Membrane Transfer Cassette

Abstract

A membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided, the cassette comprising a first support panel and a second support panel, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures. The membrane transfer cassette is particularly useful when electroblotting large format gels, but is also advantageous for gels of any size, since the design of the cassette increases the exposed surface area between the gel and the membrane while also increasing the strength of the cassette to support large gels.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting, a support panel for a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting, a computer-aided design file including a digital representation of a support panel or membrane transfer cassette for a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting, an electroblotting kit, and a method of electroblotting. [Background technology]

[0002] It is a common practice in biological experiments to separate macromolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids, e.g., DNA or RNA, for analytical and preparative purposes using electrophoretic methods. Electrophoresis separates biomolecules by charge and / or size via mobility through a separation substrate, such as a gel-like separation substrate, in the presence of an electric field. Gel-like separation substrates are typically prepared from agarose for the separation of nucleic acids and polyacrylamide for the separation of proteins. In capillary electrophoresis, the substrate can be a gel or a solution (e.g., a linear polyacrylamide solution).

[0003] The electric field induces charged materials, such as nucleic acids and proteins, to migrate towards respective anode or cathode locations.

[0004] The migration distance for separated molecular species depends on their relative mobility through the separation matrix. The mobility of each species depends on its hydrodynamic size and molecular charge.

[0005] Blotting is a process used to transfer macromolecules from an electrophoretic substrate to a membrane for further analysis. Examples of blotting include Southern blotting, Northern blotting, or Western blotting. Traditionally, the separation substrate containing the electrophoresed biological material is removed from the electrophoretic apparatus and placed in a blotting sandwich. The blotting sandwich typically consists of a sponge and paper pad saturated with buffer, a gel containing the separated biologics, a suitable transfer membrane in intimate contact with the separation substrate, and another layer of paper pad and sponge saturated with buffer. In electroblotting, the blotting sandwich may be immersed in buffer and suspended between two electrodes to provide an electric field to transfer the biologics from the separation substrate to the membrane. This is known as a wet transfer protocol.

[0006] Electrophoretic separation in large format gels, for example, greater than about 20 cm square, can greatly improve long-range protein separation with maximum resolution. However, the advantage of increased resolution resulting from large format gels is typically offset in conventional systems by the difficulties encountered when handling such large gels. For any size of blotting sandwich, and especially for large format gels, it is important to ensure good contact between the separation substrate and the membrane. To achieve this, a membrane transfer cassette is used. The blotting sandwich is placed between two panels of the cassette, and the elements of the blotting sandwich are held in place during transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane. However, the separation substrate must also be exposed to an electric current to enable transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane. This is achieved by the use of a membrane transfer cassette with several openings in the panels to expose the separation substrate. However, these openings compromise the strength of the membrane transfer cassette. Thus, an improved membrane transfer cassette is needed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This summary introduces concepts that are more fully described in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] In a first embodiment, a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided. The cassette comprises a first support panel and a second support panel. At least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels has an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures, the polygonal apertures having three sides or five or more sides.

[0009] Thus, a membrane transfer cassette is provided to support the blotting sandwich during the electroblotting process. Advantageously, a membrane transfer cassette can be provided that is strong enough to maintain intimate contact between the membrane and the separation substrate to allow for effective and uniform transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane. Another benefit of the membrane transfer cassette is that a significant percentage of the surface area of ​​the support panel, across which the interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures is disposed, is occupied by the apertures. Thus, the separation substrate is exposed to the electric current over a significant percentage of its surface area (and is not obstructed by the cassette). Thus, a large percentage of the separation substrate is exposed to the electric current, allowing for a more uniform and efficient application of the electric current, which in turn allows for more uniform transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane. These advantages are particularly of use in large format separation substrates (or large format gels), example sizes of which are provided below, but find use in wet transfer protocols for separation substrates of any size.

[0010] As mentioned above, the polygonal apertures may have three sides or more than five sides. In other words, each of the polygonal apertures may be a triangle, a pentagon, or a polygon with six or more sides. Various combinations of polygons are possible, and the polygonal apertures are not necessarily all the same shape. In some embodiments, the polygonal apertures are not square. In some embodiments, the polygonal apertures are not square or rectangular.

[0011] As previously mentioned, the polygonal apertures are not necessarily of the same shape, instead, the polygonal apertures may comprise apertures having two or more shapes. Similarly, each of the polygonal apertures may have the same shape.

