Abstract:
The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing.

Description:
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to a multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus and components thereof. The present disclosure further relates to structures and mechanisms designed to house multiple components of a multi-capillary electrophoresis apparatus. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Capillary electrophoresis devices generally provide certain major components that include, for example, a capillary array, a separation medium source for providing medium to the capillaries (e.g., a polymer), a sample injection mechanism, an optical detector component, an electrode, and anode buffer source on one end of the capillaries, and a cathode buffer source on the other end of the capillaries. Capillary electrophoresis devices generally also provide various heating components and zones to regulate the temperature of many of the aforementioned components. Regulating the temperature of many of these components can improve quality of results. 
         [0003]    To provide the major components of a capillary electrophoresis device while regulating the temperature of many of these components, current capillary electrophoresis devices use multiple structures to house these components and connect or couple these structures together to provide a working capillary electrophoresis device. Using multiple structures has disadvantages. For example, each of the interconnected structures may require its own temperature regulating mechanisms, thus creating independent temperature control zones. Each of these zones would then require associated individual control mechanisms. This multi-structure design increases the overall number of components in the apparatus, complicates the temperature control scheme, and increases the chances of component failure due to the sheer number of components involved.  FIG. 1  shows one such design, illustrating multiple temperature control zones TCM 0  to TCM 5 . 
         [0004]    The use of multiple interconnected structures is also not user-friendly. For example, attaching the separation medium (hereinafter referred to as “polymer”) source to the capillary array can be complicated and runs the risk of introducing bubbles or other artifacts each time the array is detached and attached to the polymer source. Moreover, the user, rather than the manufacturer, generally must attach the buffer source to the array, and must do it multiple times through the life of the capillary array. 
         [0005]    It is therefore desirable to provide a capillary electrophoresis apparatus with a reduced number of interconnected structures to reduce the number of necessary heating zones, reduce user handling of the structures, reduce likelihood of component failure, and reduce introduction of bubbles and other artifacts into the apparatus. 
       SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0006]    The present disclosure relates, in some embodiments, to an apparatus for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end and a cathode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The system can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the cathode end of the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing. Alternatively, the injection mechanism can be selected from a group consisting of T-injection, electro-kinetic injection, and pipette injection. Alternatively, the capillary array can be flat. Alternatively, the capillary array can include a single bend. Alternatively, the housing can be positioned vertically. Alternatively, the housing can be positioned horizontally. Alternatively, the injection mechanism can be mounted to the housing. Alternatively, the housing can be a hard shell housing. Alternatively, the housing can be a flexible polymer housing. 
         [0007]    In an alternative embodiment, the housing further comprises a top plate and a base plate. The base plate can comprise a plurality of grooves configured to accommodate the capillary array. 
         [0008]    In another embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is provided for conducting a capillary electrophoresis assay. The apparatus can comprise a capillary array comprising an anode end, the capillary array provided in a housing further comprising a reservoir configured to house a separation medium and an anode buffer. The apparatus can also comprise an injection mechanism configured to deliver sample to the capillary array, and a temperature control zone, wherein the temperature control zone is configured to control the temperature of the interior of the housing. Alternatively, the capillary array can further comprise a cathode end. The cathode end can be provided outside the housing, and can be configured to deliver a sample to the capillary array. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method is provided for conducting biological analysis of a sample. The method comprises providing a biological analysis device comprising a capillary cartridge, a buffer source, an electrode, an injection mechanism and an injection tip, the cartridge comprising a capillary array, a polymer source, and an injection volume space, wherein the electrode has an anode end and a cathode end. The method can further comprise charging polymer from the polymer source into the capillary array to fill the array. The method can further comprise activating the electrode to pull sample through the injection tip into the injection volume space. The method can further comprise deactivating the electrode. The method can further comprise inserting the injection tip into the buffer source. The method can further comprise conducting biological analysis of the sample. 
