Abstract: Methods are provided for assaying electrophoretically separated components of sample in a gel. Following an initial separation phase of the sample components into distinct bands within separate zones of the gel, the separated components are held stationary on the gel in a hold mode. During the hold mode, reagent required for an intended assay is applied to the zone of the gel comprising the component to be assayed. The assay is conducted during the hold-mode. A wide range of assays can be conducted on the components in the gel, without the need for a blotting step. Following completion of the assay, the hold mode is removed and, if desired, the sample components are further separated in the gel.

Abstract: A spectral wavelength discrimination system and method for using are provided which allows the wavelength of a beam of radiation to be accurately determined using compact inexpensive optics and electronics. The system is particularly useful for identifying the emission wavelength of a multi-component marker system which includes a plurality of components having different wavelength ranges. The system comprises a wavelength selective beamsplitter, termed a Linear Wavelength Filter, that directs predetermined fractions of the beam at each wavelength into each of two output beams. The intensities of these output beams are measured. The measurements and selected system parameters, including the beamsplitter spectral characteristics and the detector sensitivity characteristics are used in a special algorithm for performing Fourier based wavelength-dispersive analysis. The unique solution of the Fourier based analysis is the wavelength of the beam of radiation.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring, including use of an optical stage, is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis and to store the separation results. A sample applicator and a sample retriever are also provided, to provide even and consistent application of sample to the gel and to allow recovery of portions of the sample without destroying or removing pieces from the gel.

Abstract: A sample applicator/retriever for gel electrophoresis is provided, which allows easy and reproducible application or retrieval of samples. The sample nozzle is designed to load samples uniformly through a gel. The applicator/retriever may be in several different forms, including a a multiwell device, individual wells and mounting bar, a single line well, or a concentrator applicator.

Abstract: An electrophoretic system is provided which allows for carrying out electrophoresis while monitoring and regulating the temperature and the electrical field gradient in the gel. In addition, photometric monitoring is provided so as to monitor the progress of the electrophoretic separation and vary conditions to change the progress as desired. A computer is employed which receives the signals from the electrophoretic and photometric apparatuses and regulates temperature and voltage to either maintain conditions, or change the conditions to vary the progress of the electrophoresis. Gel molds are provided for forming the lanes in a gel plate, as well as a light module, for reading the bands present in the gel lanes with the photometer.