Method and apparatus for automated electrophoresis using light

Abstract

Changes in polarized light incident on a detection zone within a separation matrix are used to detect optically active molecules within the separation matrix. The separation and detection of optically active molecules within the detection zone is done by loading a sample containing optically active molecules onto a separation matrix; applying a motive force to cause the sample to migrate though the separation matrix and to separate into a plurality of subgroups of optically active molecules; directing an incident beam of polarized radiation to the detection zone; processing the collected exiting beam with an optical component which discriminates between radiation having the same polarization as the incident beam and radiation having a different polarization from the incident beam; and measuring the intensity of the processed exiting beam. A difference between the intensity of the processed exiting beam and a standard intensity obtained for the separation matrix in the absence of sample is indicative of the presence of an optically active molecule in the detection zone. Alternatively, an incident beam of alternately left and right circularly polarized radiation, in which case differences in the intensity of left and right circularly polarized radiation indicate the present of optically acid species within the detection zone.