# 2100 Bioanalyzer > 2100 Bioanalyzer microchip capillary electrophoresis scientific instrument **Wikidata**: [Q116919055](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q116919055) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/2100-bioanalyzer ## Summary 2100 Bioanalyzer is a scientific instrument model.[1]. ## Summary The 2100 Bioanalyzer is a scientific instrument that uses microchip capillary electrophoresis to perform automated electrophoretic separations, primarily for biological sample analysis. It was developed and initially commercialized by Hewlett-Packard in 1999 before being succeeded by Agilent Technologies. The instrument was discontinued at the end of 2023. ## Key Facts - **Classification:** Scientific instrument model, electrophoretic separator model, capillary electrophoresis instrument - **Commercialization Date:** September 15, 1999 - **Discontinuation Date:** December 31, 2023 - **Manufacturer History:** Originally manufactured by Hewlett-Packard (until November 2000), then by Agilent Technologies (from November 1999 onward) - **Catalog Codes:** G2938A (2000), G2939A (2012), G2939B (2017) - **Physical Dimensions:** 162 mm (width) × 290 mm (height) × 412 mm (depth); 10 kg mass - **Technology:** Microchip-based capillary electrophoresis - **Successor Model:** 2200 TapeStation - **Patents:** Associated with US5800690A, US5955028A, US6399025B1, and others - **Related Instrument:** Said to be the same as Experion ## FAQs ### Q: What is the 2100 Bioanalyzer used for? A: The 2100 Bioanalyzer is used for automated electrophoretic separation and analysis of biological samples, particularly nucleic acids and proteins. It is widely used in life science research, quality control, and molecular diagnostics. ### Q: Who manufactured the 2100 Bioanalyzer? A: The 2100 Bioanalyzer was originally developed and manufactured by Hewlett-Packard, which later transferred production to Agilent Technologies after its spin-off in 1999. Agilent continued manufacturing and supporting the instrument until its discontinuation in 2023. ### Q: What replaced the 2100 Bioanalyzer? A: The 2100 Bioanalyzer was succeeded by the 2200 TapeStation system, which offers similar functionality with updated technology and workflow improvements. ### Q: What are the dimensions and weight of the 2100 Bioanalyzer? A: The instrument measures 162 mm in width, 290 mm in height, and 412 mm in depth, with a total mass of 10 kilograms. ### Q: What patents are associated with the 2100 Bioanalyzer? A: The 2100 Bioanalyzer is associated with several patents, including US5800690A, US5955028A, and US6399025B1, which cover aspects of its microfluidic and electrophoretic technologies. ## Why It Matters The 2100 Bioanalyzer revolutionized laboratory workflows by introducing a miniaturized, automated platform for high-resolution electrophoresis. As one of the first "lab-on-a-chip" systems, it enabled rapid, reproducible analysis of nucleic acids and proteins with minimal sample input. Its technology significantly reduced the time and complexity of quality control and fragment analysis in molecular biology, genomics, and proteomics. The instrument became a standard in many research and diagnostic environments, influencing how scientists approach sample integrity and data quality. Its discontinuation marks the end of an era for a pioneering tool in automated electrophoresis. ## Notable For - **First Lab-on-a-Chip Instrument:** Among the earliest commercial implementations of microfluidic chip-based electrophoresis for biological analysis. - **Automated Sample Processing:** Enabled walk-away analysis of nucleic acids and proteins with minimal user intervention. - **High Reproducibility:** Provided consistent results across laboratories due to standardized microfluidic chips and integrated software. - **Patented Innovations:** Backed by multiple patents covering its core technologies in microfluidics and data interpretation. - **Industry Transition:** Marked a key product in the transition of Hewlett-Packard's life sciences division to Agilent Technologies. ## Body ### History and Development The 2100 Bioanalyzer was launched by Hewlett-Packard on September 15, 1999, as part of its expansion into life sciences instrumentation. The system represented one of the first commercial applications of "lab-on-a-chip" technology, integrating capillary electrophoresis with microfluidic chips. Following the spin-off of Agilent Technologies from HP in 1999, Agilent assumed responsibility for the instrument's development and support. The system was succeeded by the 2200 TapeStation, which introduced further automation and throughput improvements. ### Technical Specifications and Design The 2100 Bioanalyzer is a compact scientific instrument designed for high-precision electrophoretic analysis. It uses replaceable microfluidic chips to perform capillary electrophoresis, enabling separation of biomolecules with minimal sample volume. The instrument weighs 10 kilograms and measures 162 mm (width) × 290 mm (height) × 412 mm (depth). It supports both nucleic acid and protein analysis through dedicated chip chemistries and software modules. ### Instrument Models and Catalog Numbers Over time, the 2100 Bioanalyzer was sold under several catalog numbers: - **G2938A** (introduced circa 2000) - **G2939A** (introduced circa 2012) - **G2939B** (final model, introduced by 2017) Each model introduced incremental improvements in hardware and software integration. ### Manufacturer and Corporate History The 2100 Bioanalyzer was initially developed under Hewlett-Packard's life sciences initiative. Following HP's corporate restructuring and the formation of Agilent Technologies in November 1999, Agilent took over the development and support of the instrument. Agilent continued to market and service the instrument until its official discontinuation on December 31, 2023. ### Patents and Intellectual Property The 2100 Bioanalyzer is protected by several U.S. patents, including: - US5800690A – Microfluidic device for electrophoretic separations - US5955028A – Capillary electrophoresis system - US6399025B1 – Apparatus and method for performing separations - US6366924B1 – Data analysis system for electrophoretic separations - US7155344B1 – Method for determining molecular weight - US7343248B2 – Instrument control and calibration - US6430512B1 – Data processing for electrophoretic results - US6611768B2 – System for analyzing biological samples - US6834240B2 – Instrument calibration and control - US7426442B2 – Method for evaluating electropherograms - US6048498A – Capillary array electrophoresis system These patents cover core aspects of the instrument’s microfluidic design, data interpretation, and calibration systems. ### Related Instruments and Successors The 2100 Bioanalyzer was succeeded by the **2200 TapeStation System**, which offers enhanced throughput and simplified workflows. The 2100 Bioanalyzer is also said to be the same as the **Experion** system, a similar instrument developed for protein analysis. ### Discontinuation and Legacy Agilent Technologies officially discontinued the 2100 Bioanalyzer on December 31, 2023. Despite its retirement, the instrument remains widely used in laboratories globally and is recognized for its role in advancing microfluidic-based analytical systems. Its legacy includes setting the foundation for modern automated electrophoresis platforms and influencing the development of next-generation instruments like the TapeStation series. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.agilent.com/en/product/automated-electrophoresis/bioanalyzer-systems/bioanalyzer-instrument/2100-bioanalyzer-instrument-228250) 2. [Source](https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/slidepresentation/public/4200_TapeStation_System_09152015.pdf) 3. [Source](https://www.laboratorynetwork.com/doc/hp-launches-first-lab-on-a-chip-product-0001) 4. [Source](https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/sitepreparationchecklists/Site_Preparation_Checklist_G2939BA.pdf) 5. [Source](https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/usermanuals/public/2100_Bioanalyzer_Installation-Safety_USR.pdf) 6. [Source](https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/usermanuals/Public/G2938-90007_Inst-Safet_EN.pdf) 7. [Source](http://download.chem.agilent.com/software/2100_expert_software/readme_final.pdf) 8. [Source](https://archive.org/details/manuallib-id-2636722)