mirror can step-scan UV radiation or laser to each capillary and maintain the radiation on each capillary for a pre-selected residence time for data collection. In some embodiments, a laser is used to excite a fluorescent tag attached to the sample under study, or UV radiation is used to excite natural fluorescence (e.g., the natural fluorescence of a biological sample). In response to this excitation, the fluorescent tag or the biological sample exhibiting natural fluorescence can emit fluorescent radiation, which can be detected as discussed below. For example, in some embodiments, for this laser-induced fluorescence detection, an array of optical fibers (e.g., 24 fibers) is positioned at a 45-degree angle above and below the optical axis of the radiation (e.g., 12 fibers above and 12 fibers below), wherein the assumed extensions of the capillary from the fiber tips to the point where the radiation enters the capillary at its center intersect. The optical fibers can collect the fluorescent radiation from the entire capillary array and, after passing through a laser or UV bandstop filter and a bandpass filter, direct the fluorescent radiation to a photomultiplier tube to block the excitation light from reaching the photomultiplier tube and select the desired radiation bandwidth for detection. Alternatively, radiation can be separated by wavelength onto a photodiode array using a grating. One advantage of the system according to this teaching is that it eliminates the need for hardware replacement to switch from UV radiation to laser to interrogate the sample under study. Instead, in the system according to this teaching, switching from one detection mode to another involves simply moving the galvanometer mirror from one radiation source to another. In some embodiments, the user can simply select the detection mode of interest, for example, via a graphical user interface.

[0031] refer to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 1C , Figure 1D , Figure 1E and Figure 1GThe dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system 100 according to an embodiment includes an array of capillaries 122 arranged in a cartridge 195, with each capillary configured to receive the sample under study. The multi-capillary array 122 includes a silicon chip having a window at each capillary location where the capillaries are combined. As described herein, the cartridge is insertable (slidably or otherwise) into the system and is mounted to the system when in the inserted state. When the cartridge is in the inserted state, the capillaries 122 contained in the cartridge 195 are aligned to receive UV light and / or laser light from a galvanometer scanner and are also aligned with optical fibers and / or photodiodes as part of the detection system.

[0032] As an example, Figure 3A and Figure 3B An array of capillaries 122, incorporated into chip 122a and having windows 122b, is schematically depicted. These windows can receive or emit laser and / or UV radiation. The windows control the radiation's passage through the capillaries to produce optimal system performance. As discussed in more detail below, the capillaries are positioned within the path of radiation generated by multiple radiation sources.

[0033] In this embodiment, system 100 includes an ultraviolet (UV) radiation source 131 (see [link]). Figure 1E The capillary 122 includes an associated UV filter 130 and a laser source 110. The UV radiation source can be, for example, a UV lamp that generates UV radiation, such as radiation with wavelengths in the range of about 185 nm to about 400 nm, for measuring the absorbance of a sample disposed in the capillary 122. The laser source 110 can be any suitable laser that generates laser radiation to induce fluorescence radiation from one or more samples disposed in the capillary, for example, by exciting fluorescent tags attached to one or more samples disposed in the capillary 122. For example, the laser source 110 can generate radiation having one or more wavelengths in the range of about 372 nm to about 980 nm for laser-induced fluorescence studies of these samples. For example, as described above, in some embodiments, the samples disposed in the capillary can be tagged with one or more fluorescent tags that can be excited by laser radiation and emit fluorescent radiation in response to such excitation. In some embodiments, UV radiation can be used to excite the natural fluorescence of biological samples.

[0034] In this embodiment, the UV radiation source 120 includes a broad-spectrum UV lamp 120a. The UV source uses a single optical fiber extending to an optical fiber collimator (see optical fiber collimator 120b in FIG. 1). Figure 1E(Accessory 202). Multiple switchable UV filters 130 are provided, allowing selection of one at a time to filter radiation generated by the UV radiation source 120. A stepper motor can be used to switch the UV filters positioned along the path of the radiation generated by the UV radiation source 120, and a knob 130a is used to remove the UV filters. In this way, the wavelength of interest can be selected from the wavelengths generated by the broad-spectrum UV lamp. Furthermore, the UV source can be adjusted using a stepper motor to maximize optical power based on the selected wavelength and the filter(s) used.

