Abstract: A method for separating a nanocarbon material includes a step in which a dispersion solution of the nanocarbon material which is dispersed into nanocarbon micelle groups having a plurality of different electric charges, and a retaining solution having a different specific gravity from the nanocarbon material, are introduced into an electrophoresis tank to form a layered state disposed in layers in a predetermined direction; and a step separating the nanocarbon micelle groups into at least two nanocarbon micelle groups by means of applying direct current voltage in series across the dispersion solution and the retaining solution which had both been introduced and disposed in layers.

Abstract: A electrophoresis device having glass gel cell fast assemble structure is provided, including a main body, a pair of electrode connection terminals attached to the main body, and side clamping parts pivotally connected to the main body on respective side of the main body for maintaining at least one glass gel cell to a surface of the main body. At least one sealing and positioning structure is provided on a surface of the main body including a U-shaped sealing strip partially inlayed on at least one surface of the main body, and at least a pair of positioning poles perpendicularly attached to the main body, wherein the U-shaped sealing strip having a U-shaped body to form a seal between the main body and the gel cell, and positioning protrusions formed on the respective free end of the U-shaped body.

Abstract: A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.

Abstract: A technical measure for gel electrophoresis shaping that can make the gel electrophoresis generate no bubbles including in the gel, and can make a gradient gel being more accurate and more stable in quality. When liquid gel enters a collecting trough under continuous driving of a roller in the collecting trough to be injected into a carrier sheet set from a gel output port and a narrow seam, former injected liquid gel can be pushed upwards by latter injected liquid gel, and an accomplished product of gel can be obtained. If the collecting trough is input with two liquid basic materials, the liquid gel continuously output into the carrier sheet set can have a gradient.

Abstract: An expanding cam lock for use with an electrophoresis system is disclosed herein. The cam lock allows the simultaneous use of multiple slab gel cassettes in first and second buffer core assemblies in an electrophoresis system while maintaining the necessary compressive force to create a liquid-tight seal between the anode and cathode buffer solutions. In one example embodiment, the expanding cam lock includes a base plate with a first surface adapted to engage the first buffer core assembly and a follower plate having second surface adapted to engage the second buffer core assembly, buffer dam or buffer displacement dam. The base plate and the follower plate are slidably coupled together and are designed for insertion between the first buffer core assembly and the second buffer core assembly, buffer dam or buffer displacement dam in the electrophoresis container. A cam is positioned between and moveably coupled with the base plate and the follower plate.

Abstract: According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a support (1, 10) for an electrophoretic gel film comprising a first film (2) having a plurality of lips formed by stamping, the lips forming a plurality of retention points for an electrophoretic gel film to be received on the support. The invention also relates to an electrophoretic element for use in electrophoretic separations, comprising the support according to the first aspect, coated with an electrophoretic gel film, as well as to the use of such an electrophoretic element.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing vertical electrophoresis comprises a main body, a pair of gel plates, a pair of clamping devices, and a lower buffer tank. The clamping devices are slidably attachable to the sides of the main body between a loading position for allowing the gel plates to be inserted into the main body, and a locking position for allowing secure attachment of the gel plates to the main body by a single horizontal sliding movement.

Abstract: A device providing an arrangement for the separation of a sample mixture for analytical reasons based on multidimensional gel electrophoresis and method thereof are disclosed. The separation involves a first separation in a first dimension of the device on the basis of isoelectric points and a second separation in a second dimension of the device on the basis of molecular size. At least two gel strips for the first dimension separation step and a corresponding gel for the second dimension separation step are provided. The two gel strips are arranged on a single carrier either on the same side or on opposite sides. By having at least two gel strips arranged in such a manner at least two analytical processes can be executed in parallel on the single carrier without the use of valves.

Abstract: In the present vertical slab-gel electrophoresis instrument, all the vertical slab gel cassettes comprise un-notched rectangular sidewalls and flanged spacer strips, but still can form a U-notched upper opening with an even rim for each cassette; one type of cassette can undergo gel casting with an electrophoresis cell, while another two types of cassettes can be used to form a multiple-cassette electrophoresis cell. The present invention can also incorporate a swing-frame chosen for urging a cassette to join an upper buffer chamber, provides an improved cooling device such that there is no need for the use of exogenous coolant, and also provides simple methods to enable cassettes to be tightly enclosed within membrane pouches for gel casting.

