Abstract: The present disclosure provides an in-channel filtration device for capturing one or more macromolecules from an electrophoretic gel, and methods for manufacturing and using same.

Abstract: A concentration device that concentrates a solution containing a biological substance includes: a first chamber into which the solution is to be introduced; a second chamber to be filled with a drawing agent; and a film that separates a space of the first chamber and a space of the second chamber. The film has a first region and a second region. The first region is semipermeable in that the first region is permeable to a solvent of the solution but impermeable to the biological substance and the drawing agent. The second region is impermeable to the solution, the biological substance, and the drawing agent. When the solution is introduced into the first chamber, the film is positioned to incline with respect to a surface of the solution. The second region is positioned below the first region with respect to the surface of the solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides apparatuses and methods for analyzing the presence of a target analyte. The apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure can be operated in a multiplexed format to perform various assays of clinical significance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing an aseptic chromatography column, said method comprising the steps of: pre-sterilize an empty chromatography column; pre-sterilize a chromatography medium; introducing the pre-sterilized chromatography medium into the pre-sterilized chromatography column using aseptic equipment, thereby providing an aseptic chromatography column comprising chromatography medium.

Abstract: Articles and methods for the active transport of molecules into, within, and/or from a matrix are generally described. In some embodiments, an electric field may be used to alter the position of the molecule with respect to the matrix. The electric field may be used to move the molecule to a new location within the matrix, remove the molecule from the matrix, or infuse the molecule into the matrix. For instance, the electric field may be used to move a molecule having a binding partner within the matrix into or away from the vicinity of the binding partner. In some embodiments, the position of the molecule may be altered by exposing the molecule to an electrodynamic field. In some such embodiments, the molecule exposed to the dynamic electric field may have enhanced mobility and minimal adverse matrix interactions relative to conventional molecular transport methods, and in some cases, a molecule exposed to an electrostatic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to axial flow chromatography columns, methods for separating one or more analytes in a liquid by the use of such columns, and systems employing such columns. The column comprises a first port and a second port, the first port and said second port being at essentially the same level or elevation above the level of the bed space on the chromatography column.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing a biological specimen for microscopic analysis. These methods find many uses, for example in medicine and research, e.g., to diagnose or monitor disease or graft transplantation, to study healthy or diseased tissue, to screen candidate agents for toxicity and efficacy in disease modification. Also provided are reagents, devices, kits and systems thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing nucleic acids is provided which includes an anode, a cathode, and a space formed between the anode and the cathode. In addition, in the apparatus described above, the space includes a first porous film provided at an anode side, a second porous film provided at a cathode side, an inlet port which is proved in a region sandwiched between the first porous film and the second porous film and which introduces a specimen containing proteins and nucleic acids into the region, and a gel filter provided between the inlet port and the first porous film.

Abstract: A solution ejecting method includes a first ejection step of ejecting an electrophoresis-gel-forming monomer solution containing at least a monomer that forms a gel structure and a gel polymerization accelerator that activates a gel polymerization initiator and a second ejection step of ejecting a gel polymerization initiating solution containing the gel polymerization initiator onto the electrophoresis-gel-forming monomer solution.

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: Cassette bodies for use with electrophoresis apparatus can be formed of a single piece of molded or machined plastic. Such cassette bodies can include a plurality of channels that pass through the cassette body, from a proximal end to a distal end. Such channels can be defined by upper and lower chambers. The upper chambers can be in fluid communication with a first buffer pool through a semi-permeable membrane, and the lower chambers can be in fluid communication with a second buffer pool. An electric current can be passed through the first and second buffer pools, and then reversed, to perform an electrophoresis operation that can separate a biomolecule of interest from free probes, and provide for convenient collection of said biomolecule of interest.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second buffer chambers containing buffer solution and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast flat gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, target samples are loaded into the pre-cast gel, interior walls of the unit are broken to allow buffer from anode and cathode chambers to combine within the gel chamber and cover the loaded gel matrix, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the horizontal monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the flat pre-cast gel.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described that include electrokinetic pumping an emulsion comprising an ionic fluid and a nonpolar fluid to promote flow of the ionic fluid by electro-osmotic flow and drag the nonpolar fluid by viscous drag forces. In some examples, the electrokinetic pump may be utilized to deliver one or more reagents within a fluidic reactor system, such as a micro-scale reactor system. In some additional examples, a reagent may be dissolved in the nonpolar fluid of a first emulsion and pumped through the electrokinetic pump to a mixing channel to allow the reagent of the first emulsion to react with a reagent of second emulsion to form a reactive product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for adding a reagent to an analyte in a gel. The invention further provides methods and systems for transferring liquid analyte reagent mixtures from a gel to a second vessel, such as a microtitre plate. The invention is useful in the manipulation of biological molecules such as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, proteins and peptides. In particular, the invention has utility for manipulating proteins and peptides in isoelectric focusing gels.