         [0010]    Alternatively, the injection mechanism can be an electro-kinetic injection mechanism. Alternatively, the injection volume space can be adjacent a sample inlet end of the capillary array. Alternatively, the electrode cathode end can be adjacent a sample inlet side of the capillary array. Alternatively, the electrode anode end can be adjacent a polymer inlet side of the capillary array. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  illustrates a multi-structure capillary electrophoresis device, illustrating multiple temperature control zones TCM 0  to TCM 5 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  illustrates a schematic representation of a portion of a conventional capillary electrophoresis apparatus. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  illustrates a schematic representation of a cartridge according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  depicts a capillary array cartridge design in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 5A-5C  depict a capillary array design in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  depicts schematic interior side and top views of a horizontal capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate different views of the horizontal capillary array cartridge of  FIG. 6  with an exterior hard-shell in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  depicts schematic interior side and front views of a vertical capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate different views of the vertical capillary array cartridge of  FIG. 8  with an exterior hard shell in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  depicts interior views of a horizontal capillary cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate different views of the horizontal capillary array cartridge of  FIG. 10  in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate the hard shell horizontal capillary array cartridge of  FIGS. 11A-11C  installed on a base plate in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  depicts a schematic interior view of a vertical capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrate different views of the vertical capillary array cartridge of  FIG. 13  in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate flexible consumable devices in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0026]      FIG. 17  illustrates a pipette injection mechanism incorporated into a capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0027]      FIGS. 18 and 19  illustrate a T-injection mechanism incorporated into a capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0028]      FIGS. 20 and 21  illustrate an electro-kinetic injection (EK) mechanism incorporated into a capillary array cartridge in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0029]      FIG. 22  depict an example capillary electrophoresis workflow in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. 
           [0030]      FIGS. 23A-23D  illustrate different views of an EK mechanism incorporated in a capillary cartridge according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    To provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention, the following description sets forth numerous specific details, such as specific configurations, parameters, examples, and the like. It should be recognized, however, that such description is not intended as a limitation on the scope of the present invention, but is intended to provide a better description of the exemplary embodiments. 
         [0032]    It should also be recognized that the methods, apparatuses and systems described herein may be implemented in various types of systems, instruments, and machines such as biological analysis systems. For example, various embodiments may be implemented in an instrument, system or machine that performs capillary electrophoresis (CE) on a plurality of samples. 
         [0033]      FIG. 2  provides a basic schematic representation of a portion of a conventional capillary electrophoresis apparatus  100 . In particular,  FIG. 2  illustrates a capillary array assembly  110 , electrode components (including anode  112  and cathode  114 ), a polymer source  116 , a buffer source  118 , and polymer introduction mechanism  120  (illustrated as a syringe pump). As illustrated, a coupling  122  is provided to connect the capillary array assembly  110  to a Polymer/Buffer structure  130 , which includes the polymer source  116 , buffer source  118 , anode  112 , and syringe pump  120 . As provided, a temperature-controlled zone  140  controls only the enclosed capillary array assembly  110  and cathode  114 . As such, additional temperature control is needed for the polymer source  116  and delivery path  132 . Moreover, a user must couple the capillary array assembly to the Polymer/Buffer structure  130 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , in certain embodiments, a basic schematic representation of a cartridge  200  is provided that comprises a capillary array  202 , a cathode  204 , an electrode sleeve  206 , a polymer/buffer source  208 , and a polymer introduction mechanism  210  (illustrated as a syringe pump). In so doing, the cathode end of the capillaries can be provided outside the cartridge. This exists so that cathode capillary ends  212  can move from the sample (for loading of sample to capillary) (not pictured) to buffer (for insertion of the cathode end into the buffer) (not pictured). 
         [0035]    Providing the capillary array  202 , cathode  204 , polymer/buffer source  206 , and polymer introduction mechanism  210  into a single cartridge  200  has many advantages. For example, such a single cartridge  200  allows for removing the buffer by using the polymer as the anode buffer and providing this polymer/buffer package  208  in a small volume to fit into the cartridge and therefore make it a low use item. The polymer/buffer reservoir  208  can advantageously be attached to the array  202  at time of cartridge manufacture so the customer only has to install the entire cartridge into the capillary electrophoresis apparatus. Alternatively, the cartridge can be designed such that the customer only has to attach the polymer/buffer reservoir  208  to the array  202  once before closing and installing the cartridge such that the two are combined for the life of the array and the polymer. These and other advantages will be discussed in further detail. 
