A color changing device

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of electrophoretic dyeing devices, in particular to a color changing device. The application provides a color changing device which comprises a first box body, a first screen plate and a second screen plate. The first box body is used for placing dyeing liquid or decoloring liquid. The second screen plate is used for placing gel. The first screen plate and the second screen plate are arranged in the first box body in a crossing mode. The first screen plate and the second screen plate are provided with through holes arranged in an array. The dyeing liquid passes through the through holes of the first screen plate and the second screen plate to dye the gel. The second screen plate is used for placing the gel. During the whole dyeing process, the gel is always placed on the screen plate and does not need to be frequently transferred. Compared with the traditional dyeing mode in which the gel needs to be manually transferred, the risk of gel breakage caused by improper operation is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electrophoretic staining apparatus technology, specifically to a color-changing device. Background Technology

[0002] Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PGE) is a commonly used method for protein separation, detection, and comparison, playing a crucial role in life science research and biopharmaceuticals. To clearly observe protein bands, the gel block needs to be detached, followed by staining and destaining steps.

[0003] Currently, staining and destaining protein electrophoresis gels typically require peeling the gel off the clamps and then subjecting it to prolonged soaking, transfer, shaking, and solution replacement. During the experiment, the gel must be placed in a specific container, and the staining or destaining solution is replaced by tilting the container.

[0004] Existing staining and destaining devices have significant shortcomings. The pouring method used during solution changes easily leads to accidental spillage of the gel, causing gel breakage and affecting experimental results. Furthermore, the pouring action can easily cause staining or destaining solutions to spill, resulting in laboratory environmental pollution. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background art, this application provides a color-changing device, including a first box, a first screen plate, and a second screen plate. The first box is used to hold a dyeing solution, and the second screen plate is used to hold a gel. The first screen plate and the second screen plate are installed inside the first box and are arranged crosswise. The first screen plate and the second screen plate are provided with an array of through holes. The dyeing solution passes through the through holes of the first screen plate and the second screen plate to dye the gel.

[0006] According to one embodiment provided in this application, the length of the first mesh plate and the width of the second mesh plate are L1 and L2, respectively. L1 and L2 should satisfy 110mm < L1 and 100mm < L2.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, the first box body includes at least one ramp, which is disposed at various corners of the first box body, and the boundary of the second mesh plate abuts against a portion of the end of the ramp.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, the first box body further includes a first tube body, which is disposed along the extended line of the corner of the first box body, and the end of the first tube body is provided with a slope, the high point of the slope being located below the first tube body.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the internal space of the first box is divided into at least two regions by a first mesh plate, a second mesh plate is provided in one of the regions, a first protrusion is provided in the first box in the region, and one side of the second mesh plate cooperates with the first protrusion.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, a plurality of first protrusions are spaced apart inside the first box. The first protrusions are arranged in an array along the length direction of the first mesh plate. Each first protrusion has a base that protrudes vertically. The side of the second mesh plate is engaged in the gap formed between the protrusions.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, a handle is provided on the second mesh plate. The handle is located on the side surface of the second mesh plate opposite to the first protrusion, and the height h of the handle should satisfy 10mm < h.

[0012] According to one embodiment provided in this application, the spacing d of the first protrusion should satisfy 15mm < d < 20mm.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, a drain valve is provided on one side of the first box body. The drain valve is located on the side away from the first tube body, and the input end of the drain valve passes through the surface of the first box body and is located in the space formed by the first mesh plate and the second mesh plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, a cover plate is provided at one end of the first box body. The cover plate includes a first hole and an exhaust hole. A first pipe is provided in the first hole, and a second mesh plate is provided on one side of the exhaust hole.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the significant technological advancement of this application lies in the fact that the second screen is used to place the gel, ensuring that the gel remains on the screen throughout the staining process without frequent transfer. This reduces the risk of gel breakage due to improper handling, unlike traditional staining methods that require manual gel transfer. Furthermore, the cross-positioning of the first and second screens provides a more stable support structure for the gel, further reducing the likelihood of gel damage during staining. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a color-changing device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cover plate provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0020] 100-First box body; 110-Slope; 120-First tube body; 130-First protrusion; 200-First mesh plate; 300-Second mesh plate; 310-Handle; 400-Drain valve; 500-Cover plate; 510-First hole body; 520-Vent hole.

[0021] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0024] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0025] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0026] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0027] Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PGE) is a commonly used method for protein separation, detection, and comparison, playing a crucial role in life science research and biopharmaceuticals. To clearly observe protein bands, the gel block needs to be detached, followed by staining and destaining steps.

