Abstract: Disclosed is a device for impregnation using electrophoresis, which includes a chassis, a storing unit, a pipeline unit, an injection unit, a bearing tank, a first driver element and a second driver element, wherein the storing unit has several storage tanks storing the materials for impregnation. The pipeline unit has several pipelines connecting the storage tanks and the injection unit. The injection unit has a static mixing tube and an injector, so as to inject said materials for impregnation into the several slide sets located in the bearing tank. The first driver element drives the bearing tank to reciprocate transversely, and the second driver element drives the injection unit to shift up and down. The device can perform impregnation operations automatically, with quick operation and low operational difficulty level, while the prepared gel has high quality stability and yield.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes pipette tips having an absorbent material (e.g., a flocking material) anchored to a distal end of the pipette tip and related methods of use. In some embodiments, the flocked pipette tips can be used in an automated process and/or system, wherein the contact between the pipette tips and either a sample or a culture medium can be automatically sensed for accurate sample collection and/or dispense. In some embodiments, automatic detection of the liquid interface may be accomplished by detecting a threshold change in capacitance when the pipette tip contacts the sample liquid interface (e.g., for sample collection) or the agar interface (e.g., for sample release). In some embodiments, the automated process and/or system may utilize one or more predetermined, fixed heights for collecting samples and/or depositing samples.

Abstract: The invention inter alia pertains to an electrophoresis assisted method for purifying at least one charged target molecule, preferably a nucleic acid, from a sample. Moreover, a device for use in a method for purifying a charged target molecule by electrophoresis is provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a gel extraction device comprising multifunctional and reusable forceps, a removable cutting element, and a sampler component. The disclosure further provides for a freeze/thaw method which can be used to recover biomolecules from agar or agarose gels.

Abstract: A device for measuring size distributions of particles and droplets includes a gel electrophoresis component that has a gel chamber that is suitable to receive a gel in which at least one of particles or droplets propagate in a liquid medium during operation; an illumination source arranged to illuminate said at least one of particles or droplets such that the at least one of particles or droplets absorbs, scatters or emits light; an imaging device configured to obtain image data from the absorbed, scattered, or emitted light from the at least one of particles or droplets while the at least one of particles or droplets propagate through the gel; and a computing device configured to receive and process the image data to provide information concerning a size distribution of the at least one of particles or droplets.

Abstract: A medication injection pen (51) includes a housing (1) and a dose set knob (2) having at least one internal tooth (22). A brake member (5) has a plurality of axially extending splines (52). A driver or setback member (9) includes at least one external tooth (92) engaging the at least one internal tooth (22) of the dose set knob (2) and at least one ratchet arm (96) engaging the plurality of axially extending splines (52). The driver (9) is prevented from rotating with the dose set knob (2) while moving axially with the dose set knob (2) during dose setting and dose correcting, and the driver (9) rotates with the dose set knob (2) during an injection.

Abstract: Particles may be injected into a matrix for concentration by scodaphoresis using a quadrupole injection field. Particles may be injected from two or more sample chambers simultaneously. Particle injection may be performed simultaneously with performing scodaphoresis. In some embodiments the particles are concentrated into a well containing fluid. The well can extend out of a plane of the matrix. Altering the relative phases of components of a scodaphoresis field permits concentration of selected particles and exclusion of other particles. Scodaphoresis methods may be applied to DNA, other bio-molecules and other particles.

Abstract: Particles may be injected into a matrix for concentration by scodaphoresis using a quadrupole injection field. Particles may be injected from two or more sample chambers simultaneously. Particle injection may be performed simultaneously with performing scodaphoresis. In some embodiments the particles are concentrated into a well containing fluid. The well can extend out of a plane of the matrix. Altering the relative phases of components of a scodaphoresis field permits concentration of selected particles and exclusion of other particles. Scodaphoresis methods may be applied to DNA, other bio-molecules and other particles.

