Output details

Droplet-based compartmentalization of chemically separated components in two-dimensional separations

Significance of output:

To separate complicated mixtures of proteins, such as all those found in a cell, scientists use 2-dimentional gel electrophoresis. This separates the proteins first by their isoelectric point, followed by their mass. Many scientists have been trying to transfer 2D separation techniques to a microfluidic format. We demonstrate for the first time that nanolitre-sized droplets are an effective tool in coupling two-dimensional separations in both time and space.

The paper was selected as a ‘hot paper’ by the Chem. Comm. and was highlighted in a chemical technology news from across RSC publishing, ‘UK scientists have solved a crucial problem in proteomics: how to transfer protein samples between separation apparatus without mixing them up’. Patent pending.