Abstract: An ensemble of components and methods are disclosed for utilizing two-dimensional electrophoresis in polyacrylamide or related polymer gels using common, existing and familiar electrophoresis formats and equipment. The disclosed invention makes two-dimensional electrophoresis convenient and easy to use for individuals already using vertical “mini-gel” type systems. The invention discloses the combination of pre-cast disposable gels for both first and second separation dimensions using novel support devices and cassettes that simplify the difficult multiple sample handling and processing steps inherent in ordinary two-dimensional electrophoresis methods. Devices and methods are disclosed in said invention that provide exceptional gel to gel reproducibility.

Abstract: The electrophoresis module has an upright cassette of which at least one of the front and rear sides has a recess opened upwardly, the recess has on the peripheral edge thereof a buffering member; the cassette has on the two ends thereof a clamping assembly each, each clamping assembly is composed of a front and a rear clip and a rotating knob in order that a set of carrier can be placed in the recess of the cassette and between the clips, and the rotating knob is rotated to make the clips press the carrier toward the buffering member on the peripheral edge of the recess; then gel pouring and sealing operation is performed after sealing the periphery of the carrier set, and lastly, the cassette clamping the carrier set is placed in the electrophoresis bath for directly proceeding with electrophoresis separation engineering.

Abstract: Methods of use, accessories and chambers, optimal for performing Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) of DNA molecules in ‘Contour Clamped Homogeneous Electric Field’ (CHEF) and ‘Transversal Alternating Field Electrophoresis’ (TAFE) systems, are provided herein. DNA molecules are rapidly separated in the minigels of these chambers. The sizes of chambers and accessories are determined by the separation between the opposite polarity electrodes; which is comprised between 6.2 and 15 cm. Reproducibility of molecule separation is achieved because the accessories warrant homogeneous electric resistance in the buffer and minigels. Chambers allow a high-throughput sample format using the reagents efficiently. It is attained excluding the non-useful electrophoresis zones For a better optimization, TAFE chambers have several useful electrophoresis zones (UEZ), each carrying a minigel.

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: Flat plates serving as molds and enclosures for slab gels are held together by a clamping frame in which the side edges of the plates slide into facing channels and are clamped by lever-operated cams that compress the channel walls against the plate surfaces. The joined plates are held on a vertical support rack containing a finger-operated spring-loaded notched clamp that presses down on the plates to seal the opening at the bottom edges of the plates against a gasket. A well-forming comb for insertion between the plates contains flexible outwardly angled fingers to seal against the spacers between the plates.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a container (20) having a base (22) and sides (32) adapted to receive a plurality of plastic gel cassettes. An inlet port (12) is positioned in the base of the container and in fluid communication with the chamber and a baffle (11) is positioned over the inlet port, such that, in use, when gel forming fluid passes through the inlet port into the chamber, the baffle substantially reduces fluid turbulence and vertical fluid movement in the vicinity of the inlet port during flow of the fluid into the chamber. Pretreatment of the plastic cassette to remove polymerisation inhibitors prior to filling the same with fluid is by exhaustive vacuum treatment, optionally with nitrogen gas purging. This can be achieved conveniently using a vacuum chamber in which one or more plastic cassettes are placed. Optionally the vacuum chamber may be the container in which the cassettes are filled with fluid. No barrier films or chemical scavengers are required.

Abstract: A plugging medium is used to block the bottom opening of cassettes for vertical electrophoresis in order to facilitate filling the cassettes with separation media. Cassettes can be filled within a vertical electrophoresis system in which electrophoresis is conducted without further manipulation of the cassettes. The system includes a frame assembly mounted on a base containing a basin for plugging solution. The cassette is mounted to the frame assembly in a substantially vertical position such that a bottom opening of the empty cassette resides below the rim of the basin. The plugging solution (e.g. agarose gel) forms a plug within the bottom of the cassette to contain the separation medium.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that facilitate electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media, usefully immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. The method exploits the swelling of prior-cast, hydratable separation media upon rehydration to help lodge the media in an enclosing member that permits spaced electrical communication with the enclosed separation media. The electrical communication permits a voltage gradient to be established in the enclosed separation medium sufficient to effect separation of analytes therein. Cassettes, buffer cores, electrophoresis systems and kits are presented for effecting the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A method for separating a sample into components by two-dimensional electrophoresis uses an IPG strip, and a gel slab which are spaced apart and carried on a single generally planar support means. The planar support means is first oriented in a generally vertical plane and the first electrophoretic separation medium is oriented in a horizontal plane spaced above or below the second electrophoretic separation medium by a gap. A first dimension separation of a sample mixture in the strip is then carried out while the strip and slab are separated by a non-electrically conducting liquid which is substantially immiscible with water and is non-extractive of water preferably paraffin oil. After the first separation has been carried the support means is tilted so that the first strip is at an angle to the horizontal and the paraffin is flushed out from the gap between the strip and the slab.

