User`s guide

Contents ▲ 56 ▼ Index
Principles of Nucleic Acid and Protein Analysis on a Chip
The electrophoretic assays are based on traditional gel electrophoresis principles that
have been transferred to a chip format. The chip format dramatically reduces separation
time and sample consumption. The system provides automated sizing and quantitation
information in a digital format. On-chip gel electrophoresis is performed for the analysis
of DNA, RNA and proteins.
The chip accommodates sample wells, gel wells and a well for an external standard
(ladder). Micro-channels are fabricated in glass to create interconnected networks
among these wells. During chip preparation, the micro-channels are filled with a sieving
polymer and fluorescence dye. Once the wells and channels are filled, the chip becomes
an integrated electrical circuit. The 16-pin electrodes of the cartridge are arranged so that
they fit into the wells of the chip. Each electrode is connected to an independent power
supply that provides maximum control and flexibility. Charged biomolecules like DNA or