Abstract: An improved staining method is described for staining a biopolymer such as a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, an oligosaccharide or a complex containing a peptide, a protein, an RNA, a DNA, or an oligosaccharide in a matrix. The method includes the step of moving a staining reagent into the matrix using an electric force. The staining time can be dramatically reduced relative to conventional technologies. The improved staining method can particularly be used, for example, to stain proteins after gel separation. Other related methods and related kits are also described.

Abstract: An automated laboratory system and method allow high-throughput and fully automated processing of materials, such as liquids including genetic materials. The invention includes a variety of aspects that may be combined into a single system. For example, processing may be performed by a plurality of robotic-equipped modular stations, where each modular station has its own unique environment in which processes are performed. Transport devices, such as conveyor belts, may move objects between modular stations, saving movement for robots in the modular stations. Gels used for gel electrophoresis may be extruded, thus decreasing the time needed to form such gels. Robotically-operated well forming tools allow wells to be formed in gels in a registered and accurate way.

Abstract: A electrophoresis device having glass gel cell fast assemble structure is provided, including a main body, a pair of electrode connection terminals attached to the main body, and side clamping parts pivotally connected to the main body on respective side of the main body for maintaining at least one glass gel cell to a surface of the main body. At least one sealing and positioning structure is provided on a surface of the main body including a U-shaped sealing strip partially inlayed on at least one surface of the main body, and at least a pair of positioning poles perpendicularly attached to the main body, wherein the U-shaped sealing strip having a U-shaped body to form a seal between the main body and the gel cell, and positioning protrusions formed on the respective free end of the U-shaped body.

Abstract: Molecular species that are immobilized in discrete locations on a planar support such as protein bands on a gel or a blotting membrane or species applied in dots or spots on a membrane are reacted with binding reagents that are applied through a porous hydrophilic transfer sheet placed over the planar support, the sheet having at least one region that is laterally bordered by a barrier with the binding reagent retained within the bordered region. The bordered region is placed directly over an area on the planar support where the molecular species are expected to reside if they are present on the support. The binding reagent is then delivered into the support to contact the species. Targeted delivery of the binding reagent is thus achieved with improved efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatuses and kits for determining the presence and the concentration of nanoparticles in a given area, solution or region via cellular uptake and/or adsorption monitored through laboratory equipment. For example, the present invention provides a method of quantifying one or more nanoparticles by incubating a nanoparticle solution comprising one or more nanoparticles with one or more cells; isolating the one or more cells; lysing the one or more cells to release a cell lysate; separating the cell lysate electrophoretically on a gel; digitizing the gel to form a gel image; quantifying the nanoparticle intensity in the gel image; and correlating the nanoparticle intensity to a cell-associated nanoparticle concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable circular electrophoretic device having uniform electric field over a small surface area. It also provides a multidirectional process of electrophoresis for separation of charged molecules thereby increasing the resolution of macromolecules.

Abstract: Cassette electrophoresis systems that allow viewing of molecules during the electrophoresis run are disclosed. Cassette electrophoresis bases that reversibly engage light sources, such as light source bases are disclosed. Also disclosed are visible light transillumination systems for viewing a pattern of fluorescence emitted by fluorophores comprising a cassette housing fluorophore-containing material and a base unit to support the cassette. In some aspects the base unit that includes a power supply also houses a light source having output in the visible wavelength region and a filter placed between the light source and the fluorophores. The system is constructed and arranged such that patterns of fluorescence emitted by the fluorophores are viewable. Also described are charging devices for providing charge to gel electrophoresis systems, portable gel electrophoresis systems and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: A method employing gel electrophoresis and optical imaging techniques to measure the amount of biomaterial that attaches to specified locations on a detector slide such as a bioarray or biochip.

Abstract: A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.

Abstract: An electrophoresis apparatus includes a sample separating section for containing a sample separating medium for separating a sample in a horizontal direction, the sample separating section containing the sample separating medium in such a manner that the sample separating medium has an exposed portion at least one end of a surface of the sample separating medium, the surface being in parallel with the horizontal direction; and medium connecting means for connecting a sample containing medium to the sample separating medium at a connecting region, the sample containing medium containing a sample, and the connecting region satisfying a particular equation. By this, an electrophoresis technique with better accuracy than conventional arts can be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast flat gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, target samples are loaded into the pre-cast gel, interior walls of the unit are broken to allow buffer from anode and cathode chambers to combine within the gel chamber and cover the loaded gel matrix, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the flat pre-cast gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides biomarkers for efficient and accurate characterization of Sanfilippo syndrome. In particular, the present invention provides biomarkers differentially expressed in Sanfilippo syndrome. Those biomarkers, used alone or in combination, may permit more accurate robust characterization of Sanfilippo syndrome, resulting in more precise determination of the types and/or severity of the syndrome. In addition, inventive biomarkers according to the present invention can be used to effective monitor treatment response in Sanfilippo syndrome patients and/or to optimize treatment for Sanfilippo syndrome.