Abstract: Electroblotting for the transfer of electrophoretically separated species from a gel to a transfer membrane is performed in a semi-dry format with sheets of absorbent polyester or polyester/cellulose blend wetted with buffer solution in place of the traditional buffer-wetted filter paper. The result is effective electroblotting at a lower electric current level than that obtained with filter paper and thereby less resistance heating of the gel, the transfer membrane, and the species being transferred.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry electroblotting system for dry blotting gels, in which the system includes an electroblotting transfer stack that comprises an analysis gel and a blotting membrane, an anode, a body of anodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the anode between the anode and the transfer stack, a cathode, and a body of cathodic gel matrix juxtaposed with the cathode between the cathode and the transfer stack, in which the anodic gel matrix and the cathodic gel matrix each comprise an ion source for electrophoretic transfer. The dry electroblotting system does not use any liquid buffers that are added to the system just before electroblotting (such as when the transfer stack is being assembled). The anode, the cathode, or both can be separate from a power supply and provided as part of a disposable electrode assembly that also includes a body of gel matrix that includes ions for electrophoretic transfer.

Abstract: A gel extraction device (10) comprises a hollow cutting member (12) having cutting edge (14) at one end and a squeeze bulb (16) at the other end. In a further embodiment, the air passage between the cutting edge and the bulb has a constriction zone (20) to prevent any extracted gel from being drawn too deeply into the extractor, in another embodiment, a blow-hole in the hollow cutting member or in the squeeze bulb provides for the passage of air displaced by gel through the extractor. The blow-hole may be covered to secure the gel in the receptacle for transfer from the matrix to a sample container.

Abstract: Electroblotting for the transfer of electrophoretically separated species from a gel to a transfer membrane is performed in a semi-dry format with sheets of absorbent polyester or polyester/cellulose blend wetted with buffer solution in place of the traditional buffer-wetted filter paper. The result is effective electroblotting at a lower electric current level than that obtained with filter paper and thereby less resistance heating of the gel, the transfer membrane, and the species being transferred.

Abstract: The invention can be used to purify and extract a target oligonucleotide from a gel substrate. The current invention extracts the target oligonucleotide so quickly that burn-off against the positive electrode is greatly reduced, yielding high optical density and purity. The need for an osmotic membrane or heavy salt/light salt barrier to capture the oligonucleotide is eliminated. The invention does not require a high salt concentration and therefore does not require a desalting column that is time-consuming and reduces yield.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.

Abstract: Electrophoresis systems, apparatus, and methods for isolating or purifying a bio-molecule are provided. The method includes using an electrophoresis apparatus for isolating or purifying a bio-molecule, wherein the electrophoresis apparatus includes: a separation tube including a first section for containing buffer and a second section including an electrophoresis gel, and a collection tube including a solid phase, wherein the solid phase fully covers the cross-sectional area of the collection tube, and the collection tube is detachably connected to an end adjacent to the second section of the separation tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel processing and transfer device, useful for the processing and transferring un-damaged and intact gel with minimal handling, said device comprising at least 4 separable components namely: a base plate for holding the gels with facility to drain out solution; a retaining rim with attached side-walls, said side walls are fastened to the base plate by a fastening means; at least one “O” ring fixed to the retaining rim to give leakproof arrangement with the base plate; and a lid to cover the assembly.

Abstract: To provide a system by which evaluation of circumstances of contamination by microparticles having nucleic acid can be performed rapidly and accurately. The theme is achieved by a system for measuring microparticles that includes: (1) a microparticle adhesion step of adhering the microparticles having nucleic acid to a microparticle adhesion member; (2) a membrane breakage step of breaking membranes of the adhered microparticles by electrical discharge; (3) an electrophoresis step of electrophoresing the microparticles in a thickness direction of a gel to make the nucleic acid in the microparticles migrate from a negative electrode side toward a positive electrode side and adhere the nucleic acid on a surface of a nucleic acid detection member; and (4) a nucleic acid measurement step of fluorescently staining the surface of the nucleic acid detection member to measure a concentration of the nucleic acid.