         [0036]    Specific elements of the cartridge, and associated advantages, follow below. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  depicts a capillary array cartridge design in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 4  illustrates, by way of example, a  4 -capillary array cartridge  400  comprising a capillary array  402  and a holder cartridge  404 . The holder cartridge is illustrated as rectangular but can have any design that sufficiently houses the capillary array. The capillary array can be assembled independently of the holder. The holder cartridge guides the shape of the individual capillaries in the array within the cartridge assembly such that sample inlet end  410 , a detector region  406 , and a high-pressure polymer inlet end  414  are formed. The capillaries can be kept in place by being inlaid into groves (described below) in the base plate (described below) of the holder matching the capillary width. The holder can comprise, for example, a non-conductive material such as a heat resistant, low fluorescence plastic, alumina, ceramic or glass. 
         [0038]      FIG. 4  also provides the capillary array  402  protruding from the cartridge at a sample inlet  410  (adjacent sleeve electrodes  412 ) and the opposite polymer pressure-fill end  414  (adjacent a high-pressure fitting connector  408 ) respectively. The  FIG. 4  cartridge has a flat, rectangular shape, and can operate in a vertical orientation with samples presented in, for example, tubes arrayed in a micro-plate, with sample injected from below the cartridge thru the illustrated linear array of capillaries/electrodes protruding from the sample inlet end of the cartridge. 
         [0039]    The cartridge design of  FIG. 4  also provides slight swivels (not shown) in the path of the non-peripheral capillaries to maintain equal separation distance X (injection to detection). The capillary-to-capillary distance X at the sample injection end  414  of the illustrated cartridge can be configured depending on the micro-plate type holding the sample. For example, for a standard 384-well sample micro-plate, the capillary-to-capillary distance at the sample injection end can be 4.5 mm (compatible w/ standard 384-well micro-plate format) and closest pack (approx. 0.360 mm capillary center-to-center) at the detector and polymer gel block pressure end. Again, the capillary-to-capillary distances at either end can be greater or lesser depending on the sample plate format and dimensions. The distances at either end, however, can further depend on, for example, the cartridge design and dimensions, the number of capillaries, and the detector region. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 5A-5C  depict a capillary array  500  in accordance with various embodiments. The capillary array comprises a plurality of square flexible fused silica capillaries  502  that can be individually fitted with injection-needle shaped stainless steel electrodes to perform electro-kinetic sample injection (discussed in more detail below). Injections ends of individual capillaries can be glued into the inner bore of a stainless steel sleeve that serves as inlet electrode for electro-kinetic sample injection. This allows for repeated, simultaneous injection of samples. At the polymer gel block, the high-pressure-end of the capillary array  500  is shaped to a ribbon fixed inside a high pressure, rectangular connector  504  (see  FIG. 5A ) allowing the introduction of viscous solutions of sieving polymer from the polymer gel block into the array via high pressure. All capillaries in the array assembly are of generally equal length, as measured from the injection electrode to the end of the capillary in the gel block fitting. For example, a 10 cm total capillary length may correspond to an 8 cm injection-to-detection capillary array length. 
         [0041]    Referring again to holder cartridge  404  of  FIG. 4 , the holder cartridge can have a flat rectangular layout with a backside base plate  506  (see  FIG. 5B ). The base plate can be placed against a temperature controlled heater/cooler (not shown) designed to achieve the temperatures necessary for polymer gel separation of sequencing fragments and alternatively to support sub-ambient temperature separations such as single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP). The base plate can be thick relative to a thin top plate or cartridge plate  508  (see  FIG. 5B ) allowing for more optimal optical viewing. 
         [0042]    The cartridge  404  can perform injection out of any standard micro-plate including, but not limited to, a 96, 384 and 1536-well micro-titer plates. For example, capillary-to-capillary pitch at the injection end can be configured to be compatible with the standard 384-well plate (for example, a 4.5 mm pitch) or 1536-well plate (for example, 2.2 mm pitch). 
