Parallel analysis with optically gated sample introduction on a multichannel microchip

As an alternative to the T-type injection on microchips, optically gated sample introduction previously has been demonstrated to provide fast, serial, and reproducible injections on a single-channel microchip. Here, the ability to perform high throughput, multichannel analysis with optically gated sample introduction is described using a voice coil actuator. The microchip is fixed on a stage, which moves back and forth via the voice coil actuator, scanning two laser beams across the channels on the microchip. For parallel analysis on a multichannel microchip, both the gating beam and the probe beam are scanned at 10 Hz to perform multiple injections and parallel detection: Simultaneous, fast separations of 4-choloro-7-nitrobenzofurazan (NBD)-labeled amino acids are demonstrated in multiple channels on a microchip. Serial separations of different samples in multiple channels are also reported. Optically gated sample introduction on multiple, parallel channels shows the potential for high-speed, high-throughput separations that are easily automated by using a single electronic shutter.