[0012] The polygonal opening may comprise openings of two or more sizes. For example, the polygonal opening may comprise openings with different areas. In this manner, openings with different shapes and / or sizes may be combined to provide an interlocking pattern of polygonal openings. Thus, control over the percentage surface area of ​​the exposed separation substrate and the strength of the support panel (or the area of ​​the support panel) is facilitated.

[0013] Each of the polygonal openings can be hexagonal, and the interconnecting pattern can be a honeycomb pattern. The honeycomb pattern results in a particularly strong support panel that provides particularly good contact between the separation substrate and the membrane, resulting in efficient and uniform transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane. Another benefit of the honeycomb pattern and the use of hexagonal openings is that the support panel is strong, while exposing a significant proportion of the separation substrate. Stated another way, there is a particularly good tradeoff between the strength of the support panel and the proportion of the separation substrate that is exposed.

[0014] Other shapes of apertures are also contemplated. Some or each of the polygonal apertures may be, for example, hexagonal with rounded edges, or dodecagonal.

[0015] The membrane transfer cassette has the following features: - the first support panel may have an inner surface and an outer surface; and - the second support panel may have an inner surface and an outer surface; Typically,

[0016] In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. Each polygonal opening can be separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall. One or more of the walls can have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel. In other words, one or more walls between the openings can be thicker at the outer surface of the support panel compared to the inner surface of the support panel. This still further reduces the surface area of ​​the support panel in contact with the blotting sandwich while maintaining strength in the support panel due to the greater surface area of ​​the wall at the outer surface of the support panel. This reduction in the surface area of ​​the support panel in contact with the blotting sandwich reduces the number of macromolecules in the gel that are prevented from transferring to the membrane. The result is a more uniform and accurate transfer of macromolecules to the membrane, which more accurately represents the location of said macromolecules in the gel. This facilitates more accurate measurement of the macromolecules. This reduction in the surface area where the support panel contacts the blotting sandwich also means that the cassette presses against the membrane over a smaller surface area, which can result in a more accurate measurement of macromolecules on the membrane as a result of a more uniform background.

[0017] The cross section of such a wall may be triangular or trapezoidal. In this sense, the wall may taper from a first width at the outer surface of the support panel to a second, smaller width at the inner surface of the support panel. Alternatively, the wall may not taper, and instead there may be a gradual change in the width of the wall between the outer surface of the support panel and the inner surface of the support panel. Alternatively, the cross section of such a wall may be semicircular.

[0018] As mentioned above, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels has an interlocking pattern of polygonal openings. This region may be a central region of the respective support panel, and each support panel may further comprise an outer region having openings. The openings in the outer region may differ in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal openings in the central region. In this manner, the central region of the support panel may comprise a plurality of polygonal openings arranged in an interlocking pattern, and the outer region of the support panel may comprise openings having a different size, shape, and / or pattern than the openings in the central region. The benefit of this is that the characteristics of the openings (and / or the walls separating them) in the central region can be selected to make the center of the support panel particularly strong. This is advantageous since it is generally over the central region of the blotting sandwich where the contact between the separation substrate and the membrane is poorest due to bending of the support panel. This effect is exacerbated in large format gels.

[0019] Alternatively, the region having the interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures may be an outer region of each support panel, and each support panel may further include a central region having apertures. The apertures in the central region may differ in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal apertures in the outer region. Of course, both the central region and the outer region may have an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures (either the same pattern or different patterns), but one or more of shape, size, and pattern may differ between the central region and the outer region.

[0020] In any of these configurations, the openings in the central region may be smaller than the openings in the outer regions, which can increase the strength of the central region.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the openings in the central region may be hexagonal and form a honeycomb pattern, which again can increase the strength of the central region.

[0022] In addition to or in lieu of differences in one or more of shape, size, or pattern between the openings in the central region and the openings in the outer regions, one or more characteristics of the respective walls between the openings in the central region may differ from the characteristics of the respective walls between the openings in the outer regions. For example, the walls between the openings in the central region may be thicker (in the plane of the support panel and / or in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support panel) than the walls between the openings in the outer regions.

[0023] In a second embodiment, a membrane transfer cassette for use in electroblotting is provided. The cassette comprises a first support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a second support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface. In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. One or each of the first and second support panels has a set of openings, each opening being separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall. One or more of the walls have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel.