[0028] Currently, staining and destaining protein electrophoresis gels typically require peeling the gel off the clamps and then subjecting it to prolonged soaking, transfer, shaking, and solution replacement. During the experiment, the gel must be placed in a specific container, and the staining or destaining solution is replaced by tilting the container.

[0029] Existing staining and destaining devices have significant shortcomings. The pouring method used during solution changes easily leads to accidental spillage of the gel, causing gel breakage and affecting experimental results. Furthermore, the pouring action can easily cause staining or destaining solutions to spill, resulting in laboratory environmental pollution.

[0030] Secondly, the existing device can only process one gel at a time. When faced with a large number of experiments, the decolorization process takes a long time, and multiple gels need to be decolorized at the same time. If multiple gels are placed in the same decolorization tank, the gels are very likely to adhere and stick together. This will not only lead to uneven decolorization, but may also cause damage due to the collision between the gels, which will greatly reduce the experimental efficiency and success rate.

[0031] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a color-changing device includes a first box 100, a first screen plate 200, and a second screen plate 300. The first box 100 is used to hold a dyeing solution, and the second screen plate 300 is used to hold a gel. The first screen plate 200 and the second screen plate 300 are installed inside the first box 100 and are arranged crosswise. The first screen plate 200 and the second screen plate 300 are provided with an array of through holes. The dyeing solution or decolorizing solution passes through the through holes of the first screen plate 200 and the second screen plate 300 to dye or decolorize the gel.

[0032] It should be noted that in the embodiments provided in this application, the first mesh plate 200 and the second mesh plate 300 are arranged perpendicularly to each other, and the first mesh plate 200 is vertically arranged inside the first housing 100. However, there is no other way to install the first mesh plate 200 and the second mesh plate 300, and this application does not impose any restrictions on this. The first mesh plate 200 is installed inside the first housing 100, and the second mesh plate 300 is placed horizontally, with one side surface of the second mesh plate 300 abutting against the surface of the first mesh plate 200. After installation, the through holes of the first mesh plate 200 and the second mesh plate 300 should be staggered or correspond to each other. Place the gel to be stained on the second mesh plate 300, cover it with the cover plate 500, and slowly inject an appropriate amount of dyeing solution or decolorizing solution into the first box 100 through the first tube 120. Place the entire device on a shaker to start the dyeing or decolorizing process. After the color change is completed, lay the device flat and let it stand, and open the drain valve 400 to drain the dyeing solution or decolorizing solution from the first box 100.

[0033] Furthermore, the first screen plate 200 and the second screen plate 300 are provided with an array of through holes. After the dyeing solution is injected into the first box 100, it will be evenly distributed to the gel surface through these through holes during shaking. Because the through holes are distributed in an array, the dyeing solution or destaining solution will not be locally concentrated or unevenly dispersed, ensuring that all parts of the gel can fully contact the liquid, thereby achieving uniform staining or destaining.

[0034] Furthermore, the second screen 300 is used to hold the gel. Throughout the staining and destaining process, the gel remains on the screen, eliminating the need for frequent transfers. Compared to traditional staining and destaining methods that require manual gel transfer, this reduces the risk of gel breakage due to improper handling. Moreover, the cross-positioning of the first screen 200 and the second screen 300 provides a more stable support structure for the gel, further reducing the likelihood of gel damage during staining and destaining.

[0035] According to one embodiment provided in this application, the length of the first mesh plate 200 and the width of the second mesh plate 300 are L1 and L2, respectively. L1 and L2 should satisfy 110mm < L1 and 100mm < L2.

[0036] It should be noted that the current standard size for polyacrylamide gel is 81 mm. The gel size is 74mm, so the mesh size needs to be set larger than the gel size to allow for some space for subsequent vibration.

[0037] According to one embodiment of this application, the first box 100 includes at least one ramp 110, which is disposed at various corners within the first box 100, and the boundary of the second mesh plate 300 abuts against a portion of the end of the ramp 110.

[0038] It should be noted that multiple ramp 110 structures can be installed in this application, with up to four ramps 110 located at the four corners of the first housing 100. The ramps 110 at the corners alter the flow path of the liquid within the first housing 100. During the dyeing or decolorization process, whether under natural rest or agitation, the liquid flows along the ramps 110, preventing dead zones from forming at the corners. When the liquid is injected into the housing, the ramps 110 guide the liquid to spread quickly and evenly throughout the housing space, covering the gel on the second mesh plate 300, allowing all parts of the gel to simultaneously contact the dyeing or decolorizing solution, thus improving the uniformity of dyeing or decolorization.