Abstract: A production method of the present invention is a method of producing a reaction instrument for electrophoresis (10), which is constituted by (i) a substrate (1) and (ii) an electrophoresis gel (3) which is immobilized on the substrate (1), including the steps of: (i) discharging a liquid to a surface of the substrate (1) on which surface the gel is to be immobilized, thereby forming a liquid pool (5); and thereafter (ii) discharging a gel solution to the liquid pool (5). This provides a method of producing a reaction instrument for electrophoresis, which method makes it possible to form a gel with high reliability in high yield.

Abstract: A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within such gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second chambers containing one or more buffer solutions and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by optionally removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within the gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to produce gels for electrophoresis, wherein at least two monomer solutions are printed in a pattern on a substrate and the printed substrate is exposed to electromagnetic or ionising radiation so as to initiate polymerisation. The gels are useful for electrophoretic separation of proteins, peptides and/or nucleic acids.

Abstract: Horizontal electrophoresis is performed in a cell that includes a tank and a pair of electrodes, each mounted on an electrode support that is easily inserted into and removed from the tank, and once inserted, is secured in position by one or more spring-loaded, manual-release locking features.

Abstract: A method is provided for separating single- and double-stranded nucleic acid molecules based on their strandness and length.

Abstract: A tank apparatus (10) for horizontal electrophoresis that comprises a base member (12) having at least first and second independent receptacles (16, 18) for accommodating buffer solution. Each of the receptacles comprises an inlet (28, 28?) for allowing communication with the external environment. A cover member (14) covers at least the first and second receptacles, thereby forming first and second buffer chambers. The cover member comprising suitable openings (40, 42) for allowing a portion of an electrophoresis gel cassette to be inserted therethrough, such that the electrophoresis gel is in communication with the contents of each of the first and second receptacles. Each of a pair of electrodes (33, 33?) is situated in one of each of the first and second receptacles, wherein the electrodes are connectable to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: This invention relates to electrophoresis, in particular pre-cast mini gels with a low fluorescent polymer backing that is not adherent to the gel. Use of this type of small gel simplifies blotting procedures, such as Southern and Western blotting, after electrophoresis.

Abstract: In a microfluidic device, respective motion of a plurality of objects along corresponding trajectories is achieved by determining a force field, such as an underlying fluid flow which, when applied to the plurality of object, moves each object along its corresponding trajectory. The force field is a linear superposition of a subset of all force fields supported by the physical characteristics of the microfluidic device. Once the fields have been ascertained, a plurality of actuation signals corresponding to the fields is applied to actuators installed on the microfluidic device to cause the force on each object. By implementing a feedback structure, corrections for positional errors may be made by computing a corrective force for each object and adjusting the actuation signals appropriately thereto.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that facilitate electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media, usefully immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. The method exploits the swelling of prior-cast, hydratable separation media upon rehydration to help lodge the media in an enclosing member that permits spaced electrical communication with the enclosed separation media. The electrical communication permits a voltage gradient to be established in the enclosed separation medium sufficient to effect separation of analytes therein. Cassettes, buffer cores, electrophoresis systems and kits are presented for effecting the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The mechanism of the UV light-induced reaction between the indole moiety of tryptophan and chloroform, and the structure of the modified tryptophan and polypeptides including such modified tryptophan residues. The excited indole moiety, which is formed upon UV light irradiation, emits a solvated electron which initiates a series of events that yield fluorescent derivatives that have CHO group covalently bound to the indole moiety. These derivatives are herein referred to as formyltryptophan, and are relatively stable. Similar reactions are observed when 5-hydroxytryptophan, 5-fluorotryptophan, or N-methylindolacetate are used in place of tryptophan, or when other haloalkanes, such as trichloracetic acid, trichlorethanol, trichlorethane, bromoform, and iodoactetate are used in place of chloroform. The derivatives can be used in a variety of applications in fluorescence spectroscopy, and for nuclear magnetic resonance, X-ray crystallography, infra-red spectroscopy, circular dicroism and mass spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for adding a reagent to an analyte in a gel. The invention further provides methods and systems for transferring liquid analyte reagent mixtures from a gel to a second vessel, such as a microtitre plate. The invention is useful in the manipulation of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins and peptides. In particular, the invention has utility for manipulating proteins and peptides in isoelectric focusing gels.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a sample separation instrument used in a sample separation apparatus which includes: holding means for holding a first medium supporter which supports a first medium; and driving means for moving fixing means or the holding means in a direction parallel or perpendicular to a plane whose sides extend in the first direction and in the second directions. The sample separation instrument includes an insulator for storing a second medium which allows a sample separated in the first medium in the first direction to be further separated in the second direction different from the first direction, wherein: the insulator includes a first opening and a second opening each of which defines the second direction in which the second medium is electrified, and the second opening has a shape which allows the first medium containing the separated sample to be attached to the second medium along the first direction.

