Abstract: The electrophoresis apparatus comprises rectifier (A) which rectifies an AC current from a universal AC power source and outputs a rectified wave, an electrophoresis cell and an electric controller which applies an electric output from the rectifier (A) to a carrier disposed in the electrophoresis cell, the elastic controller comprising a controller (3) for indirectly controlling, in accordance with external inputs, a driving section (6) which controls an electric output from the rectifier circuit. The electrophoresis cell unit defines a recess for receiving the electric controller, and a cover is positionable over the electrophoresis cell unit. The cover includes a cover terminal, where the cover and cover terminal are shaped to electrically connect an output terminal of the electric controller to an input terminal of the electrophoresis cell unit when the; cell covers the electrophoresis cell unit.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis therein includes a chamber with a gel matrix. The chamber has a first sealed region and a second sealed region, and an anode within the first sealed region of the chamber and in contact with the gel matrix, and a cathode within the second sealed region and in contact with the gel matrix. At least one of the electrodes also provides ions for driving the electrophoresis. The apparatus further includes a matrix with at least one sparingly water-soluble salt.

Abstract: Parallel plate slab gel enclosures (slab gel cassettes) used for vertical slab gel electrophoresis are secured to a frame to form a chamber for an upper buffer solution, and the securement is achieved by a pair of clamps that compress the cassettes against the frame. The clamps are preferably mounted to the frame in a pivotal connection that enables the user to easily rotate the clamps in and out of their clamping positions. An additional preferred feature is a pin protruding from each clamp in a position causing the pint to move upward against the bottom of the cassette and push the cassette upwards as the clamp is being engaged. This is particularly useful for cassettes formed of plates of unequal height where the shorter plate fits under an inverse shoulder on a gasket which thereby seals against both plates.

Abstract: In the method moving a sample substance by means of a sample feeder (26) form a sample pickup site to a delivery site (20) of a sample processor (10), the invention proposes fitting the sample feeder (26) with at least one porous material element having a pore size such that the sample substance shall be kept in the liquid phase in the porous material at least during sample pickup by the sample feeder (26) and during sample delivery to the sample processor (10).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mold for the manufacture of an electrophoresis cassette, the mold comprising a body having a cassette molding part formed on one face thereof, the cassette molding part being surrounded by a peripheral sheet engaging portion extending in a plane located at a different elevation than the cassette molding part to provide for substantially uniform stretching of the sheet on the cassette molding part.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a disposable electrophoresis cassette particularly suitable for pre-cast polyacrylamide gels for protein and nucleic acid electrophoresis. The invention also comprises a support plate for the said cassette that acts as a heat sink and provides a more uniform migration front in operation since the temperature of the gel is substantially the same during electrophoresis operation. Also disclosed is a novel comb element for filling the cassette, and a novel method therefor.

Abstract: The present invention describes sample loading devices for use in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis systems. The sample loading devices comprise alternating areas of absorbent membranes and diffusion barriers, where the diffusion barriers are formed by the application of some form of energy, such as heat, pressure, laser energy, RF energy or the like. The present invention also describes devices and methods for making sample loading devices, and methods of loading samples into polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis systems.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a cassette for electrophoresis gels comprising: first and second planar wall members having inner and outer surfaces, top and bottom edges, and lateral edges wherein the wall members are oriented generally parallel to each other and such that the inner wall of each wall member is proximate to the inner wall of the other wall member; spacing means disposed between the inner walls of the wall members and adapted to provide a space for an electrophoresis gel between the inner walls of the wall members, wherein the cassette has an interior which is defined by the space between the wall members; and locking means adapted to prevent locking engagement of the members unless the inner surfaces of the wall members and are substantially parallel to each other and are separated by a predetermined distance, and when the wall members are in locked engagement, to substantially prevent any movement of the wall members away from such locked engagement.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel “in situ” loader for electrophoretic gels. The loader comprises a body, containing at least one passage with an inlet and an outlet, and at least a part of the loader can be inserted into a gel holding portion of an electrophoresis apparatus. The loader can be loaded with samples, a variety of protocols performed without having to remove the samples, and electrophoresis performed directly from the loader into a gel. Centrifuges and PCR blocks adapted to accept the loader are also provided. The invention is particularly suited for use in automating DNA sequencing.

