Free-flow electrophoresis with electrode-less injection moulded chips

In this work we present the first approach towards low-cost free-flow electrophoresis devices utilising injection moulding as mass replication process. This is achieved by realising a new straightforward micro free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) design ensuring both, bubble free electrophoretic separation and effective electrical connection by implementing miniaturised partitioning bars. This creates a defined open gap of 20 m in height and 500 m in width between separation chamber end electrode channels. The thermoplastic FFE chips are ready to use, there is no need for a subsequent labour-intensive implementation of membranes as salt bridges.