Patent ID: 7514000

Claim:
A method for protein expression profiling, comprising the steps of: coupling a plurality of molecular fractionation devices to a substrate having a plurality of microchannels formed therein, wherein each molecular fractionation device includes a matrix disposed in a chamber of the molecular fractionation device, a first outlet connector port, and, a first inlet connector port placing the matrix in communication with an exterior surface of the molecular fractionation device, and wherein the first outlet connector port of each molecular fractionation device aligns with a communication port of a microchannel in the substrate when the molecular fractionation device is coupled thereto; coupling the plurality of molecular fractionation devices to each other, wherein the plurality of molecular fractionation devices are coupled by coupling a second outlet connector port of one molecular fractionation device to a second inlet connector port of another molecular fractionation device; closing each of the first outlet connector ports; fractionating a protein into a plurality of fractions using the plurality of molecular fractionation devices; opening each of the first outlet connector ports; closing each of the second outlet connector ports; and eluting each of said plurality of fractions from each of the plurality of molecular fractionation devices by passing a release solution through each respective one of the first outlet connector port into the coupled microchannel in the substrate as bands of different affinities.