High-performance ultrathin layer agarose gel electrophoresis

Large scale, high-resolution DNA fragment analysis, such as genotyping, map ping and genetic profiling requires an affordable, fully automated high-thr oughput gel electrophoresis based separation device that enables rapid, hig h-performance analysis in a wide molecular weight range. In this article a novel approach is described that greatly enhances the productivity of DNA f ragment analysis by automating the current manual procedure and also reduci ng the separation time and human intervention from sample loading to data a nalysis. The ultrathin layer, multilane, high-performance agarose gel elect rophoresis system employs integrated scanning laser induced fluorescence-av alanche photodiode detection and combines the advantages of conventional sl ab and capillary gel electrophoresis. The separation platform is fabricated in a way that the sieving matrix can be easily replaced in the separation cassette for each run. Visualization of the DNA fragments is accomplished b y 'in migratio' complexation during the electrophoresis process with ultra- sensitive fluorescent agents, also enabling real-time imaging and data anal ysis. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.