[0039] Furthermore, the design of the ramp 110 eliminates sharp right-angle corners inside the first housing 100, reducing areas prone to liquid residue and impurity accumulation. When cleaning the apparatus after the experiment, whether manually or with a cleaning device, the water flow is smoother through all corners of the housing, making it easier to rinse away residual liquid and impurities. This reduces cleaning difficulty, saves cleaning time, helps maintain the cleanliness of the apparatus, extends its lifespan, and also reduces the possibility of incomplete cleaning interfering with subsequent experiments.

[0040] According to one embodiment of this application, the first box 100 further includes a first tube 120, which is disposed along the corner extension line of the first box 100. The end of the first tube 120 is provided with a ramp 110, and the high point of the ramp 110 is located below the first tube 120.

[0041] It should be noted that the first tube 120 is positioned to align with the corner extension line of the first box 100, with the highest point of the end slope 110 facing downwards. During color changing, the liquid will naturally flow towards the lower part of the slope 110 under the influence of gravity. This not only promotes the flow of liquid within the box, avoiding uneven local concentration, but also allows the liquid to continuously refresh its contact surface with the gel, improving the dyeing or decolorization efficiency and uniformity.

[0042] Furthermore, the design of the first tube 120 and the ramp 110 effectively mitigates the impact of the staining solution on the gel during injection and discharge. The liquid flows in or out slowly along the ramp, without directly impacting the gel placed on the second screen 300, reducing the possibility of gel breakage due to liquid impact.

[0043] According to one embodiment of this application, the internal space of the first box 100 is divided into at least two regions by the first mesh plate 200. A second mesh plate 300 is provided in one of the regions, and a first protrusion 130 is provided in the first box 100 in that region. One side of the second mesh plate 300 cooperates with the first protrusion 130.

[0044] It should be noted that, since the interior of the first box 100 is divided into at least two regions, and the second mesh plate 300 is positioned and supported by the first protrusion 130, this facilitates the simultaneous staining or destaining of multiple gels. When conducting staining and destaining experiments on multiple samples, different gels can be placed on the second mesh plate 300 in different regions. The environment within each region is relatively independent, reducing mutual interference between different gels. This not only improves experimental efficiency but also ensures the accuracy and reliability of experimental results, facilitating comparative analysis of different samples by researchers.

[0045] According to one embodiment of this application, a plurality of first protrusions 130 are provided at intervals inside the first box 100. The first protrusions 130 are arranged in an array along the length direction of the first mesh plate 200. The first protrusions 130 have a base that protrudes vertically. The side of the second mesh plate 300 is engaged in the gap formed between the protrusions.

[0046] It should be noted that the first protrusion 130, with its vertically convex substrate, facilitates the construction of multiple layers of the second mesh plate 300. When processing large batches of experimental samples, researchers can sequentially attach multiple layers of the second mesh plate 300 through the gaps between protrusions of different heights, enabling simultaneous staining and destaining of multiple gels. Each mesh plate layer is independent yet forms a stable overall structure through the first protrusion 130, which not only improves experimental efficiency but also allows each gel layer to be stained and destained in a relatively independent and stable environment, reducing mutual interference between different gels and facilitating large-scale sample analysis and experimental research.

[0047] According to one embodiment provided in this application, a handle 310 is provided on the second mesh plate 300. The handle 310 is disposed on the side surface of the second mesh plate 300 away from the first protrusion 130. The height h of the handle 310 should satisfy 10mm < h.

[0048] According to one embodiment provided in this application, the spacing d of the first protrusion 130 should satisfy 15mm < d < 20mm.

[0049] It should be noted that the handle 310, with a height greater than 10 mm, and the spacing of the first protrusions 130 being greater than the height of the handle 310, provides a comfortable and easy-to-grip structure for the experimenter. When placing the second mesh plate 300 into or removing it from the first housing 100, the experimenter can hold the handle 310 more easily and steadily. This avoids contamination that may result from direct contact with the mesh plate, and reduces the risk of the mesh plate falling and being damaged due to hand slippage. Especially when handling more fragile gel samples, a stable grip can better protect the gel from damage caused by external impact, improving the safety and success rate of experimental operations.

[0050] Because the handle 310 is located on the side opposite to the first protrusion 130, the operator's hand movements will not interfere with the position of the first screen 200, the first protrusion 130, or other components when operating the second screen 300, thus ensuring the stability of the internal structure of the device. Furthermore, during the placement or removal of the second screen 300, the hand remains away from the liquid and gel, reducing the possibility of impurities carried by the hand falling into the liquid or coming into contact with the gel, effectively reducing contamination of the experimental environment, and thus ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the experimental results.