Abstract: An electrophoresis running tank assembly includes a running tank and a power supply holder that is integral to the running tank. A lid is configured for covering the tank, with two activation arms depending downwardly from the lid and with peripheral vertical skirts of the lid overlapping the walls of the tank. Two switches are held by a switch assembly in the power supply holder and are accessible through a space between the power supply holder and a pin wall that supports two connector pins. When the lid is engaged with the tank, the activation arms extend into the space to abut and thereby close the switches, thereby electrically connecting the switches to the electrode. A power supply can be engaged with the pins to energize the electrodes.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus for two dimensional gel electrophoresis performed in a unified manner which includes the performance of two fragment separations in a single gel without intermediate physical manipulation.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for separating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzymes from a biological sample by electrophoresis, characterized in that the electrophoresis is carried out on an electrophoresis support after depositing a solution of lectin onto the electrophoresis support in a predetermined localised zone, under conditions which permit interaction between said lectin and the ALP isoenzymes contained in the analysed biological sample, deposition of the lectin solution further being carried out under conditions which are suitable to allow separation of the ALP isoenzymes constituted by the osseous fraction and by the hepatic fraction.

Abstract: Apparatus for conducting electrophoresis separation therein. The apparatus includes a chamber having therein a body of separating gel for carrying therein an electrophoresis separation and electrodes for connecting the chamber to an external electrical power source, thereby driving the electrophoresis separation. According to the invention at least one of the electrodes also providing ions for driving the electrophoresis separation. In one preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a cassette substantially closed before, during and after electrophoresis separation. According to an aspect of the invention the pH in the body of separating gel is substantially constant during the electrophoresis separation.

Abstract: A denaturation fingerprinting method (dnF) involves subjecting a nucleic acid segment of interest to bidirectional cycle sequencing using oppositely oriented primers and incorporating two different dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) in the sequencing reaction. The resulting fragments are separated by denaturing electrophoresis. In one embodiment, designated dnF2R, reactions and electrophoretic separation using the two ddNTPs are conducted separately. In an alternative embodiment, designated dnF1R, one of the ddNTPs has a mobility altering modification such that electorphoretic separation occurs when both ddNTPs are employed in the same reaction. The methods are useful for detecting genetic mutations.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cassette for an electrophoresis system including an essentially plate shaped body, which includes a first wall for supporting a gel plate, and a second wall for supporting buffer strips, the walls being connected to each other. Further, the second wall is displaceable with respect to the first wall between a first inactive position where the buffer strips are chemically and electrically separated from the gel plate and a second, active position where the buffer strips are in electrical and chemical contact with the gel plate.

Abstract: An apparatus for expressing and unloading an isoelectric focusing gel from an electrophoresis gel tube includes a first support for supporting the gel tube, a plunger rod and a second support for supporting the plunger rod. The first support is mounted on a movable carriage and is moved toward the second support so that the gel tube slides onto the plunger rod to unload the gel from the gel tube. A plurality of gel tubes can be mounted in a rack and the rack coupled to the first support. The first support preferably includes a plurality of openings oriented with the gel tubes for guiding a respective plunger rod through the axial passage of the gel tubes. In preferred embodiments, the second support supporting the plunger rods is substantially stationary while the first support moves toward the second support so that the gel tubes slide onto the plunger rods.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the electrophoretic separation of biomolecules, including but not limited to proteins, peptides, DNA and RNA. The methods of this invention are particularly useful when applied to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample retrieval apparatus of particular benefit in the field of molecular biology. The apparatus permits the rapid collection of numerous specified fractions of samples: such as DNA, RNA or protein, that are separated by gel electrophoresis; or microorganisms grown on agar plates. The apparatus is capable of multiple sample retrieval from gels without cross-sample contamination from previously excised samples. Specifically, the sample retrieval apparatus is able to engage a cutting tip, cut a desired spot, band or plaque from a gel, deposit the desired band or plaque into a container, such as a multi-well plate for processing, and disengage the used cutting tip. The apparatus is then able to repeat this process many times to facilitate rapid and accurate processing of multiple bands or plaques from a single gel using different cutting tips for each sample retrieval.

