NEWS FROM THE FREDERICK CONFERENCE ON CE Britt Erickson reportsfromFrederick, MD.2-D
96-capillary array Not a single column, but rather 96 capillaries in an array, describes Edward S. Yeung of Iowa State University-Ames Laboratory. In accordance with a general theme on miniaturized CE systems, Yeung opened the 9th annual Frederick Conference on CE with insight on new technology for the analysis of multiple short tandem repeats ((STRs). He described the genotyping of four STR loci by capillary array CE based on simultaneous laser-induced fluorescence detected with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. The method offers high resolution, speed, and throughput for STR genotyping. One problem with using STRs as markers for human identification in forensic analysis is standardization. Yeung addressed this problem by adding unknown samples to standard alleles containing the four STR loci—vWF, THOl, TPOX, and CSF1PO. Allele peaks for the unknown samples were identified by comparing the relative intensities of the mixtures with those of the standards. Based on a simple algorithm, a high level of confidence was achieved in matching the bands.
chip-based system for peptide analysis
Microfabricated devices for rapid analysis of cellular proteins is the absolute goal, says Rose Ramsey of Oak Ridge National Laboratory. She and her co-workers have developed a microchip system that couples two modes of separation—MEKC in the first dimension and high-speed CE in the second. Compared with labor-intensive two-dimensional gel methods, two-dimensional chipbased systems offer faster separation and reduce sample and reagent consumption. "We sample rapidly across the first dimension so that our separations in the sec-
ond dimension take place every 3 s." The results are displayed in a format typical for two-dimensional gels. The entire separation takes place in —10 min. Fluorescent labeling of the peptide digests, which Ramsey hopes to do on-chip as well, allows for their detection. In some cases, however, fluorescence is not enough and identification is necessary. The 2-D chip-based CE separation can be interfaced with MS for identification purposes (Anall Chem. .997, 69,1174-78). Eventually Ramsey and co-workers hope to analyze complex protein mixtures on the device. Coupling isoelectric focusing with another dimension still remains a challenge, says Ramsey, but "it is on the books."
PEOPLE
Frederick Conference Award on CE
Richard Mamies of the University of California-Berkeley received the 1998 Frederick Conference Award on Capillary Electrophoresis. Mathies is known for his Diagnosing heart contributions attacks to CE, includOn-line extraction, identification, and quaning hightitation of proteins in human serum—all throughput accomplished with one capillary. That is DNA analysis the approach Joseph J. Dalluge and Lane using microC. Sander of NIST have taken. The fabricachip technoltion of a capillary with integral packed beds ogy and the is key to the technique, referred to as predevelopment column affinity-capillary electrophoresis of CE array (PA-CE). systems for Monoclonal anti-cardiac troponin I (cTnl) DNA antibodies are covalently immobilized inside ing The award a short (~5 mm) packed bed of porous silica was initiated in within a separation capillary. As cTnl within 1993 to recoga complex matrix such as human serum nize a scientist comes into contact with the anttbodies, it is who contribRichard Mathies selectively retained. After a rinsing step, which uted to the removes impurities and unwanted proteins advancement from the capillary, the antigen is desorbed into f/->T^ in t p r m c r\f t\tc*r\r\r annlir-ation in another region of the capillary using an appro- strumentarion and throughout and is nre priate buffer and measured by CE. The tech- sented at the a nu l Frederick Confer nique offers a rapid means for the on-line de- ence on Capillary Electrophoresis held tection of cTnl, an important marker for diag- the third week in October at Hood Colnosing heart attacks in hummus lege in Frederick, MD.
Nominations for Technology Medal and Inventors Hall of Fame The ACS Committee on Patents and Related Matters (CP&RM) is requesting nominations for the National Technology Medal and the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Information about the respective nominations can be obtained at the Web addresses listed below. The National Technology Medal, funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce and established by the StevensonWydler Innovation Act of 1980, is awarded to individuals, groups, companies, or institutions in the United States for outstanding contributions to technology or for the promotion of the technological workforce (http://www.ta.doc.gov/medal). Nominees to the National Inventors Hall of Fame are not required to be U.S. citizens, but the invention upon which the nomination is based must be covered by a U.S. patent. The invention must have contributed greatly to the national welfare and significantly promoted progress in science and the useful arts (http://www-invent-org nforce com/book/nomination html) Nominations can be sent to Debbie Fillinich CP&RM staff liaison American Chemical Societv 115516th St NW Washington DC 20036 (202-872-4476; d fillinich@ac's org) Nominations for the year 2000 award will be considered during- the sprine-1999 ACS meeting-
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