Abstract: A gel cassette adaptor for use with an electrophoresis system gel cassette is disclosed herein. The gel cassette adaptor allows a single gel cassette to be compatible with more than one electrophoresis system. In one example embodiment, the gel cassette adaptor includes an open sided trough having an attachment perimeter and an attachment flange coupled to the attachment perimeter. The attachment flange is designed to be compatible for mating with a gel cassette that is compatible with a first electrophoresis system. After attachment of the gel cassette adaptor, the resulting gel cassette assembly is compatible with a second electrophoresis system. Also provided is a gel cassette that includes a stabilizer post that connects the cassette plates to maintain a constant gap width between the plates during electrophoresis. In reducing deformation of the gap space between plates during gel runs, the stabilizer post can improve electrophoresis results for wide format gels.

Abstract: This invention relates to a precast gel for electrophoresis comprising a support filled with an aqueous gel prepared by polymerizing an aqueous solution comprising a radically polymerizable monomer, a crosslinkable monomer, a buffer, a redox initiator comprising an oxidizer/reducer, and a photo sensitizer and having a pH level of 6.0 to 7.5 via light application. The slab gel for electrophoresis of the present invention can produce a precast gel for electrophoresis within a shorter period of time and in an easier manner than is possible with conventional techniques. Accordingly, the present invention enables production of a high-quality precast gel for electrophoresis in terms of productivity, cost, and quality, and the industrial applicability thereof is remarkable.

Abstract: Described is a process for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reason based on two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The method is involving a first separation in a first gel strip on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second gel on the basis of molecular size. When starting the separation in the second dimension the buffer solution for transferring the compounds separated in the first dimension into the second dimension gel is containing sodium dodecyl-sulfate (SDS) and by applying an electric field the SDS migrates electrokinetically into the first gel strip, and the compounds are being complexed simultaneously with SDS.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a support (1, 10) for an electrophoretic gel film comprising a first film (2) having a plurality of lips formed by stamping, the lips forming a plurality of retention points for an electrophoretic gel film to be received on the support. The invention also relates to an electrophoretic element for use in electrophoretic separations, comprising the support according to the first aspect, coated with an electrophoretic gel film, as well as to the use of such an electrophoretic element.

Abstract: A gel composition for use in electrophoresis analysis of proteins, characterised in that the gel composition includes a polar solvent as an additive, wherein the polar solvent is one of either an alcohol or a formamide derivative. Methods of use, methods of manufacture and apparatus including the gel composition described hereinabove are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing vertical electrophoresis comprises a main body, a pair of gel plates, a pair of clamping devices, and a lower buffer tank. The clamping devices are slidably attachable to the sides of the main body between a loading position for allowing the gel plates to be inserted into the main body, and a locking position for allowing secure attachment of the gel plates to the main body by a single horizontal sliding movement.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within such gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

Abstract: A device providing an arrangement for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reasons based on multidimensional gel electrophoresis and method thereof are disclosed. The separation involves a first separation in a first dimension of the device on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second dimension of the device on the basis of molecular size. At least two gel strips for the first dimension separation step and a corresponding gel for the second dimension separation step are provided. The two gel strips are arranged on a single carrier either on the same side or on opposite sides. By having at least two gel strips arranged in such a manner at least two analytical processes can be executed in parallel on the single carrier without the use of valves.

Abstract: Apparatus and method employing gel electrophoresis and optical imaging techniques to measure the amount of biomaterial that attaches to specified locations on a detector slide and to determine the molecular weight of the molecules at those locations.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis therein includes a chamber with a gel matrix. The chamber has a first sealed region and a second sealed region, and an anode within the first sealed region of the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, and a cathode within the second sealed region and in contact with the gel matrix. At least one of the electrodes also provides ions for driving the electrophoresis. The apparatus further includes a matrix with at least one sparingly water-soluble salt.