[0035] like Figure 1E As shown, lens pair 200 can focus the UV radiation generated by the lamp toward UV output accessory 202. Shutter 203 can block the UV radiation generated by the lamp from leaving the source. XY shifter 204 can be moved by a stepper motor to allow adjustment of the position of UV output accessory relative to lens pair 200.

[0036] The dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system 100 also includes suitable optics for guiding radiation emitted by the laser source 110 and the UV radiation source 120 onto an array of capillaries 122. Such optics may include, but are not limited to, one or more mirrors, lenses (e.g., focusing lenses), etc. In this embodiment, the galvanometer scanning mirror 116 can receive radiation emitted by the UV radiation source 120 and the laser 110 along different paths (PA) and (PB), respectively, and guide the UV radiation and laser onto a common optical path pointing towards the focusing or scanning lens 114. Figure 1F As shown, the focusing lens 114 can be held in place by coupling to the retainer 114a.

[0037] Although in this embodiment, the galvanometer lens 116 receives UV radiation and laser light directly from the UV source and the laser source, respectively, in other embodiments, one or more optical elements (e.g., lenses) may be positioned between the UV radiation source or the laser source and the galvanometer lens.

[0038] The focusing or scanning lens 114 can then focus the UV radiation and laser onto one of the capillaries of the capillary array 122. For example, in some embodiments, the lens 114 is configured to focus the UV radiation and laser onto the center of a selected capillary. The galvanometer lens 116 can be scanned to sequentially irradiate a sample contained in the capillaries of the capillary array with UV radiation and laser.

[0039] System 100 may further include multiple detectors for detecting at least a portion of UV radiation transmitted through the capillary and fluorescent radiation emitted by one or more fluorescent tags attached to one or more samples disposed within the capillary in response to laser excitation or excitation of the natural fluorescence of one or more biomolecules in the biological sample by UV radiation. The detectors may generate detection signals in response to the detection of UV radiation and / or fluorescent radiation, wherein the detection signals can be analyzed to obtain information about the samples disposed within the capillary.

[0040] More specifically, in this embodiment, the UV detector 190 (e.g., a photodiode detector) is positioned relative to the capillary to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation transmitted through the sample disposed in the capillary. In this embodiment, the photodiode detector 190 is positioned substantially along the common optical path along which the UV radiation and the laser are guided by the galvanometer lens 116.

[0041] In some embodiments, the photodiode detector 190 is also used to initially align the beam position to the center of each window. For example, UV radiation can be swept across the capillary array, and the center position of the capillaries can be recorded. Each capillary has a window in front of it. As light passes through the window associated with the capillary during the sweep of UV radiation, the detected signal displays eight peaks. The midpoint between the start and end of each peak corresponds to the capillary window and thus the center of the capillary.

[0042] In this embodiment, system 100 further includes a fluorescence detector 180 for detecting laser-induced or UV-induced fluorescence, which in this embodiment is a photomultiplier tube (PMT), for detecting fluorescence radiation emitted by the sample (e.g., fluorescence radiation emitted by a fluorescent label attached to the sample or natural fluorescence radiation of a biological sample excited by UV radiation). As discussed in more detail below, in this embodiment, the fluorescence detector receives the emitted fluorescence radiation via multiple optical fibers 185.

[0043] More specifically, fiber array 185a is positioned above the plane of the optical axis of radiation (i.e., the common optical path), and the fibers are angled downwards at approximately 45 degrees to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by one or more samples disposed in the capillary. Another fiber array 185b is positioned below the plane of the optical axis, and the fibers of this array are angled upwards at approximately 45 degrees to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by one or more samples disposed in the capillary. Typically, the upper and lower fibers are angled such that their assumed extensions intersect at the point where the radiation passes through the capillary core.

[0044] In this embodiment, each of the upper and lower fiber bundles includes 12 fibers (i.e., a total of 24 fibers), but other numbers of fibers may be used in other embodiments. In this embodiment, the proximal end of fiber 185 is attached to plate 191, which is in turn attached to mounting bracket 193, onto which a capillary-containing housing 195 can be mounted. Figure 1G As shown, the mounting 193 can be coupled to a translation stage 193a, which allows adjustment of the height of the mounting to align the capillary with the radiation / beam. Multiple guide rods (400) can bring the collecting fiber to the vicinity of the capillary.

