ABI 3130 / 3130XL

Despite their age, the ABI 3130 and 3130xl Genetic Analyzers are the most common sequencers. These machines use capillary electrophoresis and can do sequencing, genotyping, forensic, etc. They are a cheap solution in Genomics.

The fragments of DNA (and all other negatively charged molecules) are attracted to the platinum cathode electrode attached to the end of the capillary (4 or 16 capillaries in all), which is open and filled with Performance Optimized Polymer (POP). When current is applied, the DNA fragments are attracted to the capillary and travel through the polymer to the detection window and array housing.

As the fragments pass through a clear area in the capillary, the fluorophores are excited by a laser and emission is detected and recorded by a CCD camera (the 3130/3130XL series can detect up to six fluorophores). The ability to detect multiple fluorophores enables detection of a larger number of similar size DNA fragments.