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: An adaptor for a multi-channel pipettor which allows the user to load multiple wells of a gel simultaneously using gel loading tips. The adaptor has apertures at the top which lead to channels which travel the length of the adaptor and exit at the bottom. Gel loading tips, already affixed onto a multi-channel pipettor, are inserted into the apertures at the top of the adaptor and the ends of the tips exit the adaptor through apertures at the bottom of the adaptor. The apertures at the bottom of the adaptor are spaced so that they match the spacing of wells for various gels.

Abstract: The present invention provides various electrophoretic apparatuses for discontinuous gel electrophoresis. One apparatus comprises a vessel and a removable gel cassette for holding the gel, the cassette divided into two separate compartments, each in fluid communication with a buffer reservoir. Access holes provided on the top of the cassette allow sample to be added to the gel inside the cassette. The cassette also optionally includes a gel viewing window and sample loading window. Another apparatus comprises a vessel with a raised platform in the middle on which the gel is placed and over which a gel restraining frame, generally rectangular in shape, is secured close to the gel surface. The frame when in place acts as a barrier to movement of electrode buffer between reservoirs. The frame and an open interior for buffer or fluid, which assists in gel cooling during electrophoresis.

Abstract: The electrophoresis apparatus comprises rectifier (A) which rectifies an AC current from a universal AC power source and outputs a rectified wave, an electrophoresis cell and an electric controller which applies an electric output from the rectifier (A) to a carrier disposed in the electrophoresis cell, the elastic controller comprising a controller (3) for indirectly controlling, in accordance with external inputs, a driving section (6) which controls an electric output from the rectifier circuit. The electrophoresis cell unit defines a recess for receiving the electric controller, and a cover is positionable over the electrophoresis cell unit. The cover includes a cover terminal, where the cover and cover terminal are shaped to electrically connect an output terminal of the electric controller to an input terminal of the electrophoresis cell unit when the cell covers the electrophoresis cell unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for separating a compound, including a membrane polypeptide. The method includes the use of a bicontinuous lipidic phase. The invention also provides devices that include a bicontinuous lipidic cubic phase, and a kit for use in separating a compound, including a mixture that includes a lipid and an aqueous phase and instructions for using the mixture.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for separating, in a medium, a component from a composition comprising: (1) an array of three or more electrodes arrayed along a pathway along which molecules of the composition are transported; and (2) a power source device for delivering to voltage to the electrodes; wherein the voltages delivered to the electrode array by the power source device are effective to: (a) alter the relative movement along the transport pathway of two or more of the molecules caused by a motive force, or (b) cause the molecules to move along the transport pathway.

Abstract: The present invention provides an integrated, fully automated, high-throughput system for two-dimensional electrophoresis comprised of gel-making machines, gel processing machines, gel compositions and geometries, gel handling systems, sample preparation systems, software and methods. The system is capable of continuous operation at high-throughput to allow construction of large quantitative data sets.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for moving, isolating and/or identifying particles in a sample by placing said sample in a spatially varying electrical field wherein the spatially varying electrical field is following a mathematical nonmonotonous function, selected from the group consisting of linear, hyperbolic, parabolic, parabolic functions or y˜xp/q and combinations thereof wherein p q means an integer. Also various devices are disclosed for performing the method.

