Microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis: Implementation and applications

Abstract

This chapter outlines the progress toward novel microfabricated capillary array electrophoresis (μCAE)) devices capable of fully integrated, high-throughput genotyping and DNA sequencing. These integrated bio processors lead the way to the next generation of DNA analysis devices. Initial capillary array electrophoresis (CAE) efforts utilized bundles of drawn, fused-silica capillaries that provide significant advantages in analysis time, sample volume, and process automation over conventional slab gels. A modified design was presented in which 12 capillaries were bundled into a ∼1.1 mm region to facilitate scanned sample interrogation. The ability to fabricate dense array devices reproducibly in an industry-standard wafer format facilitates the continued evolution toward integrated bio processors containing not only arrays of high-performance DNA separation columns, but also thermal-cycling reaction and sample purification chambers. Continued progress on this trajectory can yield devices capable of performing the most sophisticated genetic assays in a completely integrated format.