         [0043]    The total width of the cartridge, like the capillary pitch, can be determined for example, among other factors, by the number of capillaries in the array and the sample plate format. Again, for a standard 384 well micro-plate, each capillary distance held at the standard 4.5 mm pitch, a 4-capillary cartridge could be, for example, a minimum of approximately 4×4.5=18 mm wide. The length of the cartridge is substantially determined by the length of the capillary. For example, the cartridge for an 8 cm separation distance array can be to be approximately 10 cm long, taking into account the protruding ends. 
         [0044]    Note that, due to the flat optical interfaces present in cartridge  404  of  FIG. 4 , no refractive index matching liquid will be required for detection. Moreover, a notch cutout in top plate  508  of  FIG. 5B  can allow for direct optical access of the detection system to the capillary ribbon in the detection region  406 . 
         [0045]    Referring again to cartridge  404  of  FIG. 4 , the polymer/buffer structure of the instrument (see polymer/buffer structures of  FIGS. 2 and 3 ) can connect to polymer end  414  of the cartridge via a high-pressure connector nozzle  408  protruding from the cartridge. Given to a vertical orientation, the hydrodynamic pressure between the top and the bottom of the cartridge during operation can be balanced by way of lines attached to the polymer/buffer structure leading to an anode reservoir that is level with the cathode buffer reservoir during electrophoresis. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 5C , the cartridge can be manufactured to include grooves  510  directing the capillary paths. These grooves can be cut into base plate  506  via standard micro-fluidics chip technologies such as, for example, micro-machining, etching or embossing and after inlay of the capillary array, sealed (fused) with a top plate. Alternatively, an adhesive layer with channel cut out conforming to the capillary paths may be sandwiched between base plate  506  (e.g., glass base plate) and top plate  508  to achieve the same capillary path effect. 
         [0047]    The cartridge components and designs illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in accordance with various embodiments, has many advantages. One advantage is the assembly of capillary array  500  can be modular  404  and separate from cartridge holder manufacture. Another advantage is the cartridge allows for use with a higher density sample tube format, thus allowing for smaller sample sizes, more compact designs, a smaller footprint of the sample tray and, as a result, a smaller capillary electrophoresis apparatus. 
         [0048]    A flat cartridge design, whether vertically or horizontally oriented, when combined with an appropriate sample injection mechanism (for example, pipette injection, T-injection and electro-kinetic injection discussed in more detail below) eliminates excessive capillary bends or curved paths in the injection-to-detection region needed so that the cathode end of the array can dip into the sample, tube or well plate. Bends in the capillary can cause increased band dispersion and thus can affect quality of results. Even with designs where capillaries are curved to address the sample, the use of a single bend for that purpose can still be advantageous. Moreover, building the curve into the cartridge with a hard-shell can advantageously prevent the customer from having to bend the capillary. 
         [0049]    A flat capillary or channel can also eliminate any height differences between the anode and cathode buffers. Height differences can cause siphoning of the polymer that leads to band broadening and, again, can affect quality of results. 
         [0050]    The following  FIGS. 6-14  illustrate further embodiments of a cartridge, which further include an embedded polymer/buffer structure (e.g., reservoir). 
         [0051]      FIG. 6  depicts a schematic interior side and top views of horizontal capillary array cartridge  600  in accordance with various embodiments. The cartridge comprises a capillary array  602  and a polymer/buffer reservoir  604 , where the polymer can serve both as a polymer for the capillaries and an anode buffer. The cartridge includes a single bend  606  in the injection-to-detection region to allow access of the sample inlet/cathode end  608  to a sample source  610  for loading. Access also can allow for a capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and a buffer for electrophoresis. The cartridge, by its design, provides temperature control of at least 80% of the capillary path. 
         [0052]      FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrates different views of the horizontal capillary array cartridge  600  of  FIG. 6  with an exterior hard-shell  702 .  FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the horizontal capillary array cartridge  600  with the cartridge shell  702  and exposed cathode side capillary ends  704 .  FIG. 7B  is a perspective view with a transparent cartridge shell  706 .  FIG. 7C  is a top view of transparent cartridge shell  706 .  FIG. 7D  is a side view transparent cartridge shell  706 . 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  depicts schematic interior side and front views of a vertical capillary array cartridge  800  in accordance with various embodiments. The cartridge comprises a capillary array  802  and a polymer/buffer reservoir  804 , where the polymer serves both as a polymer for the capillaries and an anode buffer. The cartridge includes a single bend  806  in the injection-to-detection region to allow orientation with an optical detection region  808  while providing access of a sample inlet/cathode end  810  to a sample source  812  for loading. Access also can allow for a capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and a buffer for electrophoresis. The cartridge, by its design, provides temperature control of at least  80 % of the capillary path. 