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: Apparatus, systems and methods for performing gel electrophoresis using a monolithic electrophoresis unit that at least includes first and second chambers containing one or more buffer solutions and a gel chamber containing a pre-cast gel, whereby all of these chambers are integrated into a pre-fabricated single unit that is ready for use. In performing gel electrophoresis, a top seal of this monolithic electrophoresis unit is removed, followed by optionally removing a gel chamber seal from over the gel chamber, such that, buffer solution contacts the pre-cast gel within the gel chamber. Target samples are loaded into the gel chamber for contact with the pre-cast gel, a reusable lid is attached to the top surface of the monolithic electrophoresis unit, and an electrical connection is provided through the reusable lid into the monolithic electrophoresis unit for performing electrophoresis on the pre-cast gel.

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: 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: 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 electrophoresis device having a separation chamber that is provided with at least one sample inlet on the inlet side and outlets (9) for the electrophoretically treated sample species on the outlet side. The separation chamber is divided into two chamber parts (7, 8) by at least one separation element (2) which is selectively permeable for specific sample species and has a continuous inner space extending longitudinally, especially a hollow fiber, from the inlet to the outlet side. Electrodes (4) are disposed parallel to the separation element on both sides of the separation chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis apparatus comprising an electrophoretic chamber containing at least on two-plate housing for a sieving matrix, each said at least one two-plate housing consisting of a cover plate and a plate for housing said sieving matrix, wherein said plate includes an optical waveguide array which is characterized by being aligned with respect to a reference direction such as to enable one or more light beams incident on the sieving matrix along said reference direction to be maintained well-confined along said reference direction within any desired length of interaction along the width of said sieving matrix.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrophoresis having a first gel matrix, adapted for performing an electrophoretic process therein, in communication with a second gel matrix, both being accommodated within a suitable housing. The housing has a first opening adapted to permit ionic communication between the first gel matrix and an external ionic buffer solution, and a second opening adapted to permit ionic communication between the second gel matrix and an external ionic buffer solution. The second gel has at least one suitable absorption material capable of retaining therein at least one target substance capable of migrating thereto from the first gel matrix when an electrophoretic process is performed in the first matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protein and/or peptide concentration, which device comprises electroconcentration means (23); at least two electrodes having a positive (7) and a negative charge (35), respectively; and protein and/or peptide capture means (17); wherein said electroconcentration means (23) comprises a funnel shaped cavity and at least one electrode is located on each side of the electroconcentration means. The invention also relates to a method for concentrating a protein and/or a peptide in a sample, which method can be performed in a device according to the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for rehydrating and for performing electrophoresis on a gel strip includes a tray defining a plurality of parallel troughs configured to receive gel strips. Each trough defines a centrally located rehydration area and an electrode area disposed either side of the electrode area. End walls delimit the rehydration area of the trough from the electrode area. Electrode means including contact points adapted to contact either the gel strip in the electrode areas near the first and second end of the gel or a conducting or current carrying electrode bridge material which is in contact with the gel strip in the electrode areas. The electrode means are adapted to be connected to a means for supplying an electric current for imposing an electric potential in the strip between the electrodes.

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: The invention relates to a capillary electrophoresis-based method of screening complex materials for any unidentified affinity ligand that binds to a target of interest. The method subjects a plug of a mixture of the target and a complex material sample, and a separate plug of a known, tight-binding competitive ligand, to capillary electrophoresis under conditions optimized to allow mingling of the two plugs during the capillary electrophoresis run. Preferably, migration of the competitive ligand is tracked.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

Abstract: The present invention comprises gel cassettes comprising a base plate with channels to retain gels and an outer plate removably attached to the base plate to form closed chambers within the gel cassette. A gel is disposed within the cassette and subsequently eluted to resolve various samples loaded within each chamber. The outer plate is removed and the gel columns are exposed along the open face regions of the channels of the base plate. The gels are developed within the channels of the base plate as developing solutions communicate with the gel to form an image thereon.