[0024] Although the concept has been described above with reference to an interconnected pattern of polygonal apertures, it will be understood that the concept is not limited to this feature.

[0025] As previously described, one or more walls between the openings may be thicker at the outer surface of the support panel compared to the inner surface of the support panel, which still further reduces the surface area of ​​the support panel in contact with the blotting sandwich while maintaining strength in the support panel by virtue of the greater surface area of ​​the walls at the outer surface of the support panel.

[0026] At least a portion of the set of apertures can be polygonal apertures that form an interlocking pattern. As described above, such a pattern of apertures results in a support panel that is strong enough to maintain intimate contact between the membrane and the separation substrate, while also exposing a large and sufficient percentage of the separation substrate (as opposed to being blocked by walls between the apertures). Both factors facilitate efficient and uniform transfer of macromolecules from the separation substrate to the membrane.

[0027] The set of apertures may comprise more than one shaped aperture, or alternatively, each of the apertures may be the same shape.

[0028] The set of apertures may comprise two or more sizes of apertures. As described above, various combinations of aperture sizes and / or shapes facilitate providing control over particular properties of or areas of the support panel.

[0029] Where at least a portion of the set of apertures may be polygonal apertures, each of the polygonal apertures may have three sides or five or more sides.

[0030] Each of the polygonal openings can be hexagonal and the interconnecting pattern can be a honeycomb pattern. As mentioned above, the honeycomb pattern provides a particularly strong support panel that provides efficient and uniform transfer of macromolecules from the separation matrix to the membrane.

[0031] One or each of the first and second panels may comprise a central region with an inner plurality of openings and an outer region with an outer plurality of openings. The set of openings may include at least a portion of the inner and / or outer plurality of openings. The openings of the inner plurality of openings may differ from the openings of the outer plurality of openings in one or more of shape, size, or pattern. The effect of this is that different regions of the support panel may have different properties. These properties may be, for example, strength, or the percentage of the surface area of ​​the support panel that is occupied by the openings (as opposed to the walls between the openings). For example, the central region of the support panel may have a first configuration of openings that increases the strength of that central region but results in a smaller percentage of the surface area occupied by the openings over the central region (resulting in less exposed separation substrate). The outer region of the support panel may have a different configuration of openings that is, for example, not as strong as the central region but results in a larger percentage of exposed separation substrate. Thus, the tradeoff between exposure of separation substrate and strength may be adjusted differently for different regions of the support panel where different problems exist.

[0032] In addition to or in lieu of differences in one or more of shape, size, or pattern between the openings in the central region and the openings in the outer regions, one or more characteristics of the respective walls between the openings in the central region may differ from the characteristics of the respective walls between the openings in the outer regions. For example, the walls between the openings in the central region may be thicker (in the plane of the support panel and / or in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support panel) than the walls between the openings in the outer regions.

[0033] In a third aspect, a membrane transfer cassette for use in electroblotting is provided. The cassette comprises a first support panel and a second support panel. One or each of the first and second panels comprises a central region having an inner plurality of apertures and an outer region having an outer plurality of apertures. The apertures of the inner plurality of apertures are different from the apertures of the outer plurality of apertures in one or more of shape, size, or pattern.

[0034] This concept has been described above, and is not limited to any of the features described above, but it will be understood that the advantages of this concept described above apply here as well.

[0035] In addition to or in the alternative to differences in one or more of shape, size, or pattern between the openings of the inner plurality of apertures and the openings of the outer plurality of apertures, one or more characteristics of the respective walls between the openings of the inner plurality of apertures may differ from the characteristics of the respective walls between the openings of the outer plurality of apertures. For example, the walls between the openings of the inner plurality of apertures may be thicker (in the plane of the support panel and / or in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support panel) than the walls between the openings of the outer plurality of apertures.

[0036] In any of the cassettes described herein, the openings in the inner plurality of openings may be smaller than the openings in the outer plurality of openings, which can strengthen the central region and reduce the risk of the support panel bowing and causing insufficient contact between the separation substrate and the membrane.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the inner and / or outer plurality of apertures may each comprise two or more different shaped and / or sized apertures.

[0038] Each of the inner plurality of openings and / or each of the outer plurality of openings may have the same shape and / or size.