         [0054]      FIGS. 9A-9C  illustrate different views of the vertical capillary array cartridge  800  of  FIG. 8  with an exterior hard-shell.  FIG. 9A  is a perspective view of the vertical capillary array cartridge with a transparent cartridge shell  814  and the exposed sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  810  adjacent wells of a 96 well micro-plate  820 .  FIG. 9B  is a front view with a transparent cartridge shell  814 .  FIG. 9C  is a side view of transparent cartridge shell  814 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 10  depicts schematic interior views of a horizontal capillary array cartridge  1000  in accordance with various embodiments. The cartridge comprises a capillary array  1010  and a polymer/buffer reservoir  1020 , where the polymer serves both as a polymer for the capillaries and an anode buffer. The cartridge includes a flat capillary path (see side view) while still providing access of sample inlet/cathode end  1030  to a sample source  1040  for loading. Access also allows for a capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and a buffer for electrophoresis. By providing a flat capillary path with no bend in the injection-to-detection region to access samples, the cartridge can access samples from a sample well plate having a vertical orientation. The cartridge, by its design, provides temperature control of at least 80% of the capillary path. 
         [0056]      FIGS. 11A-11C  illustrate different views of horizontal capillary array cartridge  1000  of  FIG. 10  with an exterior hard-shell and casing to protect the exposed sample inlet/cathode end  1030  of the capillaries.  FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the horizontal capillary array cartridge with a cartridge shell  1050 .  FIG. 11B  is a front view with a transparent cartridge shell  1060 .  FIG. 11C  is a side view of transparent cartridge shell  1060 . 
         [0057]      FIGS. 12A-12C  illustrate hard-shell horizontal capillary array cartridge  1000  of  FIGS. 11A-11C  installed on a base plate  1070 .  FIG. 12A  is a perspective view of horizontal capillary array cartridge  1000  prior to registration with base plate  1070 .  FIG. 12B  is a perspective view of the horizontal capillary array cartridge after attachment to the base plate.  FIG. 12C  is a perspective view of the combined cartridge/base plate accessing a 96-well micro-plate  1080 . 
         [0058]      FIG. 13  depicts schematic interior views of a vertical capillary array cartridge  1300  in accordance with various embodiments. The cartridge comprises a capillary array  1310  and a polymer/buffer reservoir  1320 , where the polymer serves both as a polymer for the capillaries and an anode buffer. The cartridge includes a flat capillary path (see side view) while still providing access of a sample inlet/cathode end  1330  to a sample source  1340  for loading. Access also allows for a capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and a buffer for electrophoresis. By providing a flat capillary path with no bend in the injection-to-detection region to access samples, the cartridge can access samples from a sample well plate below the cartridge. The cartridge, by its design, provides temperature control of at least 80% of the capillary path. For the vertical capillary array cartridge, to keep the polymer from moving down the capillary due to gravity, a pressure control mechanism (not pictured) can be used at the top of the capillary array to prevent a pressure head. 
         [0059]      FIGS. 14A-14C  illustrate different views of the vertical capillary array cartridge  1300  of  FIG. 13  with an exterior hard-shell and the exposed sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1330 .  FIG. 14A  is a perspective view of the vertical capillary array cartridge  1300  with a cartridge shell  1350  and the exposed sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1330  adjacent wells of a 96 well micro-plate  1360 .  FIG. 14B  is a perspective view with a transparent cartridge shell  1370 .  FIG. 14C  is a front view of transparent cartridge shell  1370 . 
