Abstract: An anchoring device to be placed atop a slab of electrophoresis gel in a submerged electrophoresis process chamber includes a planar frame member shaped and sized to distribute weight evenly across the gel slab, particularly having a width dimension generally the same as the slab, and a plurality of legs spaced evenly around the frame. The legs have a length sufficient to raise the frame above the level of buffer liquid in process chamber, and have a blunt bottom surface in contact with the gel slab. The weight of the device and the even distribution of that weight is sufficient to anchor the gel slab and keep it submerged in the buffer liquid in the electrophoresis process chamber while making minimal contact with the slab and not distorting the electrical field through the gel, and without penetrating or lacerating the slab. The frame encloses one or more open window areas above the sample wells in the gel slab to permit easy access to load biological samples.

Abstract: A packaging arrangement is disclosed for protecting an electrophoresis gel from damage during shipment and storage. The package arrangement includes first and second sheets that are sealed about their respective edges to form an enclosed cavity. The cavity is at least partially evacuated of air. An electrophoresis gel is located within the cavity. A support sheet may be disposed between the electrophoresis gel and the package to facilitate removal of the gel and to further stiffen the package. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of electrophoresis gels are disposed within the cavity. Each gel is preferably separated from adjacent gels by a spacer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cassette with comb in place, useful for gel electrophoresis which is capable of being filled through a fluid conducting channel which communicates from the exterior of the top of the cassette assembly to the void (confined) volume of the cassette, for example, with the juncture between adjacent teeth of the comb; provides a comb useful for top filling of an electrophoresis cassette assembly and a method for top filling of an electrophoresis cassette assembly.

Abstract: A process for fractionating agaroid compositions by dissolving the agaroid in a glycol, precipitating a first fraction by cooling and precipitating a second fraction by incorporating a nonsolvent to form two fractions substantially more soluble in water than the initial agaroid. Optionally the solubility of either fraction can be converted to conventional solubilities.

Abstract: A flexible pouch having a filter. A multi-compartment flexible pouch having a common axis of radial symmetry and removable sealing means separating the compartments. A process for making a multi-compartment pouch having a common axis of radial symmetry.

Abstract: A process for fractionating agaroid compositions by dissolving the agaroid in a glycol, precipitating a first fraction by cooling and precipitating a second fraction by incorporating a nonsolvent to form two fractions substantially more soluble in water than the initial agaroid. Optionally the solubility of either fraction can be converted to conventional solubilities.

Abstract: A three dimensional porous matrix, such as a reticulated open-cell foam, having within its matrix structure a mechanically-fractured hydrogel containing a network of fracture channels. The mechanically-fractured hydrogel may be a gel that has been partially dewatered by compression of the gel in situ.The porosity of the gel-in-matrix makes it useful for chromatographic applications and for immobilization of biologically-active components, where efficient, intimate contact of the hydrogel with a liquid medium is important.

Abstract: A method for forming agarose beads, which may incorporate biological material at least partially labile at above 40.degree. C., in which an aqueous agarose solution is formed into bead-size portions which are gelled by contacting the portions with a cooled atmosphere, gas, and/or smooth hydrophobic surface, and then collected.

Abstract: Purified agarose is recovered from agar or impure agarose by dissolving the agar or agarose in a lower alkylene glycol at elevated temperature, cooling the agar- or agarose-containing glycol solution to induce precipitation of a purified agarose product, and recovering the precipitated agarose product.

Abstract: Novel beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharide gels characterized by (a) coherent, uniform, non-particulate structure, and (b) substantially uniform pH throughout. The gels are prepared by dissolving a beta-1,3-glucan polysaccharide in an aqueous alkaline medium at a temperature of about 55.degree. C. or below and while maintaining the solution at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adjusting the pH to 10.5 or lower, followed by cooling below about 40.degree. C. or heating above 50.degree. C. The gels formed by cooling are reversible whereas the gels formed by heating are thermally irreversible. The gels are useful for supporting, separating, transforming or treating biological materials, as carriers for pharmaceuticals, as coatings for biological materials, in food products, and can be shaped to form disposable contact lenses.

Abstract: A device for replicating moist bacterial or other cell colonies including a rigid layer, a resilient backing layer secured to one side of the rigid layer and a cell colony transfer surface made from an open-cell, flexible foam which includes a hydrophilic material therein and which surface is absorbent, porous, compliant and exhibits less resilience than said backing layer.

Abstract: A Well Indicating Device which is useful in laboratory procedures for identifying, in a predetermined but variable sequence, wells of a plurality fo independent but interrelated substance-receiving wells, such as of a microtiter tray, which are subject of manipulation.

Abstract: A device for replicating microbial or other cell colonies or aggregates comprises a layer of moisture absorbent material either in the form of a coherent film or comprising individual particles or a combination of film and particles, said layer being secured to a suitable handle forming element by means of which the device may be manipulated.

Abstract: A device and method of making and using the same in performing manual and automated chemical reactions and analyses of clinical assay mediums. Such device including a solid, microporous element formed of adsorbent material and having walls defining an internal cell structure comprised of interconnecting cells within which is contained a precise, measured quantity of reagents.