Abstract: An improved staining method and system 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, related kits and related systems for carrying out the staining method are also described.

Abstract: A device for gel electrophoresis is provided having larger wells for loading an increased sample volume with improved gel resolution. The device includes a gel cassette having a front plate and a back plate, wherein at least one plate has a stepped inner surface to create a wider opening at the top of the gel cassette, a gel matrix, and a comb with teeth having a thickness substantially equal to the spacing at the top opening of the gel cassette. Using this device, the sample volume in each well can be increased and the sample height in each well can be significantly reduced, as compared to loading the same volume in the wells of a standard gel cassette.

Abstract: A device for gel electrophoresis is provided having larger wells for loading an increased sample volume with improved gel resolution. The device includes a gel cassette having a front plate and a back plate, wherein at least one plate has a stepped inner surface to create a wider opening at the top of the gel cassette, a gel matrix, and a comb with teeth having a thickness substantially equal to the spacing at the top opening of the gel cassette. Using this device, the sample volume in each well can be increased and the sample height in each well can be significantly reduced, as compared to loading the same volume in the wells of a standard gel cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the semi-automated parallel synthesis of multiple peptides. The apparatus includes an array of nozzles, each positioned above or adjacent a separate reaction container, two or more liquid reservoirs, each reservoir coupled to the liquid dispenser(s), and base chamber(s) connected to the reaction containers for removing liquid there from. The addition and removal of liquids may be controlled by programmable electromagnetic valves. The apparatus may also be used for other parallel solid phase reactions. A method is also provided for synthesizing multiple polypeptides or other macromolecules, for example by using the above apparatus, wherein multiple common steps are performed automatically while reactants are added manually.

Abstract: Methods and systems for increasing stability of a target polypeptide in a serum are described. The methods and systems utilize a fusion protein comprising a single-domain antibody against a serum albumin (SASA), the target polypeptide and optionally a linker. The fusion protein has a significantly prolonged serum half life in comparison with the target polypeptide alone. The SASA fusion tag also facilitates the expression and purification of the fusion protein. This allows direct in vivo screening or utilization of the target polypeptide for its biological activity or efficacy regardless of its intrinsic serum half life, which has significantly increased the number of candidates for the development of novel protein based diagnosis or treatment.