         [0060]    Such combined capillary array/polymer source cartridge designs, besides providing the advantages above, advantageously allow for removing the buffer by using the polymer as the anode buffer and providing this polymer/buffer package in a small volume to fit into the cartridge and therefore make it a low use item. Another advantage of including the polymer/buffer reservoir in the cartridge is that, when attached to the array at time of cartridge manufacture, the customer only has to install the entire cartridge into the capillary electrophoresis apparatus. A further advantage is that, even when designed such that the customer only has to attach the polymer/buffer reservoir to the array once before closing and installing the cartridge, the cartridge is used for the life of both the array and polymer such that the whole cartridge can be replaced at once instead of as individual parts. Even further, the combined cartridge advantageously provides a single temperature control zone for capillary and polymer/buffer that is more easily controlled than multi-component/multi-zone devices. This also allows for temperature control of a higher percentage of the capillary path, which in turn keeps the polymer at a constant temperature. 
         [0061]      FIGS. 15 and 16  illustrate a flexible consumable device housing multiple capillaries for housing in a capillary electrophoresis apparatus, in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 15  illustrates a flat flexible consumable device  1500  with a capillary array  1510  having a capillary length extending from a fluidic port  1530  to steel tubing connectors  1540  (discussed below) surrounding sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1520 , which are parallel to the spaced portion of the capillary length. This flat shape can be the shape as shipped to user or the final shape as loaded on a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. Fluidic port  1530  provides access to polymer. A detection window  1550  is provided for optical access. Position alignment features  1560  are provided for registration with a capillary electrophoresis apparatus. Embedded high voltage contacts  1570  and steel tubing terminations  1540  are provided for electro-kinetic sample loading and electrophoresis performance. The consumable can be made from a thermally conductive electrically insulating flexible polymer  1580  to provide the necessary flexibility while providing the desired pliability for flexible use. 
         [0062]      FIG. 16  illustrates an example of a loaded curved flexible consumable device  1600 , curved to meet a specific required shape commensurate with the design of an associated capillary electrophoresis apparatus. In the case of  FIG. 16 , the sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1620  are bent to allow vertical sample loading. 
         [0063]    A flexible consumable device provided in a compliant package, such as that illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , advantageously meets multiple demands without creating a bulkier arrangement. The consumable can assume any of the capillary orientations illustrated in  FIGS. 6-14  (as well as other variants) based on its ability to manipulate to suit user preferences. Moreover, based on the thin design and the materials used, the consumable also lends itself well to heat distribution as well as electrical insulation. Further, the consumable&#39;s compliant nature allows it to have both a horizontal portion to avoid hydrostatic pressure differences and vertical portion for sample injection. Even further, the molded structure can be expanded to accommodate an on-board polymer/buffer source to provide a combined flexible consumable design having many of the advantages provided by the combined cartridges discussed earlier. 
         [0064]      FIG. 17  depicts an example of a pipette injection mechanism  1710  incorporated into a horizontal capillary array cartridge  1700 , in accordance with various embodiments. The cartridge, with the pipette injection mechanism, includes an on-board service station  1720  for cleaning the pipette injection mechanism, storage of the pipette injection mechanism, and storage of buffer for use during electrophoresis. The pipette injection mechanism can allow for access, at a remote location  1790 , to a sample source  1730 . Access can also allow for a capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and a buffer remotely from the cartridge. Pipette injection mechanism  1710  can use any mechanical pump mechanism  1740  to withdraw and inject contents contained therein including, for example, a positive displacement pump. By providing remote access to pipette contents, sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1750  are not exposed outside cartridge  1700 . This allows for complete temperature control of the path of capillary array  1760  from injection-to-detection. Cartridge  1700  of  FIG. 17  also includes an optical access  1770  and a polymer/buffer reservoir  1780 . 
         [0065]      FIG. 18  depicts an example of a T-injection mechanism  1810  incorporated into a horizontal capillary array cartridge  1800 , in accordance with various embodiments. Capillary array cartridge  1800  also includes a capillary array  1820 , a polymer/buffer reservoir  1830 . An optical detection region  1840 , a sample inlet/cathode capillary end  1850 , and a cap inlet/tip  1860 . 