Abstract: Experiments were performed to test for a set of SSCP conditions that would detect virtually all mutations in a nucleic acid being analyzed. The effects of buffer, gel matrix, temperature, and additive were all tested. Dideoxy fingerprinting was used as a tool to generate a large statistical sample (about 1,500) of mutation-containing single-stranded segments in order to evaluate adequately the sensitivity under a given condition. Mutations in exons H and B/C of the factor IX gene were utilized. SSCP sensitivity, as conveniently measured by the average SSCP efficiency, varied with conditions. Correlation coefficients (R) identified pairs of conditions that were either close to independent or complementary. Five conditions were selected with sufficient redundancy to detect all the mutations in the set tested. The sensitivity of multi-conditional SSCP (SSCP5) was determined by blinded analyses on samples containing mutations in all the eight exon regions in the factor IX gene.

Abstract: A proteome analyzer includes a separation cassette having a first dimension separation compartment for separation of protein samples by isoelectric focusing and a second dimension separation compartment for separation of protein samples by SDS-polymer network electrophoresis. The first dimension compartment is a reservoir in which a porous material having capillary channels is disposed. The protein samples are disposed in the capillary channels and, in the presence of a pH gradient, are focused spatially by isolectric focusing upon application of an electric field. The second dimension compartment consists of two glass or plastic plates separated by a separation medium. The separation medium is an ultra-thin layer of a low concentration linear polymer supported by an inert matrix. The spatially focused protein samples are contacted with the separation medium in the presence of an electric field to initiate second dimension separation.

Abstract: An auto allele caller executed in a computer system for identifying alleles from a trace is described. The auto allele caller applies a typical shape of an allele for a marker to the trace to identify potential allele calls that match to the typical shape of the allele at the marker and assigns a quality factor to the allele calls.

Abstract: An adaptor for a multi-channel pipettor which allows the user to load multiple wells of a gel simultaneously using gel loading tips. The adaptor has apertures at the top which lead to channels which travel the length of the adaptor and exit at the bottom. Gel loading tips, already affixed onto a multi-channel pipettor, are inserted into the apertures at the top of the adaptor and the ends of the tips exit the adaptor through apertures at the bottom of the adaptor. The apertures at the bottom of the adaptor are spaced so that they match the spacing of wells for various gels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for separating alkaline phosphatase (ALP) isoenzymes from a biological sample by electrophoresis, characterized in that the electrophoresis is carried out on an electrophoresis support after depositing a solution of lectin onto the electrophoresis support in a predetermined localized zone, under conditions which permit interaction between said lectin and the ALP isoenzymes contained in the analyzed biological sample, deposition of the lectin solution further being carried out under conditions which are suitable to allow separation of the ALP isoenzymes constituted by the osseous fraction and by the hepatic fraction.

Abstract: Methods are described for separation and analysis, and a kit for separation and analysis, of single nucleotide polymorphisms, or mutations, in target nucleic acid using denaturing gradient electrophoresis through supporting media containing one or more immobilized nucleic acid capture ligand. The method is especially useful for analyzing genetic haplotypes in samples with multiple linked polymorphic sites.

Abstract: An electrophoresis container apparatus having (1) a primary container tray made from a UV light transmitting materials, (2) a UV light transmitting gel contained in the primary container tray, and (3) a removable top sheet for covering the gel. The removable top sheet may also be UV light transmitting. The apparatus optionally comes with a handle having pincers for grasping the primary container and permitting easy movement of the apparatus from location to location. Because the apparatus transmits UV light, the gel can be used and analyzed while it is still in the tray. This eliminates the need to remove the gel before analysis and reduces the chances that the gel will be damaged during handling. Similarly, because the apparatus has an optional handle, the user can move the apparatus form location to location without touching the apparatus and exposing the user to dangerous chemicals, e.g., those often used in staining procedures.