Abstract: In labeling a cell, and separating and collecting the cell according to a degree of the labeling using a cell separator, effects on the cell is minimized and the use of the collected cell is facilitated, thereby, when labeling a cell, the cell is labeled in the state where interaction of each cell is retained. In the labeling, a specific labeling material present on a surface of a target cell is taken in the cell via a transporter, and the cell is dispersed one by one to separate the same with a cell separator. Immediately after the separation, the cell is put in a solution not containing the specific labeling substance to remove the specific labeling substance taken in the cell. This series of steps is continuously conducted with a cell separation chip.

Abstract: A gel electroelution device can have a gel spot column having upstream and downstream openings in fluid communication with an inlet and outlet, respectively. The gel spot column receives a gel spot and negative and positive electrodes are fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, respectively. A gel electroelution process can involve flowing a buffer solution through the gel spot in a first direction, and creating an electric field across the gel spot in the same direction. A separator device can have a generally cylindrical collection reservoir in fluid communication with inlet, filtrate, and retentate ports, a filter intermediate the inlet and filtrate ports. The inlet and retentate ports can intersect the collection reservoir in a manner to induce a cyclonic flow. A flow separation process can involve inducing a generally cyclonic flow in the collection reservoir, and filtering the fluid therein to retain the retentate.

Abstract: A gel extraction device comprising a hollow cutting member having a cutting edge at one end and a squeeze bulb at the other end. In a further embodiment, the air passage between the cutting edge and the bulb has a constriction zone to prevent any extracted gel from being drawn too deeply into the extractor. In a further embodiment, a blow-hole in the hollow cutting member or in the squeeze bulb provides for the passage of air displaced by gel through the extractor. The blow-hole may be covered to secure the gel in the receptacle for transfer from the matrix to a sample container.

Abstract: A method of in situ electrophoresis of biological samples has the steps of preparing a sample plate and a gel plate, applying reagent onto the gel plate, moving an applicator to the sample plate so as to receive a sample onto the applicator, moving the applicator toward the gel plate such that at least a portion of the sample is loaded onto the gel plate, electrophoresing the gel plate, staining the gel plate and scanning the stained gel plate so as to electronically analyze a band in the gel of the gel plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the sequential electroelution of biomolecules is described, the apparatus comprising a separation medium having an outlet, and a collector having at least a first receptacle and a second receptacle that can be sequentially brought into contact with the outlet of the separation medium by translating the first receptacle and the second receptacle in relation to the outlet of the separation medium, and the method comprising the steps of receiving a first substantially separated molecule in the first receptacle and translating the first receptacle and the second receptacle such that the second receptacle is brought into in contact with the outlet of the separation medium, receiving a second substantially separated molecule in the second receptacle, and repeating said steps to sequentially receive a desired number of substantially separated molecules.

Abstract: A gel extraction device comprising a hollow cutting member and a plunger ejector member. The hollow cutting member has a proximal tubular body terminating at one end in a circular rim having oppositely disposed spring engaging structures and a distal sloped transition portion ending in a rectangular receptacle and a tapered end portion with a sharp perimeter cutting edge. The plunger ejector member has a proximal cap atop and connected to a split stem portion having outer legs with shoulder stop extensions; an inner ribbon spring leg having a distal end inserted into a spring engaging structure in the assembled device; and a solid rectangular distal portion. In a second embodiment the split end portion is replaced by a stem having a plurality of lateral protrusions and a coiled spring is placed within the hollow cutting member tubular body. A third embodiment is a hybrid of the first two embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gel sheet (1) for use in a spot picker device wherein said gel sheet is provide with reference marks (5?–5??) which can be used to determine if the gel sheet (1) has been deformed between the stages of scanning the gel sheet and picking spots out of the gel sheet (1). The present invention also relates to a method of picking spots using such a gel sheet (1) and reference marks for use with the method.