Abstract: Horizontal electrophoresis is performed in a cell that includes a tank and a pair of electrodes, each mounted on an electrode support that is easily inserted into and removed from the tank, and once inserted, is secured in position by one or more spring-loaded, manual-release locking features.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel processing and transfer device, useful for the processing and transferring un-damaged and intact gel with minimal handling, said device comprising at least 4 separable components namely: a base plate for holding the gels with facility to drain out solution; a retaining rim with attached side-walls, said side walls are fastened to the base plate by a fastening means; at least one “O” ring fixed to the retaining rim to give leakproof arrangement with the base plate; and a lid to cover the assembly.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for a gel electrophoresis device, the electrode arrangement comprising a first electrode member adapted to provide an electrical contact with one or more gel strips, wherein the first electrode member comprises a first locking element to lock the first electrode member to the gel electrophoresis device.

Abstract: A first dimension electrophoresis apparatus of vertical type with a gel container 2 having a plurality of rectangular rod-shaped gel chambers is provided. The rod-type gels surrounded with non-conductive material plates are arranged in parallel, an upper open end of the gel container 2 is placed tightly into an upper buffer reservoir 4 and the lower open end thereof is placed tightly into a lower buffer reservoir 1. The gel container 2 and the main parts of the first buffer reservoir 4 and the lower buffer reservoir 1 are sunk in a cooling reservoir 5 filled with cooling liquid. The lower buffer reservoir has a panel portion 1b which is bent upward to penetrate the cooling reservoir. Outlet conductors thereof extend from each of the reservoirs and are insulated physically and electrically from the cooling liquid. As a result, the outer surface of the gel container can directly contact with the cooling liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the separation of analytes based on their molecular weight, by application of an electric field across a low-friction matrix that includes with a charged separation agent. The matrix comprises charged regions ordered in a monotonous sequence distributed throughout the matrix so as to generate a charge density gradient. When an external electric field is applied, the complex will move through the different charged regions and focusing of different analytes in different charge regions will occur. These systems are suitable for planar, capillary in-tube electrophoresis, as well as multi-channel arrays of capillaries filled with charge gradient gels, serial arrays of discrete compartments with charge density gradient, arrays in a chip format, pre-designed mass focusing arrays for specific protein masses in application for protein and DNA marker diagnostics, and multi compartment trapping devices for specific mass ranges.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: A tank apparatus (10) for horizontal electrophoresis that comprises a base member (12) having at least first and second independent receptacles (16, 18) for accommodating buffer solution. Each of the receptacles comprises an inlet (28, 28?) for allowing communication with the external environment. A cover member (14) covers at least the first and second receptacles, thereby forming first and second buffer chambers. The cover member comprising suitable openings (40, 42) for allowing a portion of an electrophoresis gel cassette to be inserted therethrough, such that the electrophoresis gel is in communication with the contents of each of the first and second receptacles. Each of a pair of electrodes (33, 33?) is situated in one of each of the first and second receptacles, wherein the electrodes are connectable to an electrical power supply.

Abstract: A gel and buffer system for gel electrophoresis wherein separation occurs at neutral pH.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting an analyte in a sample in which an analyte is bound to a detection reagent to form a bound complex. The device comprises (a) a sample (5) comprising an ionic analyte and a detection reagent in a conductive fluid, wherein the detection reagent has a net charge different from the analyte; (b) a first permeable polymeric hydrogel plate (3) and a first spacer plate (8), which plates provide a compartment for the sample; (c) an anode (1) juxtaposed to the outside of the first hydrogel plate and not in contact with the sample; (d) a cathode (9) juxtaposed to the outside of the first spacer plate and not in contact with the sample; (e) a voltage generator (10) to apply an electric potential to the anode and cathode; and (f) a detector (11).

Abstract: An electrophoretic system having a plurality of separation lanes is provided with an automatic calibration feature in which each lane is separately calibrated. For each lane, the calibration coefficients map a spectrum of received channel intensities onto values reflective of the relative likelihood of each of a plurality of dyes being present. Individual peaks, reflective of the influence of a single dye, are isolated from among the various sets of detected light intensity spectra, and these can be used to both detect the number of dye components present, and also to establish exemplary vectors for the calibration coefficients which may then be clustered and further processed to arrive at a calibration matrix for the system. The system of the present invention thus permits one to use different dye sets to tag DNA nucleotides in samples which migrate in separate lanes, and also allows for in-situ calibration with new, previously unused dye sets.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes dispersed by a stabilized solution of nucleic acid molecules formed separated nanotube-nucleic acid complexes and were separated according to standard chromatographic methods, including gel electrophoresis, two phase solvent systems and ion exchange chromatography.

Abstract: Destructible surfactants and methods of using same are provided. The invention includes anionic surfactants having a dioxolane or dioxane functional group which enables the surfactant to be broken down under acidic conditions. The invention also includes methods of making anionic surfactants and methods of using anionic surfactants in a variety of applications.