Abstract: Polymerization of gels for electrophoresis with improved photoinitiators results in gels which are suitable for electrophoresis. The new initiator systems are much faster than current systems for making such gels. Moreover, the polymerization reaction can be conducted in the presence of oxygen, which greatly simplifies gel casting. In particular, it is possible with the invention to cast and use gels of acrylic monomers in a “submarine” mode, which was not previously possible with acrylamide gels. Continuous casting of gels is facilitated.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of carbohydrate analysis. More particularly, this invention relates to a simple and inexpensive method for analyzing carbohydrates which can be used to separate mono-, di-, tri- and even poly-saccharides. More specifically, this invention relates to a quantitative and qualitative method for analyzing carbohydrates that may be present in a biological sample by employing a visible dye or chromophore and high resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the electrophoretic separation of bio-organic molecules using a slab gel electrophoresis apparatus having a pair of spaced, confronting plates defining a multi-lane separation zone adapted to hold a separation medium and an upper loading zone. In one aspect of the invention, at least one of the plates is shaped to provide an expanded loading zone. The plate-to-plate distance within the expanded loading zone is greater than the plate-to-plate width within the separation zone. In another aspect of the invention, a comb is provided with each tooth having a gradual taper beginning at a support member and extending along most of the tooth's longitudinal axis, and a sharp taper beginning immediately beyond the gradual taper and extending to the end of the tooth.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved methods and compositions for loading samples into an analytical instrument having a plurality of sample receiving loading ports. In a principle embodiment of the invention, first and second sample markers are added to sample to be loaded onto an analytical instrument having a plurality of sample receiving loading ports. The first and second samples are compounds are selected so as to produce a distinctive signal upon combination thus a sample containing a first sample marker and a sample containing a second marker are mistakenly loaded into the same sample receiving loading port, a detectable signal indicative of the misloading is produced.

Abstract: A tray having electrodes placed at opposing sides with a sponge placed adjacent each electrode and a gel slab cast there between for use in performing electrophoresis on test samples, such as DNA fragments. An electrophoresis liquid buffer is placed and retained within the sponges preventing the need for immersing the gel slab. The gel slab is cast in place between the sponges, resulting in easier setup. In most cases the time required to perform electrophoresis is reduced. Additionally, unrestrained or free liquid buffer is eliminated, reducing the likelihood of hazardous spills. The combined effect of all these features is a device which is simpler, safer, and more efficient than prior gel electrophoresis devices.

Abstract: An electrophoretic method for purifying a nucleic acid sample is disclosed. The method generally comprises the steps of (1) providing a nucleic acid sample comprising a desired nucleic acid and one or more contaminants, (2) providing an electrophoresis matrix having a loading well and a recovery well formed therein, (3) placing the nucleic acid sample into the loading well, (4) performing a first electrophoresis comprising electrophoresing the nucleic acid sample for a first time effective to transport the desired nucleic acid out of the loading well and into the electrophoresis matrix; and (5) performing a second electrophoresis comprising electrophoresing the nucleic acid sample for a second time effective to transport the desired nucleic acid out of the electrophoresis matrix and into the recovery well.

Abstract: To sequence long strands of DNA, clone strands having lengths longer than 100 bases are, in one embodiment, marked on one end with biotin. These strands are divided into 4 aliquots and each aliquot: (1) is uniquely chemically treated to randomly terminate the strands at the non-biotinylated end at a selected type of base; and (2) is moved continuously by electrophoresis through a different one of four identical channels. In the one embodiment, the strands are randomly terminated at a selected base type and they are moved into avidin, which due to high affinity, combines with the biotin marked ends of shorter strands before the longer strands are fully resolved in the gel. The avidin is marked with fluorescein, the strands are scanned and the signals are decoded. In another embodiment, the strands are synthesized, with termination at a selected base type and marked either by the above method of by ethidium bromide.

Abstract: To sequence long strands of DNA, clone strands having lengths longer than 100 bases are, in one embodiment, marked on one end with biotin. These strands are divided into 4 aliquots and each aliquot: (1) is uniquely chemically treated to randomly terminate the strands at the nonbiotinylated end at a selected type of base; and (2) is moved continuously by electrophoresis through a different one of four identical channels. In the one embodiment, the strands are randomly terminated at a selected base type and they are moved into avidin, which due to high affinity, combines with the biotin marked ends of shorter strands before the longer strands are fully resolved in the gel. The avidin is marked with fluorescein, the strands are scanned and the signals are decoded. In another embodiment, the strands are synthesized, with termination at a selected base type and marked either by the above method of by ethidium bromide.

