ULTRATHIN SLAB GEL SEPARATIONS OF DNA USING A SINGLE CAPILLARY SAMPLEINTRODUCTION SYSTEM

We demonstrate here a novel method for DNA separations which combines the parallel processing capabilities of slab gels with the advantages of sample introduction obtained with a single capillary. This sample i ntroduction format allows rapid sequential separations or continuous a nalysis to be carried out on ultrathin slab gels with efficient heat d issipation. Ultrathin slab gels have been fabricated by using 57-mu m spacers between quartz plates, and a single capillary has been used to introduce plugs of dsDNA fragments into the ultrathin gel. These frag ment plugs were deposited along the entrance to the ultrathin gel at s patially discrete locations by micromanipulation of the capillary. Spa tially resolved detection has been accomplished with an argon ion lase r focused to a line for excitation and a CCD for collection of fluores cence. Double-stranded DNA separations are demonstrated in a plug inje ction format. This approach allows multiple unique samples to be rapid ly deposited on the ultrathin slab gels for separation.