         [0066]      FIG. 19  depicts T-injection mechanism  1810  in more detail. The T-injection mechanism can comprise an injection device  1910  adjacent sample inlet/cathode capillary end  1850 , an injection capillary  1920  (optional in electrophoresis) adjacent the sample inlet/cathode capillary end, an electrode  1930 , and an injection volume space  1940  intersecting injection device  1910 , sample inlet/cathode capillary end  1850 , injection capillary  1920  and electrode  1930 . The T-injection mechanism can further include a feedback mechanism (not pictured) to sense when sample volume is changed. The injection device, together with the injector capillary, accesses sample, capillary cleaner (e.g., water) or buffer (see element  1870  of  FIG. 18 ) as necessary to perform electrophoresis. The T-injection mechanism can allow access to samples, capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and buffer adjacent cartridge  1800  without exposing sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  1850  to the environment. The T-injection mechanism can use any pump mechanism to withdraw and injection contents contained therein including, for example, a vacuum or syringe pump. The configuration of the T-injection mechanism therefore allows for complete temperature control of the capillary path from injection-to-detection. 
         [0067]      FIG. 20  depicts an example of an electro-kinetic injection (EK) mechanism  2010  incorporated into a horizontal capillary array cartridge  2000 , in accordance with various embodiments. Capillary array cartridge  2000  includes a capillary array  2020 , a polymer/buffer reservoir  2030 , an optical detection region  2040 , a sample inlet/cathode capillary end  2050 , and a capillary inlet/tip  2060 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 21  depicts EK mechanism  2010  in more detail. The EK mechanism can comprise an injection capillary  2110  (optional in electrophoresis) adjacent sample inlet/cathode capillary end  2050 , an electrode  2120  for anode-injection, an electromechanical connector  2130  (for example, a MEMs connector), and an injection volume space  2140  intersecting the sample inlet/cathode capillary end  2050 , injection capillary  2110  and electrode  2120 . The anode-injection electrode, together with the injector capillary, accesses a sample, buffer or capillary cleaner (e.g., water) as necessary to perform electrophoresis (see element  2070  of  FIG. 20 ). The EK mechanism can allow access to samples, capillary cleaner (e.g., water) and buffer adjacent cartridge  2000  without exposing the sample inlet/cathode capillary ends  2050  to the environment. The configuration of the EK mechanism therefore allows for complete temperature control of the capillary path from injection-to-detection. 
         [0069]      FIG. 22  depicts an example of a capillary electrophoresis (CE) workflow  2200  using an EK mechanism, in accordance with various embodiments. In this example, features of the EK mechanism of  FIGS. 20 and 21  will be used for reference only. Starting at step  2210 , polymer is recharged into capillary array  2020  to prepare the CE system for a CE run. After polymer fills the array, sample  2070  is ready for loading into injection volume space  2140  of the EK mechanism. At step  2220 , activation of cathode and anode-injection electrodes pulls sample into injection volume space  2140  adjacent sample inlet/cathode capillary end  2050  of capillary array  2020 . Once sufficient sample volume is loaded into space  2140 , anode-injection electrode  2120  is deactivated at step  2230 . After deactivating the electrode, injection capillary tip  2060  is inserted into a buffer solution  2070  at step  2240 . At this point, a CE run can commence (step  2250 ). 
         [0070]      FIGS. 23A-23D  illustrate different views of EK mechanism  2010  incorporated into a horizontal capillary array cartridge  2300  with an exterior hard-shell and exposed injection capillary ends, in accordance with various embodiments.  FIG. 23A  is a perspective view of the horizontal capillary array cartridge  2300  with a cartridge shell  2310  and exposed injection capillary ends  2320 .  FIG. 23B  is a perspective view with a transparent cartridge shell  2340 .  FIG. 24C  is a top view of transparent cartridge shell  2340 .  FIG. 24D  is a front view of transparent cartridge shell  2340 . 
         [0071]    It should be noted that, while each of the described injection methods are exemplified with a horizontal capillary array cartridge, each of the described injection methods are interchangeable with any of the described capillary array cartridge designs, regardless of shape, design, rigidity or flexibility. Moreover, though each of the cartridge designs of  FIGS. 6-14  are depicted with a hard-shell casing, each of these cartridge designs can be encased in any other contemplated casings including, but not limited to, soft-shell casings and flexible polymer moldings. 
         [0072]    Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail of the embodiments described above may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.