[0039] Each of the openings in the inner and / or outer plurality of openings can be hexagonal and can form a honeycomb pattern. As previously described, the hexagonal honeycomb configuration provides a strong support panel, but still exposes a significant proportion of the separation substrate.

[0040] At least a portion of the inner and / or outer plurality of apertures may be polygonal and may form an interlocking pattern, each of the polygonal apertures may have three sides or more than four sides.

[0041] Each of the polygonal openings can be hexagonal and the interconnect pattern can be a honeycomb pattern.

[0042] The first support panel can have an inner surface and an outer surface, and the second support panel can have an inner surface and an outer surface. In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. Each opening of the set of openings can be separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall. One or more of the walls can have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel. In other words, the wall or walls between the openings can be thicker (in the plane of the support panel) at the outer surface of the support panel compared to the inner surface of the support panel. This still further reduces the surface area of ​​the support panel in contact with the blotting sandwich, while maintaining strength in the support panel by virtue of the greater surface area of ​​the wall at the outer surface of the support panel.

[0043] The cross section of such a wall may be triangular or trapezoidal. In this sense, the wall tapers from a first width at the outer surface of the support panel to a second, smaller width at the inner surface of the support panel. Alternatively, the wall may not taper, and instead there may be a gradual change in the width of the wall between the outer surface of the support panel and the inner surface of the support panel. Alternatively, the cross section of such a wall may be semicircular.

[0044] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes described herein, one or each of the first and second support panels may be curved. Specifically, one or each of the first and second support panels may be curved inward. Specifically, the first and second support panels may have an inner surface and an outer surface, and when the membrane transfer cassette is in use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. One or both of the support panels may be curved inward such that, in the absence of a blotting sandwich, when the inner surface of the first support panel and the inner surface of the second support panel face each other, the distance between the center of the first support panel and the center of the second support panel is less than the distance between the first and second support panels at the edges of the support panels.

[0045] As a result of this bending, the pressure exerted by the membrane transfer cassette on the blotting sandwich during use is more uniform across the plane of the membrane transfer cassette because the bending compensates for the reduced strength of the support panels at the center compared to the edges.

[0046] One of the first and second support panels can be flat and the other support panel can be curved in this manner. An advantage of this arrangement is that the blotting sandwich can be prepared on a flat support panel (by placing each layer of the blotting sandwich in turn on the flat support panel) and the other panel, which may not be flat, can be placed on top.

[0047] In a fourth aspect, a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided, the cassette comprising a first support panel and a second support panel, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having a plurality of openings, and one or each of the first and second support panels being bent. Specifically, the first and second support panels can have an inner surface and an outer surface, and when the membrane transfer cassette is in use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. One or both of the support panels can be bent inwardly such that, in the absence of a blotting sandwich, when the inner surface of the first support panel and the inner surface of the second support panel face each other, the distance between the center of the first support panel and the center of the second support panel is less than the distance between the first and second support panels at their edges.

[0048] As described above, as a result of this bending, during use, the pressure exerted by the membrane transfer cassette on the blotting sandwich is more uniform across the plane of the membrane transfer cassette because the bending compensates for the reduced strength of the support panels at the center compared to the edges.

[0049] The plurality of apertures may comprise apertures having two or more shapes. Similarly, each of the apertures may have the same shape. The plurality of apertures may comprise apertures of two or more sizes.

[0050] The apertures can be polygonal and can form an interlocking pattern, each of the polygonal apertures can have three sides or more than four sides.

[0051] Each of the polygonal openings can be hexagonal and the interconnect pattern can be a honeycomb pattern.

[0052] The first support panel can have an inner surface and an outer surface, and the second support panel can have an inner surface and an outer surface. In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel. Each opening can be separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall. One or more of the walls can have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel.

[0053] As mentioned above, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels has a plurality of openings. The region may be a central region of each support panel, and each support panel may further include an outer region having openings, the openings in the outer region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the openings in the central region.

[0054] Alternatively, the regions may be outer regions of each support panel, and each support panel may further include a central region having openings, the openings in the central region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the openings in the outer regions.

[0055] The openings in the central region may be smaller than the openings in the outer regions.

[0056] The openings in the central region may be hexagonal and form a honeycomb pattern.

[0057] In any of the cassettes described herein, one or each of the first and second support panels may include a connection mechanism for connecting the first and second support panels together. One of the first and second support panels may be flat, and the other support panel may include a connection mechanism for connecting the first and second support panels together.

