Abstract: A pre-packaged electrophoresis cassette (1), the cassette (1) comprising a gel layer (2) and a buffer solution layer (3), the gel layer comprising a first polymer made from a monomer and a cross-linker, and being in contact with the buffer solution layer to form a gel-buffer interface (4) for receiving a sample which is to undergo electrophoresis. The gel and/or the buffer solution are such that absorption of water by the gel layer from the buffer solution layer is inhibited, thereby maintaining the performance capabilities of the electrophoresis cassette during storage.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method of performing the western blot analytical technique, wherein the method comprises carrying out the following steps in the following order: a), pre-staining the proteins within a sample; b). separating the proteins using gel electrophoresis; c). analysing the separated proteins to determine the total protein load and/or at least one housekeeping protein load; d). transferring the proteins onto at least one membrane; e). probing the separated proteins to detect a target protein; and f). analysing the probed proteins to determine the target protein's molecular weight and/or load.

Abstract: A membrane incubation device, wherein the membrane incubation device is adapted to incubate sections of at least one membrane individually.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protocol for pre-staining a protein prior to electrophoresis, an electrophoresis method including the protocol, and a kit for carrying out the protocol. The protocol comprises the steps of incubating the protein sample with a pyrylium dye in the presence of a buffer, a detergent and a denaturing agent.

Abstract: An analysis instrument for processing a microfluidic device, having sample storage means, a microfluidic device holder, sample loading means for loading sample into a microfluidic device disposed in the holder, processing means for enabling a reaction in a microfluidic device, and detection means for detecting and/or measuring the reaction is disclosed. The microfluidic device holder is adapted to hold the microfluidic device including a tape in position for processing and/or detection. A microfluidic processing device is also disclosed which includes a reaction chamber, and a sample loading chamber into which a sample is injectable. The reaction chamber is operatively connected to the sample loading chamber. A cover extends across at least part of the sample loading chamber. The cover and the reaction chamber include pierceable material and are separated by an overspill cavity configured to accept any overspill of an injected sample.

Abstract: A pre-packaged electrophoresis cassette (1), the cassette (1) comprising a gel layer (2) and a buffer solution layer (3), the gel layer comprising a first polymer made from a monomer and a cross-linker, and being in contact with the buffer solution layer to form a gel-buffer interface (4) for receiving a sample which is to undergo electrophoresis. The gel and/or the buffer solution are such that absorption of water by the gel layer from the buffer solution layer is inhibited, thereby maintaining the performance capabilities of the electrophoresis cassette during storage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protocol for pre-staining a protein prior to electrophoresis, an electrophoresis method including the protocol, and a kit for carrying out the protocol. The protocol comprises the steps of incubating the protein sample with a pyrylium dye in the presence of a buffer, a detergent and a denaturing agent.

Abstract: An analysis instrument for processing a microfluidic device, having sample storage means, a microfluidic device holder, sample loading means for loading sample into a microfluidic device disposed in the holder, processing means for enabling a reaction in a microfluidic device, and detection means for detecting and/or measuring the reaction is disclosed. The microfluidic device holder is adapted to hold the microfluidic device including a tape in position for processing and/or detection. A microfluidic processing device is also disclosed which includes a reaction chamber, and a sample loading chamber into which a sample is injectable. The reaction chamber is operatively connected to the sample loading chamber. A cover extends across at least part of the sample loading chamber. The cover and the reaction chamber include pierceable material and are separated by an overspill cavity configured to accept any overspill of an injected sample.