ENGINEERING
Electrophoresis on a Chip
Electrophoresis separates molecules by how they move in an electric field. Shrinking it onto a chip makes the separation faster and higher-resolution while using tiny samples. Here is how microchip electrophoresis works.
What is microchip electrophoresis?
Microchip electrophoresis (a miniaturised form of capillary electrophoresis) applies a voltage across a microchannel filled with a buffer or sieving gel. Charged molecules — DNA fragments, proteins, ions — migrate at speeds set by their size and charge, separating into bands.
Why a chip helps
- Speed — short channels and high fields give separations in seconds to minutes.
- Resolution — efficient heat dissipation allows high voltages and sharp bands.
- Integration — combine with sample prep and detection on one lab-on-a-chip.
Materials and detection
Often run in glass for its surface chemistry and optics, or in low-fluorescence thermoplastics. Detection is typically by laser-induced fluorescence at the channel end. Surface charge drives electro-osmotic flow, so surface chemistry matters.
Applications
DNA fragment sizing and sequencing prep, genotyping, protein and peptide analysis, and clinical and forensic testing.
Frequently asked questions
What is microchip electrophoresis?
A miniaturised electrophoretic separation run in a microfluidic channel, where an electric field separates charged molecules such as DNA, proteins and ions by size and charge.
Why is electrophoresis faster on a chip?
Short channels, high applied fields and efficient heat dissipation allow rapid, high-resolution separations using very small samples.
What materials are used for electrophoresis chips?
Glass is common for its surface chemistry and optical quality; low-autofluorescence thermoplastics are also used. Detection is often by laser-induced fluorescence.
Separate on a chip
Building an electrophoresis chip?
We manufacture in glass and low-fluorescence polymers with the surface quality these separations need. Upload a design for a quote.
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