Micro free-flow electrophoresis: Theory and applications

Ryan T. Turgeon, Michael T. Bowser

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

128 Scopus citations

Abstract

Free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) is a technique that performs an electrophoretic separation on a continuous stream of analyte as it flows through a planar flow channel. The electric field is applied perpendicularly to the flow to deflect analytes laterally according to their mobility as they flow through the separation channel. Miniaturization of FFE (μFFE) over the past 15 years has allowed analytical and preparative separation of small volume samples. Advances in chip design have improved separations by reducing interference from bubbles generated by electrolysis. Mechanisms of band broadening have been examined theoretically and experimentally to improve resolution in μFFE. Separations using various modes such as zone electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, isotachophoresis, and field-step electrophoresis have been demonstrated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)187-198
Number of pages12
JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry
Volume394
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2009

Keywords

  • Electrophoresis
  • Free-flow electrophoresis
  • Microfluidics

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