To comply with the current needs for high-speed DNA sequencing analysis, se
veral instruments and innovative technologies have been introduced by sever
al groups in recent years. This review article discusses and compares the i
ssues regarding high-throughput DNA sequencing by electrophoretic methods i
n miniaturized systems, such as capillaries, capillary arrays, and microcha
nnels. Initially, general features of several capillary array designs (incl
uding commercial ones) will be considered, followed by similar analyses wit
h microfabricated array electrophoretic devices and how they can contribute
to the success of large sequencing projects.