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: An automated assembly for performing first dimension electrophoresis is described herein that includes a supply magazine, an electrophoresis tank and an automated transferring device that robotically transfers biological samples from sample vials retained in the supply magazine, and delivers the biological samples one by one to tube gels supported in a rack within the electrophoresis tank. The transferring device is configured to move in three dimensions with respect to the supply magazine and the rack for flexible sample delivery.

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 the application of a coating of a nonionic amphiphilic polymer to the cassette walls. The coating also prevents the gel from sticking to the walls when the gel is to be removed from the cassette after electrophoresis.

Abstract: A gel mold for electrophoresis is constructed by binding a front film and a rear film onto the opposing faces of a frame of U-shape or four-sided shape. Said front film, rear film, and frame bend to the same direction with the same degree of curvature to form a curved chamber wherein an electrophoresis gel is prepared. There are a first opening on the top of said chamber and a second opening(s) on the bottom of said chamber for conducting electricity. Said gel mold is structurally stable due to the curved structure and is more efficient in heat dissipation due to the thin film, resulting in shorter run time, less waste, and better resolution.

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: While the present invention has been described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment, one of ordinary skill, after reading the foregoing specification, will be able to effect various changes, substitutions of equivalents, and other alterations to the compositions and methods set forth herein. It is therefore intended that the protection granted by Letters Patent hereon be limited only by the definitions contained in the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Abstract: A solidified hybrid gel for use in an electrophoresis process that has a solidified first gel portion juxtaposed with a solidified second gel portion. The first gel portion is capable of accommodating therein one or more samples for electrophoresis after said first gel portion is in solidified form, and the second gel portion is adapted for enabling an electrophoresis process to be applied to such a sample that may be accommodated in said first gel portion. Thus, the hybrid gel may be provided in a precast form to users, ready for use. The invention is also directed to methods for providing such a gel, apparatuses for accommodating such a gel, and methods for carrying out electrophoresis on a sample comprised in such a gel.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrophoresis having a first gel matrix, adapted for performing an electrophoretic process therein, in communication with a second gel matrix, both being accommodated within a suitable housing. The housing has a first opening adapted to permit ionic communication between the first gel matrix and an external ionic buffer solution, and a second opening adapted to permit ionic communication between the second gel matrix and an external ionic buffer solution. The second gel has at least one suitable absorption material capable of retaining therein at least one target substance capable of migrating thereto from the first gel matrix when an electrophoretic process is performed in the first matrix.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system, suitable for automation, for the, preferably preparative, separation of amphoteric macromolecules, e.g. proteins or peptides, wherein said method comprises the steps of: (a) subjecting said mixture of macromolecules to isoelectric focusing in liquid media; (b) collecting samples from step (a), said samples containing macromolecules separated on basis of isoelectric point, and transferring each sample to a channel (13) accommodating medium for electrophoresis, said channel (13) being part of a composite body (14); (c) subjecting said samples, contained in the channels (13) in said composite body (14), to electrophoresis; and (d) allowing electrophoresis to proceed until macromolecules are eluted from said medium for electrophoresis, and collecting fractions of the samples containing macromolecules.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette to cast electrophoresis gels and to separate and analyze molecular components by electrophoresis. The electrophoresis cassette comprises a top plate assembly, a spacer and a bottom plate. The top plate assembly is seated to the bottom plate with the spacer there between to define a thickness of the electrophoresis cassette and to seal an outer perimeter of the assembly. The top plate assembly includes a cathode reservoir connected to a first terminal end of a central plate, and an anode reservoir connected to a second terminal end of the central plate. When the electrophoresis cassette is assembled, the cathode and anode reservoirs are in alignment with the first and second terminal ends of the central plate to facilitate formation of leak-proof seals between the reservoirs and the assembly components.

Abstract: The present invention is a capillary electrophoresis device, comprising a substrate; a first channel in the substrate, and having a buffer arm and a detection arm; a second channel in the substrate intersecting the first channel, and having a sample arm and a waste arm; a buffer reservoir in fluid communication with the buffer arm; a waste reservoir in fluid communication with the waste arm; a sample reservoir in fluid communication with the sample arm; and a detection reservoir in fluid communication with the detection arm. The detection arm and the buffer arm are of substantially equal length.

