Abstract: A method of creating an electrophoresis gel having a gel electrophoresis identifier includes providing a surface including a gel electrophoresis identifier marker; providing an electrophoresis gel on the surface having the gel electrophoresis identifier marker; and forming a gel electrophoresis identifier on the electrophoresis gel with the gel electrophoresis identifier marker of the surface. The gel electrophoresis identifier is used to identify and orient the gel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for injection and stacking of analytes in high salt samples. This stacking method works with both pressure injection or electrokinetic injection. The ability to stack analytes with electrokinetic injection allows the translation of high-salt stacking from the capillary to the microchip format.

Abstract: A protein marker pellet for use in a gel electrophoresis system includes one or more protein markers including a protein of known molecular weight with ionic components to provide electrical conductance, and a non-protein, gel-forming material having a porosity sufficient to allow the one or more protein markers to migrate out of the protein marker pellet under the influence of an electrical field at the same rate as the ionic components.

Abstract: High throughput electrophoresis having a plurality of samples migrating through a highly resistive separatory media under an electric field. Multiple electrophoresis runs are conducted using a single separatory media. Automated methods of data analysis yields quantitative and qualitative data using optical densitometer or other detection systems. Controlled operating temperatures and small geometry reduces dispersion inaccuracy in banded data.

Abstract: A crosslinked hydrophilic gel in which the crosslinker used in a compound of Formula I or Formula II or combination thereof. These crosslinked hydrophilic gels provide enhanced separation in electrophoresis. The use of the crosslinkers of Formula I and/or II can result in electrophoresis gels having improved properties including: 1) a broader pore size range; 2) control of pore size distribution; 3) greater resistance to hydrolysis in alkaline media; 4) greater clarity of gels prepared with high concentration of the crosslinkers; and 5) improved background silver staining.

Abstract: Methods of use, accessories and chambers, optimal for performing Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) of DNA molecules in ‘Contour Clamped Homogeneous Electric Field’ (CHEF) and ‘Transversal Alternating Field Electrophoresis’ (TAFE) systems, are provided herein. DNA molecules are rapidly separated in the minigels of these chambers. The sizes of chambers and accessories are determined by the separation between the opposite polarity electrodes; which is comprised between 6, 2 and 15 cm. Reproducibility of molecule separation is achieved because the accessories warrant homogeneous electric resistance in the buffer and minigels. Chambers allow a high-throughput sample format using the reagents efficiently. It is attained excluding the non-useful electrophoresis zones For a better optimization, TAFE chambers have several useful electrophoresis zones (UEZ), each carrying a minigel.