Abstract: A gel electrophoresis cassette (33) is disclosed which includes two plates (34, 35) and at least one seal (36) which separates these plates. The seal (36) is annular; it may be positioned essentially in the region of the outer edge of the plates (34, 35). For performing an electrophoresis in a second dimension following an isoelectric focusing in an first dimension, one of the plates (34, 35) includes a recess (37) for inserting a strip holder (1) having a base plate (4), which has a carrier surface (2) on which an IEF strip (3) is accommodated. The base plate (4) includes at least one stop (5) offset to a lower level in relation to the carrier surface (2) and a sealing surface (6). The strip holder (1) is insertable into this recess (37) in such a way that the stop (5) of the base plate (4) is applied to the outer surface of the plate (34, 35) and the sealing surface (6) presses tightly against the inner surface (38) of the recess (37).

Abstract: The present invention relates a method of electrophoretic separation of protein and/or peptide components of a sample in a convection stabilized medium. More specifically, the method comprises the steps to contact the sample with the separation medium; to apply a voltage across said medium; and to observe the results by analysis of one or more sections of the separation medium. In the present method, a disulphide-comprising compound is added before or during the procedure to make an excess of reactive disulphide groups accessible to react with the cysteine groups of the proteins and/or peptides all through the separation procedure. The present invention also relates to electrophoretic separation media that comprises reactive disulphide groups, such as polyacrylamide gels, and the use of a solution that comprises reactive disulphide groups to pretreat an electrophoretic separation medium.

Abstract: A strip holder (1) is disclosed for accommodating a gel strip (3) for separating molecules using gel electrophoresis. The strip holder (1) disclosed is distinguished by including a baseplate (4), at least one stop (5), which is offset to a lower level in relation to the carrier surface (2), and at least one sealing surface (6), this stop (5) being implemented to be applied to counter surfaces (7) of an electrophoresis chamber, through which offset to a lower level of the stop (5) the installation depth of the strip holder (1) carrying a gel strip (3) into this electrophoresis chamber is determined and the sealing surface (6) ensuring a sealing installation of the strip holder (1) carrying a gel strip (3) into this electrophoresis chamber. Such a chamber (15) for isoelectric focusing of molecules in gel strips (3) is distinguished by including such a strip holder (1), a frame (16), and a cover (20).

Abstract: A device having a processing chamber, for electroelution and/or dialysis of a substance carried in a sample with respect to an external liquid medium. The chamber has a closed end and an opening at the other end, sufficiently large to permit a sample, particularly a gel contained sample, to be inserted thereto. The chamber has two portals, each laterally disposed with respect to the opening. A tubular membrane covers the portals, and is sealingly fixed onto an outside surface of the housing. The device provides high yield recovery, saves time and allows for easy handling, especially regarding loading an unloading of small volume samples for dialysis, or inserting the gel slice containing the macromolecule sample. The device may be partially immersed in the liquid medium, with the opening above the liquid surface. Optionally, the device may be hermetically sealed via a cap, and fully immersed in the liquid medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for performing gel protein extractions and methods of using the apparatus.

Abstract: A preparative electrophoresis apparatus suitable for recovery of molecules from gels comprises two spaced apart electrode compartments connected by a conduit that descends from the bottom of the electrode compartments in a V-shaped or U-shaped form. The conduit serves as a reservoir for collecting electroeluted molecules. Two electrophoresis buffers are used, a first one of a low concentration and density, and a second one of a high concentration and density. The electrode compartments are filled with the first electrophoresis buffer solution while the conduit is filled with the second electrophoresis buffer solution. Under the influence of an electric field, the molecules exit the gel and concentrate in the high concentration buffer. After a certain time, usually a time that is sufficient for driving substantially all desired molecules out of the gel, the electric field is switched off. The high concentration buffer containing the electroeluted molecules is withdrawn from the conduit.

Abstract: A sample taking apparatus comprises a plurality of separation tools (10) (for example, punching capillaries) on a holding device (20), wherein the separation tools (10) are each provided with actuating means (30) for separate control thereof. In a sample taking method (for example, for punching samples from separation gels), successively removed samples are deposited in parallel onto a target substrate.