[0058] The connection mechanism can be a hinged clip for connecting the first and second support panels together. The hinged clip can be located at an edge of the support panel, such as, for example, the top edge of the membrane transfer cassette (i.e., the topmost edge when the membrane transfer cassette is in use). When the hinged clip is in use, the hinged clip can span 60% or more, preferably 70% or more, of the length of the edge of the panel. The hinged clip helps to strengthen the membrane transfer cassette and reduces bending of the support panel when it spans most of the width of the membrane transfer cassette in this manner during use. When in use, the hinged clip can be positioned to fit across the first and second support panels and the blotting sandwich to hold them together.

[0059] A hinged clip may have a raised portion (i.e., an area of ​​increased thickness) at the end of the clip where the hinge is located, which will increase the strength of the clip at the location of the hinge.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the support panels may be provided with an integral clip at an edge of the support panel that is integral with the support panel and that is positioned to receive the other support panel and the blotting sandwich during use.

[0061] The integral clip can have a first portion extending perpendicular to the plane of the support panel and a second portion extending parallel to the plane of the support panel and facing the support panel.

[0062] As mentioned above, the integral clips are positioned on the edges of each support panel, and if the film transfer cassette also includes a hinged clip, the integral clip and the hinged clip can be positioned on opposite edges of the film transfer cassette, or on the support panel if the hinged clip and integral clip are positioned on the same support panel.

[0063] The integral clip can be the same length, or substantially the same length, as the edge of the support panel on which it is positioned. This is advantageous because the integral clip strengthens the support panel and membrane transfer cassette as a whole, helping to prevent bending of the support panel and cassette during use, which in turn helps to facilitate good contact between the separation substrate and the membrane.

[0064] Both the first and second support panels can have integral clips, such as those described above, each of which can interlock with the other support panel to compress the blotting sandwich between the support panels when in use.

[0065] Alternatively, one of the first and second support panels can include an integral clip and the other support panel can include a hinged clip. Alternatively, one of the first and second support panels can include both an integral clip and a hinged clip, in which case the other support panel can be flat.

[0066] The integral clip may comprise two retaining elements, one at each end of the integral clip, facing each other. In use, at least a portion of the blotting sandwich and / or at least a portion of the lower edge of the other support panel may be located between the two retaining elements. The retaining elements may help align the two support panels and the blotting sandwich therebetween when the cassette is in use, and may reduce the risk that any of the layers of the blotting sandwich and the other support panel move relative to the support panel on which the integral clip is positioned.

[0067] In any of the support panels described herein, the percentage of the surface area of ​​the first and / or second support panels occupied by openings may be between 55% and 75%, and preferably between 65% and 75%.

[0068] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes described herein, the membrane transfer cassette may include one or more support bars. Such support bars can help reduce bending of the support panel during use and can help provide intimate contact between the separation substrate and the membrane. The one or more bars may be integral with one or each of the first and second support panels, or may be separate and attached to the respective support panels by suitable means, such as adhesives, clips, or other fastening means. One or each of the first and second support panels may include a support bar that spans the width of the respective support panel. The bar may be thinner than the support panel itself (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel) so that the support bar does not contact the blotting sandwich during use. In this way, the bar may strengthen the support panel but not increase the surface area of ​​the panel that contacts the blotting sandwich during use. The support bars may equally have different configurations (e.g., the support bar may extend from the top to the bottom of the support panel as opposed to extending from one side to the other). The support bars are not necessarily parallel and may overlap, for example one set of support bars may extend perpendicular to the other set.

[0069] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes disclosed herein, the first support panel may be a different color than the second support panel, allowing the user to properly orient the cassette relative to the electrodes so that the macromolecules are attracted in the correct direction (i.e., toward the membrane and not retracted out the other side of the separation substrate).

[0070] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes disclosed herein, the openings in the first support panel can be the same as the openings in the second support panel, specifically in terms of size and shape. In other words, the openings in the first support panel can be aligned with the openings in the second support panel. Likewise, the openings do not have to be aligned, and the size and / or shape of the openings can differ between the first and second support panels.