[0051] According to one embodiment of this application, a drain valve 400 is provided on one side of the first box 100. The drain valve 400 is located on the side away from the first tube 120, and the input end of the drain valve 400 passes through the surface of the first box 100 and is located in the space formed by the first mesh plate 200 and the second mesh plate 300.

[0052] It should be noted that the drain valve 400 is located within the space enclosed by the first mesh plate 200 and the second mesh plate 300, allowing direct discharge of liquid within this area. After dyeing or decolorization is completed, opening the drain valve 400 allows the liquid to flow out quickly, reducing the risk of secondary contamination due to liquid residue. Furthermore, its location away from the first pipe body 120 ensures that the draining process is not interfered with by the inlet structure, avoiding mutual influence between the inlet and outlet pipes.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present application, a cover plate 500 is provided at one end of the first box body 100. The cover plate 500 includes a first hole body 510 and an exhaust hole 520. A first tube body 120 is provided inside the first hole body 510, and a second mesh plate 300 is provided on one side of the exhaust hole 520.

[0054] It should be noted that the first tube 120 passes through the first orifice 510, providing a precise and stable channel for liquid injection. During liquid injection, the experimenter can easily control the injection speed and volume through the first tube 120, preventing splashing or spillage and ensuring a clean experimental environment. A cover is provided on the vent 520; the user can remove or plug the cover as needed to release air, thus opening or closing the vent 520. During liquid injection, air inside the container needs to be expelled; the vent 520 allows for timely air release, maintaining pressure balance inside and outside the container and ensuring smooth liquid injection. Without a vent, the pressure inside the container would increase as liquid is injected, hindering injection and potentially causing overflow.

[0055] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0056] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A color-changing device, characterized in that, The device includes a first box (100), a first screen plate (200), and a second screen plate (300). The first box (100) is used to hold a staining solution or a destaining solution, and the second screen plate (300) is used to hold a gel. The first screen plate (200) and the second screen plate (300) are installed inside the first box (100). The first screen plate (200) and the second screen plate (300) are arranged in a cross pattern. The first screen plate (200) and the second screen plate (300) are provided with an array of through holes. The staining solution or destaining solution passes through the through holes of the first screen plate (200) and the second screen plate (300) to stain or destain the gel.

2. The color-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the first mesh plate (200) and the width of the second mesh plate (300) are L1 and L2, respectively. The L1 and L2 should satisfy 110mm < L1 and 100mm < L2.

3. The color-changing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first box (100) includes at least one ramp (110) located at various corners within the first box (100), and the boundary of the second mesh plate (300) abuts against a portion of the end of the ramp (110).

4. A color-changing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first box body (100) also includes a first tube body (120), which is disposed along the corner extension line of the first box body (100). The end of the first tube body (120) is provided with the ramp (110), and the high point of the ramp (110) is located below the first tube body (120).

5. A color-changing device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The internal space of the first box (100) is divided into at least two areas by the first mesh plate (200), and the second mesh plate (300) is provided in one of the areas. The first box (100) is provided with a first protrusion (130) in the area, and the two sides of the second mesh plate (300) cooperate with the first protrusion (130).

6. A color-changing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first box (100) has a plurality of first protrusions (130) spaced apart. The first protrusions (130) are arranged in an array along the length direction of the first mesh plate (200). The first protrusions (130) have a base that protrudes vertically. The side of the second mesh plate (300) is engaged in the gap formed between the protrusions.

7. A color-changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second mesh plate (300) is provided with a handle (310), the handle (310) is provided on the side surface of the second mesh plate (300) away from the first protrusion (130), and the height h of the handle (310) should satisfy 10mm < h.

8. A color-changing device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The spacing d of the first protrusion (130) should satisfy 15mm < d < 20mm.

9. A color-changing device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A drain valve (400) is provided on one side of the first box body (100). The drain valve (400) is located on the side away from the first tube body (120), and the input end of the drain valve (400) passes through the surface of the first box body (100) and is located in the space formed by the first mesh plate (200) and the second mesh plate (300).

10. A color-changing device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, One end of the first box body (100) is covered with a cover plate (500), the cover plate (500) includes a first hole body (510) and an exhaust hole (520), a first tube body (120) is provided inside the first hole body (510), and a second mesh plate (300) is provided on one side of the exhaust hole (520).

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