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 present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A precast slab gel for use in submerged (“submarine”) horizontal electrophoresis is formed in a tray that includes a flat base and two raised walls on opposing sides of the base, the walls containing one or more tabs on their outer surfaces, the tabs mating with grooves in the interior walls of the tank. The mating of the tabs with the grooves prevents movement and floating of the tray within to the electrophoresis cell during use. The tabs are designed to mate with grooves that are present in the tank for other purposes, which adds to the versatility of the design. Further versatility is achieved by joining the tabs to the tray walls by thin webs, which make the tabs readily removable, thereby rendering the tray usable in cell tanks that do not contain grooves.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a disposable electrophoresis cassette particularly suitable for pre-cast polyacrylamide gels for protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis. The invention also comprises a support plate for the said cassette that acts as a heat sink and provides a more uniform migration front in operation since the temperature of the gel is substantially the same during electrophoresis operation. Also disclosed is a novel comb element for filling the cassette, and a novel method therefor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette for electrophoresis gels comprising: first and second planar wall members having inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom edges, and lateral edges wherein the wall members are oriented generally parallel to each other and such that the inner wall of each wall member is proximate to the inner wall of the other wall member; spacing means disposed between the inner walls of the wall members and adapted to provide a space for an electrophoresis gel between the inner walls of the wall members, wherein the cassette has an interior which is defined by the space between the wall members; and locking means adapted to prevent locking engagement of the members unless the inner surfaces of the wall members and are substantially parallel to each other and are separated by a predetermined distance, and when the wall members are in locked engagement, to substantially prevent any movement of the wall members away from such locked engagement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method to characterize, optimize, and control the quality and production of hydrogel media. Additionally, the present invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a porous substrate. More particularly, the invention provides a method for determining the size, size distribution, and spatial distribution of the pores of a polymeric hydrogel-based substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for moving, isolating and/or identifying particles in a sample by placing said sample in a spatially varying electrical field wherein the spatially varying electrical field is following a mathematical nonmonotonous function, selected from the group consisting of linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, parabolic functions or y˜xp/q and combinations thereof wherein p q means an integer. Also various devices are disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making a gradient gel. The present invention in one embodiment is a gel-making system that has a reservoir for holding a solution. The reservoir is connected to a movable arm through a tubing. The tubing has two ends: one end is in fluid communication with the reservoir; and the other, an open end, is received by the movable arm. A gel holder having an internal gel chamber is placed underneath the movable arm for receiving the solution. In operation, the movement of the movable arm causes the open end of the tubing to move along with it and the open end of the tubing delivers the solution in motion to the internal gel chamber to form the gel.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a “submarine” mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which allows one skilled in the art to make either gradient or non-gradient slab gels continuously so that the produced gels are uniformly formed, polymerized and cut to a specific size as needed, in a mass-produced, assembly line manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrophoretic separation of bio-organic molecules using a slab gel electrophoresis apparatus having a pair of spaced, confronting plates defining a multi-lane separation zone adapted to hold a separation medium and an upper loading zone. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the plates is shaped to provide an expanded loading zone. The plate-to-plate distance within the expanded loading zone is greater than the plate-to-plate width within the separation zone. In another aspect of the invention, a comb is provided with each tooth having a gradual taper beginning at a support member and extending along most of the tooth's longitudinal axis, and a sharp taper beginning immediately beyond the gradual taper and extending to the end of the tooth.

Abstract: Flat plates serving as molds and enclosures for slab gels are held together by a clamping frame in which the side edges of the plates slide into facing channels and are clamped by lever-operated cams that compress the channel walls against the plate surfaces. The joined plates are held on a vertical support rack containing a finger-operated spring-loaded notched clamp that presses down on the plates to seal the opening at the bottom edges of the plates against a gasket. A well-forming comb for insertion between the plates contains flexible outwardly angled fingers to seal against the spacers between the plates.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid preparation of electrophoresis gels comprises: (a) a housing; (b) a support fixture removably disposed within the housing and adapted to receive a gel holder having an internal gel compartment, the support fixture being optionally adapted to permit filling of the gel holder within the housing; (c) an optional injection system, which is connectible to a reservoir for holding a polymerizable solution; (d) an optional solution injection connector adapted to couple the injection system to a gel holder placed within the filling fixture, (e) an optional controller for the injection system, which causes the injection system to inject polymerizable solution from the reservoir into the gel compartment; and (f) a radiation source disposed within the housing in a location effective to irradiate polymierizable solution within the gel compartment of a gel holder in the support fixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrophoretic separation of bio-organic molecules using a slab gel electrophoresis apparatus having a pair of spaced, confronting plates defining a multi-lane separation zone adapted to hold a separation medium and an upper loading zone. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the plates is shaped to provide an expanded loading zone. The plate-to-plate distance within the expanded loading zone is greater than the plate-to-plate width within the separation zone. In another aspect of the invention, a comb is provided with each tooth having a gradual taper beginning at a support member and extending along most of the tooth's longitudinal axis, and a sharp taper beginning immediately beyond the gradual taper and extending to the end of the tooth.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a "submarine" mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: Method for electrophoretic separation of nucleic acid fragments comprising the following steps:a) providing a polyacrylamide based gel prepared by photoinitiated polymerization of a mixture containing monoolefinic- and di- and/or polyolefinic monomers and a photoinitiator of the general formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 independently are CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or C.sub.3 H.sub.7 or R.sub.1, R.sub.2 together with the carbon atom form a cycloaliphatic ring with 4-8 carbons;R.sub.3 =H, CH.sub.3, C.sub.2 H.sub.5 or --O--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.n --OH with n=1-20;b) applying said nucleic acid fragments on said polyacrylamide based gel;c) electrophoretically separating said fragments on said gel. The invention also relates to a kit for use in the method for electrophoretic separation of nucleic acid fragments.