Abstract: An automated, computer controlled assembly is provided for continuously processing a large number of electrophoresis gels. The assembly includes a loading assembly for loading a gel onto a carrier, a gel staining assembly and a scanning and cutting assembly. The staining assembly and the scanning and cutting assembly each include a robotic arm that is able to capture a gel and transfer the gel to selected work stations and can transfer the gel between the respective robotic arms.

Abstract: An automatic sample collection system for use with an electrophoretic slab gel system is presented. The collection system can be used with a slab gel have one or more lanes. A detector is used to detect particle bands on the slab gel within a detection zone. Such detectors may use a laser to excite fluorescently labeled particles. The fluorescent light emitted from the excited particles is transmitted to low-level light detection electronics. Upon the detection of a particle of interest within the detection zone, a syringe pump is activated, sending a stream of buffer solution across the lane of the slab gel. The buffer solution collects the sample of interest and carries it through a collection port into a sample collection vial.

Abstract: A preparative electrophoresis apparatus suitable for recovery of molecules from gels comprises two spaced apart electrode compartments connected by a conduit that descends from the bottom of the electrode compartments in a V-shaped or U-shaped form. The conduit serves as a reservoir for collecting electroeluted molecules. Two electrophoresis buffers are used, a first one of a low concentration and density, and a second one of a high concentration and density. The electrode compartments are filled with the first electrophoresis buffer solution while the conduit is filled with the second electrophoresis buffer solution. Under the influence of an electric field, the molecules exit the gel and concentrate in the high concentration buffer. After a certain time, usually a time that is sufficient for driving substantially all desired molecules out of the gel, the electric field is switched off. The high concentration buffer containing the electroeluted molecules is withdrawn from the conduit.

Abstract: Gellan can be purified from nucleic acid contamination by combining the contaminated gellan with DNase under conditions that allow the DNase to degrade the nucleic acid contaminant. The purified gellan is useful in gel electrophoresis. A buffer which allows cystamine to be used as a reversible cross-linker does not have to be recirculated during the course of a normal gel run.

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: A spot picker is comprised of a pipette and a disposable cutting tip. The pipette is comprised of a housing with a suction tube projecting from a lower end. An actuation button is positioned at the top end of the housing. The actuation button is connected to a piston inside the suction tube. A plunger attached to the piston has a lower end positioned outside the suction tube. The cutting tip is comprised of a hollow tube with an open proximal end attached to the suction tube. A compressible porous hydrophobic filter is securely but movably positioned within the hollow tube. The cutting tip cuts a gel spot when its open lower end is pushed into a sheet of gel. The plunger pushes the filter outward to discharge the gel spot from the cutting tip when the actuation button is fully depressed.

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: Polypeptides which have been separated by gel electrophoresis can be identified by electroblotting them through a “sandwich” comprising in order: a) the separation gel; b) at least one hydrophilic membrane, e.g. of carboxyl-modified PVDF, on which is immobilized at least one reagent capable of cleaving a polypeptide, e.g. trypsin; c) a hydrophobic layer, typically a membrane, e.g. of PVDF. Preferably a biased alternating current or discontinuous direct current is used for electroblotting. The resulting fragments, usually peptides, are identified, preferably by MALDI-TOF MS.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for capillary separation of macromolecules and precise post-separation blotting. Apparatus include disposable separating element (capillary), which contains a sieving or interaction matrix inside, an external layer of blotting material, positioned close to the boundary of said sieving or interaction matrix, and the membrane with changeable permeability for separated material; said membrane separates blotting layer from the sieving or interaction matrix. After separation of macromolecules in capillary with initially non-permeable walls, chemical or physical modification of the membrane is performed, which is followed by changing the vector of driving forces for transfer, so that separated molecules are moved through the walls of the capillary and blotted to the outer layer of separating element, which contains blotting material. Means of modification of the membrane include chemical or physical modification, leading to changes in permeability.

