Gel electrophoresis and transfer combination using conductive polymers and method of use

Abstract

A precast gel and membrane combination unit for use in gel electrophoresis and membrane transfer for protein analysis, and method of use. Transparent electrically conductive polymer plate(s) house anelectrophoresis gel and immunoblotting membrane. The gel and membrane are positioned between two plates of conductive polymers or plates having an electrically conductive layer or film. During the electrophoresis step, electric current moves proteins through the gel allowing for protein separation. Then, without removing or reorienting the gel or apparatus, the electrical contacts are switched toallow the flow of electricity to run perpendicularly through the gel via the conductive poylmers, which will allow the proteins to transfer to the membrane housed in the same precast gel and membranecombination unit. The apparatus allows the user to visualize the steps of protein separation and protein transfer without transferring the gel between electrophoresis and transfer steps.

Description

[0001] Andrew Woodham

[0002] Attorney Case No. 16-01-7768PCT

[0003] Citations to related applications

[0004] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 348,803, filed November 10, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 017,540, filed February 5, 2016, which claimed 2015 The benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 253,143, filed November 10, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field

[0005] The present invention relates generally to gel electrophoresis and the transfer of macromolecules, and more particularly to the use of a single prefabricated gel and membrane combination unit with a transparent conductive polymer. Background technique

[0006] Although western blotting is a commonly used technique, there are still many problems caused by the transfer step. These include the introduction of air bubbles when placing the gel on the membrane, and ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components...

[0001] Andrew Woodham

[0002] Attorney Case No. 16-01-7768PCT

[0003] Citations to related applications

[0004] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 348,803, filed November 10, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 017,540, filed February 5, 2016, which claimed 2015 The benefit of US Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 253,143, filed November 10, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. technical field

[0005] The present invention relates generally to gel electrophoresis and the transfer of macromolecules, and more particularly to the use of a single prefabricated gel and membrane combination unit with a transparent conductive polymer. Background technique

[0006] Although western blotting is a commonly used technique, there are still many problems caused by the transfer step. These include the introduction of air bubbles when placing the gel on the membrane, and ...

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0041] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0042] It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may be present therebetween. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0043] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components...

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