Abstract: The present invention are methods for preparing hydrous titanium oxide spherules, hydrous titanium oxide gels such as gel slabs, films, capillary and electrophoresis gels, titanium monohydrogen phosphate spherules, hydrous titanium oxide spherules having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent, titanium monohydrogen phosphate spherules having suspendible particles of at least one different sorbent homogeneously embedded within to form a composite sorbent having a desired crystallinity, titanium oxide spherules in the form of anatase, brookite or rutile, titanium oxide spherules having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, hydrous titanium oxide fiber materials, titanium oxide fiber materials, hydrous titanium oxide fiber materials having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite, titanium oxide fiber materials having suspendible particles homogeneously embedded within to form a composite and spherules of b

Abstract: A method of gel electrophoresis carried out in a submerged gel mode in which the gel is a bed of water insoluble, transparent, cross linked gel, which has been formed by: dissolving a polysaccharide, including at least one linear polysaccharide such as agarose or hydroxyethyl cellulose, in a suitable solvent, such as water; adding a cross linking agent, which is not charged nor becomes charged upon contact with water in a pH in the range of about 2 to 11, to the solution; and incubating this mixture in a quiescent state to substantially simultaneously react the polysaccharide and the cross linking agent and to gel the reaction product into a bed. The polysaccharide is at least one linear polysaccharides, but that linear polysaccharide may also be admixed with other linear polysaccharides and/or at least one non-linear polysaccharide. Synthetic organic polymers may also be admixed in the cross linking reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method of electrophoresis and providing electrophoresis support medium in lane-by-lane formation, each lane having a sample loading well and for electrophoresis gel lanes are transferred to electrophoresis tank lane by lane and used for electrophoresis.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there are provided methods, gels, and transferring devices for loading gels. The methods and devices of the present invention involve the use of ultra-thin, miniature, disposable, slab gels for the quick, inexpensive and high resolution analysis of polynucleotide samples.

Abstract: An improved plastic mold for the polymerization of electrophoresis gels. The improved electrophoresis gel mold comprises non-conductive plastic film. The film is supported by a rigid plastic frame. The frame maintains the integrity of the electrophoresis gel. The molds of the present invention are particularly useful in the manufacture of precast electrophoresis gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoresis media comprising a gel and a compound capable of restricting the diffusion of water within the gel. Diffusion restricting compounds useful in the present invention include but are not limited to polyols, polymeric alcohols, polysaccharides, polyoxyethylene ethers, polyamines, polypeptides, gums, zwiterionic detergents and mixtures thereof. The present method relates to any electrophoresis media and includes but is not limited to polyacrylamide, agarose, starch, cellulose acetate and sepharose. A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a stacking gel wherein a diffusion restricting compound is used to prevent diffusion of water between the stack gel and resolving gel. The addition of a diffusion restricting compound to the stacking gel has the particular advantage of causing the stacking gel to become opaque, thereby facilitating the addition of samples to the gel.

Abstract: A device and method for vertical slab gel casting and electrophoresis in a single enclosure is provided. Air is utilized as a sealing medium to seal the bottom of a gel space for gel casting by constructing an air-tight connection between a sealable lower buffer chamber and a gel space via a junction. The air is automatically released when a buffer is introduce into the lower buffer chamber so that the bottom of the gel is in direct contact with the buffer without manually removing a solid sealing device from the bottom of the gel, which enables the gel to be directly used for electrophoresis without any movement of the gel space.

