Robust and easy-to-use microchip electrophoresis within sub-millimeter channels for fast and highly efficient separation

Microchip capillary electrophoresis (MCE) is a powerful technique for rapid separation; however, its acceptance in routine laboratories is still limited. Compromises caused by the efforts for solving different problems, such as reducing its cost of fabrication and ensuring high separation efficiency, undermine the competitiveness of this technology compared to other separation techniques. Contrary to the conventional pursuit of narrow microchannels, this study investigated the suitability of microchips with channels at the sub-millimeter level, targeting the simplification of the overall operation, cost reduction, and robustness improvement. To this effect, we considered the influence of pressurized flow and Joule heating on the separation. The suppression of pressurized flow with viscous solutions was confirmed through a combination of simulations and experimental results, indicating that the buffer viscosity was enough for successful separation. We fabricated channels of 200 mu m x 230 mu m using computer numerical controlled (CNC) machining and obtained theoretical plate numbers of 4.8 x 10(5) m(-1) and 5.3 x 10(5) m(-1) for fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) labeled small molecules and DNA fragments, respectively, with a buffer viscosity of 168 mPa s (0.5 % hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, HPMC). These values are comparable with that of narrow-bore microchips. Furthermore, we did not observe any deleterious effects with low-conductivity buffers. We investigated the rapid and highly sensitive detection of mycoplasma contamination and the real samples of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA), which gave a limit of detection (LOD) as low as 2.3 ng mL(-1). Owing to the significant reduction in cost, ease of operation, and fast separation capabilities demonstrated in this work, MCE can be a viable alternative to the usual slab gel electrophoresis running in most biological laboratories.

Automated summary

By investigating microchips with sub-millimeter channels, this study successfully reduced cost and improved ease of operation and separation efficiency, making microchip capillary electrophoresis a viable alternative to conventional slab gel electrophoresis in most biological laboratories.