SDS-CGE of proteins in microchannels made of SU-8 films

Electrophoresis. 2006 Sep;27(18):3627-34. doi: 10.1002/elps.200600103.

Abstract

This work describes the SDS-CGE of proteins carried out in microchannels made of the negative photoresist EPON SU-8. Embedded electrophoretic microchannels have been fabricated with a multilayer technology based on bonding and releasing steps of stacked SU-8 films. This technology allows the monolithic integration of the electrodes in the device. A high wafer fabrication yield and mass production compatibility guarantees low costs and high reliability. A poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) packaging allows an easy setup and replacement of the device for electrophoresis experiments. In addition, the wire-bonding step is avoided. The electrophoretic mobilities of four proteins have been measured in microchannels filled with polyacrylamide. Different pore sizes have been tested obtaining their Ferguson plots. Finally, a separation of two proteins (20 and 36 kDa) has been carried out confirming that this novel device is suitable for protein separation. A resolution of 2.75 is obtained. This is the first time that this SU-8 microfluidic technology has been validated for SDS-CGE of proteins. This technology offers better separation performance than glass channels, at lower costs and with an easy packaging procedure.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electrodes
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / instrumentation
  • Electrophoresis, Capillary / methods*
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / instrumentation
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel / methods*
  • Humans
  • Miniaturization
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate / chemistry
  • Proteins / analysis*
  • Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Proteins
  • Polymethyl Methacrylate