Buffer gradient and temperature gradient capillary electrophoresis

A temperature programming gradient electrophoresis apparatus comprising:

• a separation capillary for holding a fluid, the separation capillary being electrically connected to a voltage source for separating into two portions said fluid under the influence of an electric field generated in said separation capillary by the voltage source;
• means for controllably increasing or decreasing the temperature of said separation capillary as a function of time, said means comprising means for sensing the temperature of said separation capillary and means for providing heating and cooling responsive to the sensed temperature to said separation capillary to vary the temperature thereof as a function of time;
• and
• means for detecting passage of the fluid through a particular portion of said separation capillary.

A buffer gradient electrophoresis apparatus for separating components of a solute introduced to said buffer comprising:

• a first reservoir for holding a first fluid;
• a second reservoir for holding a second fluid;
• means for pumping said first and second fluids at different rates to a mixer connected to the first and second reservoirs for mixing said first and second fluids to form a resultant buffer to which solute may be introduced;
• a transfer line connected to said mixer;
• a separation capillary electrically connected to a voltage source the inlet of said separation capillary communicating with said mixer through said transfer line for separating components of said solute in said buffer under the influence of an electric field generated by said voltage source;
• and
• means for controlling the temperature of said separation capillary.

A method for performing buffer gradient electrophoresis to separate components of a solute in a buffer comprising the steps of:

• providing a first fluid from a first reservoir;
• providing a second fluid from a second reservoir;
• mixing said first and second fluids in a mixer connected to the first and second reservoirs to form a resultant buffer to which solute may be introduced;
• introducing said buffer into a separation capillary communicating with said mixer via a transfer line;
• separating components of said solute in said buffer in said separation capillary under the influence of an electrical field generated by a voltage source electrically connected to said separation capillary;
• and
• controlling the temperature of said separation capillary while separating.