Methods, devices, and systems for performing isoelectric focusing reactions are described. The systems or devices disclosed herein may comprise fixtures that have a membrane. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. Two or more isoelectric focusing reactions may be performed in parallel. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.

A method of detecting particles, e. g. proteins, after separation of particles based on their specific features, e.g. charge, size, shape, density, as series of single light scattering events created by the individual particles is described. The particles are separated from each other along the separation path and particles have specific arrival times at the target side depending on the particle features. The detecting step comprises an interferometric sensing of the light scattered at individual particles bound or transient in the detection volume. Parameters of the scattering light signals e.g. the interferometric contrast are analyzed for obtaining specific particle features, e.g. size, mass, shape, charge, or affinity of the particles. Furthermore, a detection apparatus being configured for detecting particles is described.

According to one embodiment, a method for determining a molecular probe is a method for determining a molecular probe that captures a target compound. The method comprises (S1) making candidate molecules of one kind in contact with a target compound, and electrophoresing an obtained mixture on a gel, and (S2) determining the candidate molecule as the molecular probe that captures the target compound in following case when the band of the candidate molecule is separated into a plurality of bands, or when the candidate molecule forms a broad band in the electrophoresed direction on the gel after the electrophoresing.

Embodiments include systems, apparatuses, and methods to efficiently separate analytes in a sample and elute fractions of the separated analytes. In some embodiments, a method includes introducing a sample in a capillary with a first end ionically coupled to a first running buffer and a second end ionically coupled to a second running buffer to form a pH gradient. The method includes applying a voltage between the first running buffer and the second running buffer, to separate a plurality of analytes in the sample. The method includes disposing the second end of the capillary in a collection well including a chemical mobilizer and applying a voltage to elute one or more analytes from the plurality of analytes in the sample, that have been separated, into the collection well. Embodiments include detection methods to monitor separation of analytes, mobilization of analytes, and/or elution of fractions containing analytes.

Methods, devices, and systems for performing isoelectric focusing reactions are described. The systems or devices disclosed herein may comprise fixtures that have a membrane. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.

Methods, devices, and systems for performing a plurality of isoelectric focusing reactions in parallel are described. In some instances, the disclosed devices may be designed to perform isoelectric focusing or other separation reactions followed by further characterization of the separated analytes using mass spectrometry. The disclosed methods, devices, and systems provide for fast, accurate separation and characterization of protein analyte mixtures or other biological molecules by isoelectric point.

A protein memory cell and a protein memory system are provided. The protein memory cell includes: first and second electrodes disposed to be spaced apart from each other on a micro channel; a gap region defined between the first and second electrodes on the micro channel; an outer region defined as an opposite side to the gap region based on the first or second electrode on the micro channel; and a photosensitive protein changing conductivity between the first and second electrodes while moving between the gap region and the outer region depending on structural conversion of a chromophore.

The present invention provides, in some embodiments, an isotachophoresis (ITP) apparatus, a kit comprising same and method of use thereof for the focusing analytes of interest from large sample volumes.

A system includes a housing, a cartridge retainer disposed within the housing, a detection assembly disposed within the housing, and a reagent tray holder movably disposed in the housing. The cartridge retainer configured to receive a capillary cartridge having a capillary. The detection assembly includes at least one emitter, a first detector, and a second detector. The detection assembly is configured to transition between a first configuration, in which the first detector detects a first output of the at least one emitter, and a second configuration, in which the second detector detects a second output of the at least one emitter. The reagent tray holder is configured to move relative to the cartridge retainer to place the capillary of the capillary cartridge in fluid communication with a reagent volume.

Devices and methods for characterization of samples are provided. Samples may comprise one or more analytes. Some methods described herein include performing enrichment steps on a device. Some methods described herein include performing mobilization of analytes. Analytes may then be further processed and characterized.