Free-flow electrophoresis with electrode-less injection molded chips

In this work we present the first approach towards low-cost free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) devices utilizing injection molding as a microfabrication process which has the potential to manufacture FFE chips at a cost which make their use commercially viable. This is achieved by realizing a new straightforward micro free-flow electrophoresis (FFE) design ensuring both, bubble free electrophoretic separation and effective electrical connection by implementing miniaturized partitioning bars. This creates a defined open gap of 20 µm in height and 500 µm in width between separation zone and electrode channels. The thermoplastic FFE chips are ready to use, there is no need for a subsequent labor-intensive implementation of membranes or salt bridges to separate the electrode channels from the separation zone.