Abstract: New slope electrophoresis method and apparatus for performing electrophoresis as a biochemical analysis tool is disclosed. Slope electrophoresis combines the advantages of vertical electrophoresis and horizontal electrophoresis. The angle of slope electrophoresis to the bottom side is between horizontal electrophoresis (0 degree) and vertical electrophoresis (90 degree). The most prefer angle of slope of electrophoresis is between 75 degree to 88 degree. Slope electrophoresis is also used for two-dimensional electrophoresis.

Abstract: In the present innovations on vertical slab gel electrophoresis cell and method, 6 embodiments embodied 3 different mechanisms for urging the cassettes to abut the upper buffer chamber, every of them has its merit; a dual-gel cell allows not to block up the other side opening when one gel runs in it; all cassettes are formed by rectangular sidewalls and fringed spacer strips, but still can form a U-notched upper opening with even rim for every cassette, 2 kind cassettes can undergo the gel casting within the electrophoresis cell, other 2 kind cassettes can form an unlimited cassette/UBC complex; a cooling device needs not exogenous coolant; disclosed 4 convenient methods can snugly encase almost all kind cassettes into membrane pouches for perform homogeneous or gradient gel casting.

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: In pre-cast slab gel cassettes, the formation of pathways in which proteins can migrate between the gel and the walls of the cassette to form shadow bands is avoided by including a nonionic amphiphilic polymer in the monomer solution from which the gel is formed and casting the gel with the polymer included. The nonionic amphiphilic polymer also prevents the resulting gel from sticking to the walls when the gel is to be removed from the cassette after electrophoresis.

Abstract: An automated high-throughput system for excising spots or samples from an electrophoresis slab gel includes a computer controlled robotic arm assembly and a sample plate handling assembly for supplying a sample plate to a loading station. The computer is connected to a scanner and imaging device to identify selected sample locations on the slab gel and to direct the robotic arm to the selected locations for excising the gel spots. The cutting assembly includes a removable tray for supporting the slab gel during the cutting process and is coupled to the automated sample plate handling assembly. The sample plate handling assembly delivers a multiwell plate to the cutting assembly for receiving the gel spots. The removable tray cooperates with a scanner for identifying protein spots and includes a positioning device to position the tray in the scanner and the cutting assembly in selected locations to coordinate the scanned image with the cutting process.

Abstract: A method for separating and assaying lipoprotain to determine a degree of modification of a predetermined component in a specimen of lipoprotein, comprising the step of: determining a distance “a” from an application point of the standard sample to a fraction corresponding to the predetermined lipoprotein using an electrophoretic pattern obtained by electrophoresis of a standard sample; determining a distance “b” from the application point of the specimen to a fraction corresponding to the predetermined lipoprotein using electrophoretic pattern obtained by electrophoresis of a specimen; comparing the distance “a” and the distance “b” to determine a relative mobility “z(=b/a)” of the specimen to the standard sample, wherein the degree of modification of the predetermined component in the specimen being judged on the basis of the relative mobility “z”.

Abstract: Methods of use, accessories and chambers, optimal for performing Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) of DNA molecules in ‘Contour Clamped Homogeneous Electric Field’ (CHEF) and ‘Transversal Alternating Field Electrophoresis’ (TAFE) systems, are provided herein. DNA molecules are rapidly separated in the minigels of these chambers. The sizes of chambers and accessories are determined by the separation between the opposite polarity electrodes; which is comprised between 6, 2 and 15 cm. Reproducibility of molecule separation is achieved because the accessories warrant homogeneous electric resistance in the buffer and minigels. Chambers allow a high-throughput sample format using the reagents efficiently. It is attained excluding the non-useful electrophoresis zones For a better optimization, TAFE chambers have several useful electrophoresis zones (UEZ), each carrying a minigel.

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. In another embodiment of the invention, the gel is disposed within a tray which, in turn, is located within the cavity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition for use in a process for separating the constituents of a sample by electrophoresis on an electrophoresis support, comprising one or more ionic compounds which, on applying an electric field to an electrophoresis support having negative surface charges, causes hydration of the zone for loading the sample to be separated when said zone carries a compression mark resulting from loading the sample.

