Gel electrophoresis and transfer combinations using conductive polymers and methods of use

Abstract

Precast gel and membrane assembly units for use in gel electrophoresis and membrane transfer for protein analysis, and methods of use. Transparent conductive polymer plates hold electrophoresis gels and western blot membranes. The gel and membrane are positioned between two plates of conductive polymer or plates with a conductive layer or film. During the electrophoresis step, an electric current moves the proteins through the gel, allowing the proteins to separate. Then, without removing or reorienting the gel or the device, the electrical contacts are switched to allow current to pass vertically through the gel via the conductive polymer, which will allow the transfer of proteins to cells contained in the same prefabricated gel and membrane combination. on the membrane in the unit. The device allows the user to visualize the steps of protein separation and protein transfer without the need to transfer the gel between the electrophoresis and transfer steps.

Description

[0001] Citations to related applications

[0002] 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

[0003] 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

[0004] 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 tearing of the gel that occurs when the user moves the gel from the...

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