Microchip electrophoresis enables high speed separations on small samples which opens new possibilities for chemical analysis. We have explored new ways of using microchip electrophoresis for protein-protein interaction assays, high-throughput screening (HTS), western blotting, and sensing. The high speed of electrophoresis allows intact non-covalent complexes to be separated and detected. This capability has been extensively used for immunoassay and aptamer assay. We have recently demonstrated that we can separate protein-protein complexes involved in intracellular signaling to generate quantitative information on binding and selectivity. We have also demonstrated fast (&lt; 1 s) separations of substrates and products from enzymes allowing rapid enzyme assays. The high speed of the assays suggests they could be used in HTS for drug discovery. To achieve this, we have developed a droplet microfluidic system that allows discrete samples to be rapidly loaded in sequence onto a chip for injection and separation. Using this method over 1000 injections have been achieved in 17 min. Preliminary results suggest the method is stable enough for HTS opening the door to robust HTS of protein-protein interactions and enzyme activity. A third approach that we have investigated is a microchip western blot. Western blotting is one of the most widely used protein assays and the lack of a miniaturized counterpart has likely held back the use of microfluidics in routine biochemistry. We have interfaced chip separations to blotting membranes for rapid westerns. Potential for multi-protein analysis is greatly enhanced by this method. Finally, coupling high-speed electrophoresis to sampling probes enables in vivo sensing. This capability has been used to monitor rapid changes in brain chemistry.

<b>Award Address </b>(ACS Award in Chromatography sponsored by MilliporeSigma). High-speed electrophoresis as an enabling technology for protein analysis, screening, and sensing

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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Award Address (ACS Award in Chromatography sponsored by MilliporeSigma). High-speed electrophoresis as an enabling technology for protein analysis, screening, and sensing