[0045] The distal end of optical fiber 185 is coupled to optical fiber coupling element 196, which aligns the distal end of the optical fiber with a fluorescence detector for efficient coupling of fluorescence radiation (e.g., laser-induced or UV-induced fluorescence radiation) into the fluorescence detector.

[0046] In use, the galvanometer scanning mirror 116 scans UV radiation and laser beams across the capillary 122 by sequentially stepping the UV and laser beams across the center position of the capillary. During data acquisition, as data (e.g., UV absorption data and / or fluorescence data) is collected, the beam is focused onto the capillary for a selected residence time. The residence time can vary based on, for example, the number of capillaries and the type of analysis.

[0047] In some embodiments, the controller 300 can control the scanning of the galvanometer lens 116 to guide UV radiation or a laser beam to the capillary. The controller 300 can be implemented using hardware, firmware, and / or software. For example, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the controller 300 may include a processor 302, random access memory (RAM) 304, permanent storage (ROM) 306, and a communication bus 308 that allows the processor 302 to communicate with other components of the controller 300. The instruction set for controlling the galvanometer 116 may be stored in the ROM 306 and may be transferred to the RAM 304 during runtime to control the scanning of the galvanometer 116.

[0048] Fluorescent radiation emitted by the sample disposed in the capillary is collected by optical fiber 185, which then transmits the collected fluorescence radiation to fluorescence detector 180. In this embodiment, cartridge 135 includes a filter 135a for blocking scattered laser or UV excitation light and a bandpass filter 135b positioned in front of fluorescence detector 180 to block scattered laser or UV excitation light from reaching the detector and allow fluorescence radiation of a desired bandwidth to reach the detector, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the detected fluorescence radiation.

[0049] In some embodiments, the capillary is irradiated with UV radiation and laser at different time intervals; however, in some embodiments, the capillary may be irradiated with UV radiation and laser sequentially. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the UV radiation may be absorbed by the irradiated sample and a portion of the UV radiation may be transmitted through the sample. The UV radiation (or at least a portion thereof) transmitted through the sample may be detected by a photodiode detector 190. The photodiode detector may generate a detection signal that can be used to determine the UV absorbance of the irradiated sample.

[0050] like Figure 2 As schematically shown, system 100 may further include an analysis module 1000, which communicates with photodiode 190 and photomultiplier tube 180 to receive detection signals from these detectors and manipulate the signals to obtain information about the queried sample. Analysis module 1000 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, and / or software, for example, as discussed above in conjunction with controller 300. In some embodiments, a diode array spectrometer detector may be employed.

[0051] The dual-mode capillary electrophoresis system 100 according to this teaching offers numerous advantages. For example, in such a system, the operating mode can be easily switched from UV absorption mode to laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) or natural fluorescence (also known as fluorescence spectroscopy) mode by adjusting the galvanometer scanning mirror to receive radiation from the source of interest. In other words, since the system uses common components for both modes, there is no need to remove and replace various components to switch from one operating mode to the other.

[0052] Example

[0053] Example 1

[0054] The UV absorbance of deionized (DI) water samples containing different concentrations of caffeine (i.e., 2 μM, 5 μM, 20 μM, 100 μM, 500 μM, 1 mM, 2 mM, and 3 mM) was measured by passing 220 nm wavelength UV radiation through multiple capillaries containing the sample. The decrease in transmitted UV power was converted into UV absorbance.

[0055] Figure 4 The linear dynamic range of caffeine concentration detection from 2 μM to 2 mM is shown, with a linear correlation of R^2 >= 0.9998.

[0056] Figure 5CZE separation is shown, with the test matrix B sample (Sciex) simultaneously running through 8 capillaries. The relative standard deviations of migration times between run-to-run and between capillary-to-capillary are less than 0.5%. The relative standard deviations of peak areas between run-runs are less than 2%, and the relative standard deviations of peak areas between capillaries are less than 5%. UV signal crosstalk from adjacent capillaries is less than 0.08%.

[0057] Example 2

[0058] Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) is measured by routing fluorescence through an optical fiber array cable to a photomultiplier tube detector. The excitation wavelength for sodium fluorescein and the LIF test matrix sample is 488 nm. Figure 6 The fluorescence intensity (relative fluorescence units RFU) of sodium fluorescein at different concentrations (i.e., 100 pM, 200 pM, 1 nM, 5 nM, 20 nM, 100 nM, 500 nM, and 1 μM) is shown in a 50 μm core capillary array. The dynamic range is at least 10000:1, where R... 2 =0.9998.