[0071] As mentioned above, the benefits of the membrane transfer cassettes disclosed herein relate specifically to large format gels (separation substrates). Examples of gel sizes for use in the membrane transfer cassettes disclosed herein are as follows: - 25.5×19.2cm (DIGE Gel) - 25×25.5cm - 20×20cm - 18.5×20cm - 16×20cm - 16×16cm

[0072] The membrane transfer cassette may be used with 30 x 25 cm gels, or scaled down to 14 x 9 cm or even 8 x 7 cm gels (however, the benefits of increased stability will be compromised with smaller gel sizes). In summary, the cassettes disclosed herein are contemplated for use with gels with dimensions ranging from about 7 cm to about 26 cm, and will be particularly useful for gels with dimensions of about 15 cm or greater. However, it is understood that the cassettes and methods disclosed herein can be used with gels of any size.

[0073] In a fifth embodiment, a support panel for a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided, wherein at least a region of the support panel has an interlocking pattern of polygonal openings. The support panel may optionally include any of the features described herein. For example, the polygonal openings of the support panel may have three sides or five or more sides. The polygonal openings may not necessarily be of the same shape. For example, the polygonal openings may have two or more shapes. Similarly, the polygonal openings may each have the same shape.

[0074] The membrane transfer cassette, any part thereof, or the support panel for the membrane transfer cassette can be made by additive manufacturing (3D printing). The use of additive manufacturing allows for more complex designs that can increase the stability and / or strength of the support panel and / or reduce the contact area between the support panel and the blotting sandwich (e.g., using a smaller surface area of ​​the wall separating the openings on the inside of the cassette as opposed to the outside). This also results in less bulk and lower costs of manufacture. An example of a suitable material is polyamide 12, which is lightweight and improves ease of use. Polyamide 12 also provides chemical resistance to the buffers used and the voltages applied in wet transfer electroblotting.

[0075] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer-aided design file comprising a digital representation of a support panel as described herein or a membrane transfer cassette as described herein, the computer-aided design file being readable by an additive manufacturing device, such as a 3D printer, for the device to fabricate components of the membrane transfer cassette or support panel by additive manufacturing.

[0076] The membrane transfer cassette, or any portion thereof, can also be machined or fabricated by injection molding.

[0077] In a seventh aspect, an electroblotting kit is provided. The kit comprises at least a membrane transfer cassette as described herein and one or more elements of an electroblotting sandwich.

[0078] Herein, the stack of layers used in the electroblotting process, sandwiched between a first support panel and a second support panel, is referred to as a blotting sandwich or electroblotting sandwich. A blotting sandwich (or electroblotting sandwich) includes, in addition to a separation substrate and a membrane, the following: - one or more sponge or fiber pads, and - One or more sheets of filter paper The signal may comprise one or more of:

[0079] For example, a blotting sandwich may include at least the following elements in the following order: - sponge or fiber pad, - one or more sheets of filter paper, - membrane, - separation substrate, - one or more sheets of filter paper, and - Sponge or fabric pad It may comprise:

[0080] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a method of electroblotting comprising using a membrane transfer cassette as described herein.

[0081] A membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided, the cassette comprising a first support panel and a second support panel, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures.

[0082] Each of the polygonal apertures may have three sides or more than four sides.

[0083] The polygonal apertures may comprise apertures having more than one shape. Similarly, each of the polygonal apertures may be the same shape.

[0084] The polygonal aperture may comprise two or more sizes of aperture.

[0085] Each of the polygonal openings can be hexagonal and the interconnect pattern can be a honeycomb pattern.

[0086] The membrane transfer cassette has the following features: - a first support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface; and - the second support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface; Typically,

[0087] In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel, and each polygonal opening is separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall.

[0088] One or more of the walls may have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel.

[0089] As mentioned above, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels can have an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures. The region can be a central region of each support panel, and each support panel can further include an outer region having apertures, the apertures in the outer region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal apertures in the central region.

[0090] Alternatively, the regions may be outer regions of each support panel, and each support panel may further include a central region having an opening, the opening in the central region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal opening in the outer regions.

[0091] The openings in the central region may be smaller than the openings in the outer regions.

[0092] The openings in the central region may be hexagonal and form a honeycomb pattern.

[0093] One or each of the first and second support panels may be bent.

[0094] One of the first and second support panels can be flat, and the other support panel can include a connection mechanism for connecting the first and second support panels together.

[0095] The connection mechanism may be a hinged clip for connecting the first and second support panels together. The hinged clip may be located at an edge of the support panels, and the length of the hinged clip may be 60% or more, preferably 70% or more, of the length of the edge of the panels.