Abstract: Novel apparatuses and methods for depositing or placing substances on substrates or plates are described. The invention relates to automated and semiautomated apparatuses and methods for controlled volume and precise placement of substances on substrates. Combinations of applicator tips, applicator tip assemblies, applicator reservoirs, applicator holders and movable racks precisely and accurately place samples and testing chemicals on substrates. Applicator tips particularly useful for dunk transfer and deposit processes and for carrying substances are disclosed. Apparatuses for precisely moving applicator holders, applicator reservoirs and tips are disclosed. The methods and apparatuses also have features for pre-loading substances on applicators and applicator reservoirs and precisely delivering the preloaded substances to substrates.

Abstract: An electrophoresis separator of which a receiving tank used for placing therein carriers has slots on the two sides thereof, one side of each carrier has a notch matching with a corresponding slot; so that when the carrier is inserted in the receiving tank, a blocking piece provided at the bottom of the receiving tank covers the bottom of the carrier and the crevice between the notch and the receiving tank; and a blocking sheet is inserted into the slot and notch. The blocking sheet can be removed from the slot and notch after the gel in the carrier is fixed and shaped, then the gel can contact the electric conducting liquid in the electrophoresis tank through the slot and notch; the other end of the gel body will contact the electric conducting liquid through an upper opening of the carrier directly. When electrodes are activated, electric current floating is resulted to cause an effect of molecule separation and analysis for the sample in the gel.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus and kits for integrally labeling polymeric gels, such as polyacrylamide and agarose gels, with indicia that can serve, inter alia, unambiguously to identify the individual gel, using polymeric film labeled with detectable indicia and coated with materials that bond to the gel matrix as the gel polymerizes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented that facilitate electrophoresis of prior-cast, hydratable separation media, usefully immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. The method exploits the swelling of prior-cast, hydratable separation media upon rehydration to help lodge the media in an enclosing member that permits spaced electrical communication with the enclosed separation media. The electrical communication permits a voltage gradient to be established in the enclosed separation medium sufficient to effect separation of analytes therein. Cassettes, buffer cores, electrophoresis systems and kits are presented for effecting the methods of the invention.

Abstract: An improved cassette for use in the formation of an electrophoretic gel comprises two plates with substantially planar walls having two sides and two ends so arranged in a side by side spaced apart array to form a gel receiving space between them. A plurality of dividing ribs on one or each of the walls extend from a first end of the wall or walls substantially parallel to at least one of the sides thereof to a rib base end. The ribs extend into the space so as to subdivide at least one end of the space into a plurality of substantially parallel wells. A plurality of holes extend through at least one of the walls of the cassette located at or adjacent the base of the dividing rib and aligned with the rib. The arrangement of holes allow sufficient current flow to replace that lost due to the dividing ribs. The structure retains the advantage of having solid dividing walls which are considerably more resilient than dividing walls made from fingers of gel even when reinforced with pegs or projections.

Abstract: A device for forming angled wells in an electrophoresis gel slab includes a device having a plurality of projections oriented at an angle with respect to a longitudinal dimension of the device. A method for forming angled wells in a gel places the device in a gel forming material and allows the material to polymerize to form the electrophoresis gel slab. The device can be removed from the gel slab without distorting or tearing the gel and forming a plurality of substantially uniform sample wells oriented at an angle with respect to the edge of the gel slab. The sample wells are dimensioned to contain a liquid sample for electrophoresis separation. The gel slab can be rotated 90° so that the sample wells are oriented along a vertical edge of the gel slab with the sample wells retaining the liquid sample therein.

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 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: 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: A method for separating a sample into components by two-dimensional electrophoresis uses an IPG strip, and a gel slab which are spaced apart and carried on a single generally planar support means. The planar support means is first oriented in a generally vertical plane and the first electrophoretic separation medium is oriented in a horizontal plane spaced above or below the second electrophoretic separation medium by a gap. A first dimension separation of a sample mixture in the strip is then carried out while the strip and slab are separated by a non-electrically conducting liquid which is substantially immiscible with water and is non-extractive of water preferably paraffin oil. After the first separation has been carried the support means is tilted so that the first strip is at an angle to the horizontal and the paraffin is flushed out from the gap between the strip and the slab.

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: 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: 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: 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 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 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 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 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: 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: 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.