[0059] Figure 7 The results of CZE (capillary zone electrophoresis) separation are shown, in which the LIF test matrix sample (Sciex) simultaneously runs through 8 capillaries. LIF signal crosstalk from adjacent capillaries is less than 0.015%.

Claims

1. A capillary electrophoresis system, comprising: Multiple capillaries are used to receive multiple samples. UV radiation source, used to generate UV radiation. Laser source, used to generate laser light. A galvanometer lens is configured to receive the UV radiation and the laser along different paths, and to guide the received UV radiation and the received laser onto a common optical path. The galvanometer lens is also configured to sequentially scan the UV radiation and the laser across the plurality of capillaries. A first detector is positioned relative to the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through each of the plurality of capillaries when the capillary is irradiated with the UV radiation. The system comprises at least one bundle of optical fibers, wherein the optical fibers are positioned relative to the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by a sample disposed in each of the plurality of capillaries in response to excitation of the sample in that capillary by the laser or UV radiation. A second detector is optically coupled to the optical fiber to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation received by the at least one optical fiber bundle.

2. The system of claim 1 further includes a lens disposed between the galvanometer mirror and the plurality of capillaries, the lens being used to focus the UV radiation and the laser onto the plurality of capillaries when scanning UV radiation and the laser across the plurality of capillaries.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The lens is configured to focus the UV radiation and the laser onto the center of each of the plurality of capillaries.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one fiber optic bundle includes a first fiber optic bundle located above the lens and angled toward the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation.

5. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The at least one fiber bundle includes a second fiber bundle located below the lens and angled toward the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation.

6. The system of claim 1 further includes a controller for controlling the galvanometer mirror.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The controller is configured to control the galvanometer mirror to scan the UV radiation and the laser across the plurality of capillaries at different time intervals.

8. The system of claim 1 further includes a housing containing the plurality of capillaries.

9. The system of claim 8 further includes a mounting component, the box being mountable to the mounting component.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising a support, wherein the proximal end of the at least one optical fiber bundle is coupled to the support.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising a coupling element for receiving the distal end of the at least one optical fiber and aligning the distal end with the second detector for coupling light from the optical fiber to the second detector.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The UV radiation source includes a UV lamp.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein, The UV radiation source includes multiple filters that can be selectively deployed to select different wavelength bands of UV radiation emitted by the UV lamp.

14. The system of claim 12, wherein the UV lamp generates UV radiation with wavelengths in the range of 185 nm to 400 nm.

15. The system of claim 1 further includes at least one filter disposed in front of the second detector for filtering out fluorescence excitation light generated by the laser source or UV radiation source.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The laser source generates light with wavelengths ranging from 372 nm to 980 nm.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The first detector includes a photodiode.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The second detector includes either a photomultiplier or a diode array spectrometer.

19. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of capillaries are disposed within a removable cartridge that is slidably insertable into the system, wherein, when the removable cartridge is in the inserted state of the system, the plurality of capillaries are aligned to receive the UV radiation and the laser from the galvanometer lens.

20. A cartridge for use with a capillary electrophoresis system, The cartridge includes multiple capillaries adapted to receive multiple samples, and the cartridge is adapted to be inserted into the capillary electrophoresis system between an insertion state and a removal state. The capillary electrophoresis system includes: UV radiation source, used to generate UV radiation. Laser source, used to generate laser light. A galvanometer lens is configured to receive the UV radiation and the laser along different paths, and to guide the received UV radiation and the laser onto a common optical path. The galvanometer lens is also configured to sequentially scan the UV radiation and the laser across the plurality of capillaries when the cartridge is in the inserted state. A first detector, when the cartridge is in the inserted state, is positioned relative to the plurality of capillaries so as to receive at least a portion of the UV radiation passing through each of the plurality of capillaries when the capillary is irradiated with the UV radiation. The cassette includes at least one bundle of optical fibers, wherein, when the cassette is in the inserted state, the multiple optical fibers are positioned relative to the plurality of capillaries to receive at least a portion of the fluorescence radiation emitted by a sample disposed in each of the plurality of capillaries in response to excitation of the sample in that capillary by the laser or UV radiation. A second detector is optically coupled to the optical fiber to receive at least a portion of the fluorescent radiation received by the at least one optical fiber when the box is in the inserted state.

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