Preparing the LabChip for analysis is straightforward. The gel-dye solution is added to specific wells and distributed through the capillary network using a pressure syringe. A sizing ladder is added to the control well. Finally, markers and samples are added to each of 12 remaining wells. Finally, the entire chip is vortexed to mix the components in each well.
Setup takes about five minutes, and the chip is now ready to run.
The lid of the Agilent 2100 bioanalyzer has a 4 x 4 array of electrodes that contact the liquid in each well. Each electrode is connected to an independent power supply, so current can be connected across specific paths through the capillary network. The electrode combination used to move the sample can be switched off and a new combination of electrodes activated to perform the electrophoretic separation. After the sample has been separated and all the bands have been detected, the electrode current can be switched to move a second sample into position. Running all 12 samples and the control ladder takes about 30 minutes.