Abstract: Improved polyacrylamide-type gels utilizing diacrylyl tertiary amide crosslinkers are disclosed having relatively high monomer:crosslinker ratios in comparison to conventional polyacrylamide gels. The resulting gels have pore structures chemically and physically different from conventional polyacrylamide gels and, when prepared in the optimal monomer:crosslinker ratio, provide superior resolution and structural characteristics over the conventional polyacrylamide gels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrophoresis media comprising a gel and a compound capable of restricting the diffusion of water within the gel. Diffusion restricting compounds useful in the present invention include but are not limited to polyols, polymeric alcohols, polysaccharides, polyoxyethylene ethers, polyamines, polypeptides, gums, zwiterionic detergents and mixtures thereof. The present method relates to any electrophoresis media and includes but is not limited to polyacrylamide, agarose, starch, cellulose acetate and sepharose. A further embodiment of the present invention relates to a stacking gel wherein a diffusion restricting compound is used to prevent diffusion of water between the stack gel and resolving gel. The addition of a diffusion restricting compound to the stacking gel has the particular advantage of causing the stacking gel to become opaque, thereby facilitating the addition of samples to the gel.

Abstract: Gel holders for electrophoresis gels are made using clad fibers, particularly glass fibers as spacers between substrates. A plurality of fibers with an high-melting interior core and a low-melting external cladding are placed between a first planar substrate and a second planar substrate. The fibers are heated to a temperature sufficient to at least soften the exterior cladding of the fibers without softening the interior core of the fibers, and then cooled while they are in contact with the first and second substrates to resolidify the exterior cladding. This adheres the fibers to the first and second substrates, and forms a gel chamber between said first and second substrates. The gel chamber has a thickness defined by interior core of the fibers. The fibers may be heated before or after the second substrate is placed over the top of the fibers. The gel holders thus formed may be filled immediately with a gel forming solution such as a polyacrylamide, or they may be stored indefinitely and used as needed.

Abstract: Gel holders for electrophoresis gels are made using fibers, particularly glass fibers, which are affixed to the substrates forming the gel holder using an adhesive. These gel holders can be made by placing a plurality of adhesive-coated fibers between a first planar substrate and a second planar substrate; and applying pressure to the outside of the substrates to adhere the fibers to the first and second substrates. This forms a gel chamber between the first and second substrates which has a thickness defined by diameter of the fibers. Alternatively, uncoated fibers may be laid down in pairs, with a line of adhesive disposed between each fiber of the pair. When the adhesive is cured, it binds the fibers in position as spacers. At the same time, the fibers isolate the adhesive from the gel compartment. In this way, interference of components of the adhesive with the polymerization of the a gel in the gel chamber can be avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for producing a polyacrylamide gel sample typically for use in electrophoretic analysis. The subject method includes providing a container comprising a bottle and cap assembly for conducting a gel formation sequence. The cap assembly includes a storage compartment. A plurality of premixed chemical materials are employed for producing a polyacrylamide gel used to make the gel samples. The container includes a bottle for storing an acrylamide solution and a cap assembly for storing the premixed chemical materials in dry particulate form therewithin. The cap is located atop the bottle. The premixed chemical materials are stored in the bottle and in the storage compartment for subsequently producing the acrylamide gel solution in situ within the confines of the container so that the step of transferring of the gel stock solutions to an auxiliary container is avoided.

Abstract: An electrophoresis plate includes a substrate and an electrophoresis medium layer on the substrate. The electrophoresis plate may be used for medical testing by placing fluid specimens in wells on the electrophoresis medium layer so that the specimens can be separated into different fractions by applying an electric field across the electrophoresis medium layer. The electrophoresis medium layer includes liquid in a microporous gel such as agarose. The electrophoresis plate is packaged with a protective plastic film across the electrophoresis medium layer, but removal of the protective film prior to use of the electrophoresis plate leaves liquid that has been expressed from the electrophoresis medium layer on the surface of the electrophoresis medium layer.

Abstract: Compositions useful as a separation medium in capillary electrophoresis procedure and methods for their use in capillary electrophoresis are described. The compositions include dry linear polyacrylamide which is capable of hydrating to form an aqueous polymeric system capable of filling an electrophoresis capillary column. Also disclosed are methods for using dry polyacrylamide in capillary electrophoresis. The methods include providing a dry polyacrylamide composition, reconstituting the dry polymer to provide a solution of reconstituted polymer, and causing the reconstituted polymer to fill a capillary electrophoresis column.