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 method of creating an electrophoresis gel having a gel electrophoresis identifier includes providing a surface including a gel electrophoresis identifier marker; providing an electrophoresis gel on the surface having the gel electrophoresis identifier marker; and forming a gel electrophoresis identifier on the electrophoresis gel with the gel electrophoresis identifier marker of the surface. The gel electrophoresis identifier is used to identify and orient the gel.

Abstract: Capillary columns (102) pass through and are inserted in a rubber plate (14), held and fixed by elastic force of rubber, and two-dimensionally arranged on a sample injection side. It fixes the capillary columns (102) arranged on a plane in close contact by holding the same with a holder plate (6a) from below and with a rubber plate (16) from above on a detection side. In order to press the capillary columns (102) against the holder plate 6a and fix the same with the rubber plate (16), a holder plate (6b) fixing the rubber plate (16) to the holder plate (6a) on both sides of the arrangement of the capillary columns (102) is provided.

Abstract: A thin-film electrophoresis assembly includes a support frame having a top portion and a substantially flat face, a first thin-film member carried by the support frame, a second thin-film member carried by the support frame, and a resolving gel sandwiched between the first thin-film member and the second thin-film member. A reservoir is mounted to the top portion of the support frame and includes an open top and an open bottom. A stacking gel is carried by the reservoir and includes a bottom surface in fluid-tight communication with a top surface of the resolving gel through the open bottom of the reservoir.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for carrying out a first dimension electrophoresis separation of proteins and other macromolecules includes a supply magazine, an automated transferring device and an electrophoresis tank. The supply magazine includes a carousel for storing sample containers, a bar code reader, a holding device and an arm for transferring the sample container from the carousel to the bar code reader and the holding device. The transferring device includes a reciprocating pipette that is able to remove a sample from a sample container and deliver the sample to a selected gel tube in the electrophoresis tank. The tank includes a rack supporting a plurality of gel tubes and includes a chamber for containing a buffer solution in contact with one end of the gel tubes. The chamber includes a top wall with an opening having a guide surface for guiding the pipette through the chamber to the top end of the gel tubes.

Abstract: The invention relates to capillary electrophoretic methods for detecting ligands or hit compounds that can bind to a selected target at or above a selected binding strength. The method allows one to rank various ligands based on their relative affinity, i.e., the relative stability of the target/ligand complex during capillary electrophoresis under selected conditions. The method also enables selective detection of strong-to-moderate binding hit compounds, even in the presence of high concentrations of weaker, competitive hit compounds.

Abstract: A method of injecting, isolating and separating mixed analytes from one or more samples. The method includes collecting successive fractions from each of a plurality of samples at discrete points in time. Fractions may be analyzed at the time of collecting, or later, using one or more detector systems. In one embodiment, a processor controls the elutions of fractions by modulating the migration field in a separation pathway. The processor also controls distribution of the fraction into a particular collection well of a plurality of collection wells.

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: This invention is directed to isoelectric gateways for use in the alteration of the composition of the sample wherein the buffering capacity of such isoelectric gateways is not as limited as in an isoelectric membrane and the isoelectric gateways are suitably used in analytical and preparative-scale isoelectric focusing separations, or in the alteration of the composition of solutions that contain at least one amphoteric substance.

Abstract: An electrophoretic device and method for focusing a charged solute is disclosed. The device includes a first chamber for receiving a fluid medium, the first chamber having an inlet for introducing a first liquid to the chamber and an outlet for exiting the first liquid from the chamber; a second chamber comprising an electrode array, the second chamber having an inlet for introducing a second liquid to the chamber and an outlet for exiting the second liquid from the chamber; and a porous material separating the first and second chambers. The device's electrode array includes a plurality of electrodes and generates an electric field gradient profile which can be dynamically controlled. In the method, a charged solute is introduced into a fluid medium followed by the application of a hydrodynamic force. Opposing the hydrodynamic force with an electric field gradient results in solute focusing in the fluid medium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described for obtaining a preparative-scale, free-fluid electrophoretic separator with high resolution as well as an analytical capability commensurate with capillary zone electrophoresis. The electrophoretic focusing apparatus and method of the present invention features a separation chamber bounded by planar precision-pore, insulated screens, a plurality of purge chambers, a plurality of electrode chambers, and a plurality of pump means. The separation device of the invention is capable of high speed of separation and short residency of sample through the use of high voltage gradients which are produced by relatively low voltages applied across the narrow chamber dimensions. The present invention is also highly flexible, with operation in a constant electric field, continuous flow mode which permits scanning of the sample fraction content and display in a conventional histogram format.