Microchip electrophoresis is a powerful tool for the analysis of biological samples. In particular, the ability to perform fast efficient separations makes it possible to monitor several compounds simultaneously with high temporal resolution. The small dimensions of the channels in the chip are compatible with the analysis of microdialysis samples and single cells. In this presentation, two applications of microchip electrophoresis (ME) for biochemical investigations will be presented. The first application involves the development of ME-based methods for the detection of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (RNOS) in macrophages and microglia. The second involves the combination of microdialysis with microchip electrophoresis for near real-time continuous monitoring of amino acids, catecholamines, and nitric oxide metabolites in awake, freely roaming animals. The goal of this second application is to miniaturize the entire system for simultaneous monitoring of neurochemistry and behavior with on-animal analysis and telemetry control.

Susan Lunte (University of Kansas)