Abstract: A gel running plate for use in an electrophoresis process to cover an electrophoresis gel positioned within a tray. The gel running plate adapted to effect flow of electrical current into and out of the tray. The gel running plate having a length less than a length of the tray such that a gap exists between the tray and the plate when the plate is positioned on the tray. The gel running plate also having a width at least as wide as the width of the tray such that the plate rests upon the tray when the plate is positioned on the tray.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid distribution system, which is useful in a number of contexts, including in accomplishing various synthetic, diagnostic and drug screening reactions. The distribution system can comprise an alpha reservoir and a beta reservoir, a first set of parallel and adjacent first and second feeder channels and a second set of parallel and adjacent third and fourth feeder channels which are offset from the first and second feeder channels, wherein (a) the first and third feeder channels are connected to the alpha reservoir via a first connector channel that is situated above or below the second and fourth feeder channels and are independent of the beta reservoir and (b) the second and fourth feeder channels are connected to the beta reservoir via a second connector channel that is situated above or below the first and third feeder channels and are independent of the alpha reservoir. The distribution system is preferably a microscale distribution system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high performance biosensor free from the effect of any components existing in a sample solution other than a substrate. The biosensor comprises an electrically insulating base plate, an electrode system including a working electrode and a counter electrode provided on the base plate, and a reaction layer containing a hydrophilic polymer, an enzyme and an electron acceptor located over the electrode system. The reaction layer contains an excess amount of hydrophilic polymer in a range of 150 to 1,000% by weight of the enzyme.

Abstract: A cassette (10) for use in the formation of an electrophoretic gel comprising two plates with substantially planar walls (11, 13) each having two sides and two ends so arranged in a side-by-side, spaced apart array to form a gel receiving space (15) between them, the improvement consisting of a plurality of projections (16) on one or each of the plates, the projections extending into the gel receiving space and the projections being so sized and so spaced apart over the surface of one or each of the plates that when a gel is introduced into the gel receiving space and a well-forming comb is inserted into the space, a plurality of spaced wells are formed in the gel, at least some of the wells being separated by a tongue of gel which surrounds and engages at least one of the projections, wherein the projections prevent the tongues of the gel from moving relative to the two plates when the electrophoretic gel is in use.

Abstract: The visualization of RNA bands in denaturing electrophoresis gels is improved by staining the gels with a 2,7-diamino-10-(N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-1,3-propanediamino)-propyl-9-phenylp henanthridine dihalide hydrohalide or a 2,7-diamino-10-?3-(diethylmethylammonio)propyl!-9-phenylphenanthridine dihalide. These dyes provide effective contrast for sensitive detection without the need for extensive washing of excess dye from the gels to lower background noise.