NEWS FROM THE FREDERICK CONFERENCE ON CE Britt Erickson reports from Frederick, 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 Mathies of the University of California-Berkeley received the 1998 Frederick Conference Award on Capillary Electrophoresis. Mathies is known for his Diagnosing heart contributions to CE, includattacks ing highOn-line extraction, identification, and quanthroughput titation of proteins in human serum—all DNA analysis accomplished with one capillary. That is using microthe approach Joseph J. Dalluge and Lane chip technolC. Sander of NIST have taken. The fabricaogy and the tion of a capillary with integral packed beds development is key to the technique, referred to as preof CE array column affinity-capillary electrophoresis systems for (PA-CE). DNA sequencMonoclonal anti-cardiac troponin I (cTnl) ing. The award antibodies are covalently immobilized inside was initiated in a short (~5 mm) packed bed of porous silica 1993 to recogwithin a separation capillary. As cTnl within nize a scientist a complex matrix such as human serum who contribcomes into contact with the anttbodies, it is Richard Mathies uted to the selectively retained. After a rinsing step, which advancement removes impurities and unwanted proteins CE in terms of theory, application, inof from the capillary, the antigen is desorbed into strumentation, and throughput and is preanother region of the capillary using an appropriate buffer and measured by CE. The tech- sented at the annual Frederick Confernique offers a rapid means for the on-line ie- ence on Capillary Electrophoresis held tection of cTnl, an important marker for diag- the third week in October at Hood College in Frederick, MD. nosing heart attacks in hummus
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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