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 claimed multi-tank gel developing apparatus and method comprises of two inner tanks within one outer tank to develop multiple electrophoresis gels simultaneously. The two inner tanks have openings along the edges of the walls to allow free circulation of solutions between the inner and outer tanks. The solution maybe exchanged by lifting out the inner tanks which retains the gels inside while the solution drains out. Once the solution in the outer tank has been exchanged, the inner tanks can be re-immersed into the outer tank. Furthermore, the inner tanks have detachable bases to facilitate transfer of the gels after development. This claimed apparatus allows for efficient development of electrophoresis gels by minimizing the direct handling of the gels thereby avoiding unwanted damages often incurred by conventional manually developing methods and apparatuses. The multi-tank apparatus can accommodate various gel compositions and sizes.

Abstract: An electrophoresis running tank assembly includes a running tank and a power supply holder that is integral to the running tank. A lid with two pins protruding from it can be engaged with the running tank with the pins extending through holes in the power supply holder. A contact is positioned in each hole, and the contacts are electrically connected to an electrophoresis electrode in the running tank. When a power supply is advanced into the power supply holder and the lid is properly positioned on the running tank, the pins on the lid mate with receptacles of the power supply, thereby establishing a connection between the power supply receptacles and the contacts in the holes and, hence, the electrophoresis electrode.

Abstract: A fully automated protein and/or DNA gene fragment analyzing machine and method are disclosed in which, in a simple machine structure, a plurality of electrophoresis calls each containing such fragments, are robotically, under computer programming, inserted into an electrophoresis housing and subjected to voltage for producing electrophoretic migration in one dimension (horizontally), and then preferably after robotic 90.degree. rotating of the cells, are voltage migrated in an orthogonal direction to separate the fragments vertically, and then robotically presented to an optical image scanner for identifying the brightest fragments and classifying the same, with comparison with reference image fragment locations of normal or variant fragments, and for computer storing all relevant data.

Abstract: A gel cassette for electrophoresis includes opposed plastic plates holding a gel therebetween. An upper buffer tank can be adhered to one of the plates by double backed tape that is sandwiched between the tank and plate, thereby avoiding the use of a rubber sealing gasket between the tank and plate. As a result, the distance between the tank and the plate is kept constant. A buffer solution in the tank communicates with the gel. The cassette can then be placed in a lower buffer tank and an electric field applied to the buffer solutions to effect electrophoresis of DNA fragments that have been placed in the gel. In an alternate embodiment, a window is formed in one of the plastic plates to allow laser light to pass into the cassette and excite a fluorescent tag in the DNA. The fluorescence then passes back through the window for detection by a sensor, to automatically determine the DNA sequence of the sample in the gel in accordance with auto DNA sequencing principles.

Abstract: In acordance with the teachings of the present invention, there are provided mathods, gels, and transferring devices for loading gels. The mathods and devices of the present invention involve the use of ultra-thin, miniature, disposable, slab gels for the quick, inexpensive and high resolution analysis of polynucleotide samples.

Abstract: Electrophoretic separation of an analyte species in a sample is achieved with increased resolution by loading the sample onto a loading site of an electrophoresis gel, said loading site having a gel/buffer interface and then applying a focusing electric field to a first pair of electrodes to cause the analyte species to migrate to a narrow region disposed at or near the loading site to produce a focused sample. Then a separation electric field is applied to cause the analyte species in the focused sample to migrate through the electrophoresis gel and to be separated into bands. This method is preferably performed in an electrophoresis apparatus that is particularly adapted to practicing the method by virtue of the a pair of focusing electrodes which are positioned to cause migration of sample to a narrow region near the buffer/gel interface within the sample loading site of the gel.