Abstract: The device of present invention is used for cutting and recovery of a selected gel piece from a larger gel mass. The gel piece suitably contains molecules that will be used in further work. The preferred device is made up of at least two parts: a hollow member with a distal end terminating in a cutting edge, a proximal end, and a lumen in between the proximal and distal ends; and a piston member. The lumen part of the hollow member close to the proximal end has a larger cross section than a lumen part close to the distal end. The piston body has at least a first body that fits snugly in the lumen part having the larger cross section and a second body is longer than length of the lumen part with a smaller cross section and fits within the smaller cross section portion of the hollow tube, creates reduced pressure when moved towards proximal end of the hollow tube is disposed within the lumen.

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: An alignment plate is provided with a plurality of holes for guiding a pipette tip toward a sample plate of a MALDI mass spectrometer. Each of the holes is provided with a conical upper contour in order to guide the pipette tip toward a specific location on the sample plate. Two companion alignment plates are used in order to overlay two separate arrays of samples on the sample plate. For instance, a first of two alignment plates is formed with a 10×10 array of holes so that a 10×10 array of samples is deposited by the pipette tip onto the sample plate. The second of the two alignment plates is formed with a 9×9 array of holes so that a 9×9 array of samples is deposited on the sample plate at locations offset from the 10×10 array of samples already on the sample plate. The number of samples loaded on the sample plate is large and the space on the sample plate is more fully utilized.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the detection of a His-tagged target biomolecule while said molecule remains in the gel in which it has been separated from other constituents by electrophoresis. The method involves, while the separated His-tagged biomolecule remains in the gel, forming a chelate between the His-tagged molecule, a lanthanide metal ion which exhibits fluorescence, and a sensitizer which enhances the fluorescence of the ion. The gel is then exposed to a u.v. light source to thereby generate a fluorogenic signal indicating the presence of the chelate and, in turn, the His-tagged biomolecule. The fluorogenic signal can then be detected either by direct visualization and/or by other means, such as photographically, e.g., film or charged coupled device (CCD) imaging.

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: An apparatus and method are described for capillary separation of macromolecules and precise post-separation blotting. Apparatus include disposable separating element (capillary), which contains a sieving or interaction matrix inside, an external layer of blotting material, positioned close to the boundary of said sieving or interaction matrix, and the membrane with changeable permeability for separated material; said membrane separates blotting layer from the sieving or interaction matrix. After separation of macromolecules in capillary with initially non-permeable walls, chemical or physical modification of the membrane is performed, which is followed by changing the vector of driving forces for transfer, so that separated molecules are moved through the walls of the capillary and blotted to the outer layer of separating element, which contains blotting material. Means of modification of the membrane include chemical or physical modification, leading to changes in permeability.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a semi-dry electroblotter for transferring a gel after its electrophoresis onto a membrane enabling the electro-blotting process to be efficiently and effectively proceeded within a short time, and eliminating the shortcomings of the traditional technology. The electroblotter of the present invention comprises an upper block, and a corresponding lower block in the shape of a groove. A corresponding positioning member is disposed on each of the lateral sides of the upper block and the lower block, such that the upper block and the lower block will be coupled automatically when they are closed in a correct guiding position. An elastic member and an electrode plate are separately disposed in the interior of the upper block and the lower block, and the elastic member supports the electrode plate so that the electrode plate has an elastic reaction on the opposite direction when the electrode plate is pressed.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional proteomic analysis method utilizing cationic electrophoresis is described. The method includes separating proteins in one direction using cationic electrophoresis and separating the proteins in a second orthogonal direction using other electrophoresis separation methods such as denaturing electrophoresis and electrophoresis subsequent to proteolytic cleavage or isofocussing. The two dimensional array may be used to determine various protein-protein interactions in a sample.

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 gel relaxer device is provided for relieving stress in an electrophoresis gel between clamping surfaces of a gel clamp. The device includes a pair of operating arms having a gel gripping surface and a clamping actuating surface. The operating arms move toward each other to enable the gripping surfaces to grip and support an electrophoresis gel suspended by a gel clamp. The actuating surfaces of the arms engage the clamping jaws of the gel clamp to open the jaws to allow the gel to relax and assume its normal position and orientation. The operating arms are then separated to allow the gel clamp to again close and clamp the gel. The gel and gel clamp can then be transported to a selected processing stage.