Method for enhancing signals associated with electrophoretically separated analytes using post-electrophoresis treatment

Abstract

Some embodiments described herein relate to a method that includes wetting a microfluidic device with a sample containing biological cells. The chip can contain multiple wells. The sample can be allowed to 'settle,' such that individual cells migrate into and/or are captured by various wells. Analytes from the cells can be electrophoretically separated. A voltage can be applied across the chip causing analytes to migrate from the wells and into the separation medium under electromotive force, where they can be separated based, for example, on their mobility. After separation, a reagent can be applied to the chip. The reagent can be configured to increase a probe's ability to bind to at least a subset of the analytes and facilitate detection and/or quantification of the analytes. The analytes can then be probed, for example, with an antibody.