[0096] The percentage of the surface area of ​​the first and / or second support panels occupied by the openings may be between 55% and 75%, preferably between 65% and 75%.

[0097] One of the first and / or second support panels may include an integral clip on an edge of the support panel, the integral clip being integral with the support panel and positioned to receive the other support panel.

[0098] The integral clip may be as long as the edge of the panel.

[0099] A support panel for a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting is provided, wherein at least some area of ​​the support panel has an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures.

[0100] Also provided is a computer-aided design file including a digital representation of a support panel as described herein or a film transfer cassette as described herein, the computer-aided design file being readable by an additive manufacturing device, such as a 3D printer, to fabricate components of the film transfer cassette or support panel by additive manufacturing.

[0101] Also provided are electroblotting kits comprising at least a membrane transfer cassette as described herein and one or more elements of an electroblotting sandwich.

[0102] Also provided is a method of electroblotting that includes using a membrane transfer cassette as described herein.

[0103] For any of the cassettes disclosed herein, the first support panel may be a mirror image of the second support panel in that they may have openings of the same shape, size, and configuration, and may have support frames of the same dimensions. Alternatively, aspects of either the first support panel or the second support panel may differ from the other support panel.

[0104] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes or support panels disclosed herein, one or each of the support panels may include a groove at one of its edges, such as one or more side edges (i.e., edges at the sides of the panel when in use). Such grooves are areas of reduced thickness along the edges of the support panel. These grooves are present to facilitate the use of thicker support panels in a given transfer tank configured to accept a cassette (including a blotting sandwich) of a given thickness. Reducing the thickness of the support panel at an edge, such as a side edge, allows the remainder of the support panel to be thicker than it would otherwise be, while still ensuring that the cassette fits into a slot in the transfer tank. This increased thickness relative to other areas of the support panel makes the support panel stronger and less prone to bending.

[0105] Generally, thicker support panels are preferred for increased strength, but the thickness of the support panel will be limited by the thickness that can be accommodated by the transfer tank.

[0106] In any of the membrane transfer cassettes and / or support panels disclosed herein, the thickness of the walls between the openings (in the plane of the support panel) may preferably be approximately 3-3.5 mm. Such thin walls reduce the surface area where the support panel is in contact with the blotting sandwich, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the blotting sandwich exposed to the buffer. This means that a greater proportion of the macromolecules are transferred from the gel to the membrane, resulting in a more uniform and accurate representation of the location of the macromolecules in the gel. This reduction in the surface area where the support panel is in contact with the blotting sandwich also means that the cassette presses against the membrane over a smaller surface area, which can result in a more accurate measurement of the macromolecules at the membrane as a result of a more uniform background.

[0107] In any of the support panels described herein, one or more openings at the edge of the support panel can be partial openings. This use of partial openings increases the exposure of the separation substrate at the edge of the support panel.

[0108] Although the term "membrane transfer cassette" is used herein, the cassette may also be referred to simply as a "cassette," an "electroblotting cassette," an "electroblotting transfer cassette," or a "transfer cassette."

[0109] As mentioned above, at least some regions of one or each of the first and second support panels may have an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures. Such apertures may alternatively be referred to as simply polygons. Similarly, the interlocking pattern may alternatively be described as a mosaic pattern, pseudo-mosaic pattern, or pattern of interlocking apertures. At least some of the interlocking patterns are patterns in which the centers of the apertures are offset relative to adjacent apertures across rows and / or columns of apertures.

[0110] Any of the apertures disclosed herein may be defined by a network or framework of walls, with each respective wall separating the aperture from an adjacent aperture.

[0111] The openings may form a regular pattern.

[0112] Specific embodiments are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0113] [Figure 1a] FIG. 1 is a diagram of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1b] FIG. 1b is a different view of the membrane transfer cassette of FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4a] FIG. 13 is a diagram of a hinged clip for securing two panels of a membrane transfer cassette together according to the present disclosure. [Figure 4b] FIG. 4b is an alternative view of the clip shown in FIG. 4a. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6a] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6b] FIG. 6b is an alternative view of the support panel of FIG. 6a. [Figure 6c] FIG. 6b is an alternative view of the support panel of FIG. 6a. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8a] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 8b] FIG. 8b is an alternative view of the support panel of FIG. 8a. [Figure 9a] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 9b] FIG. 9b is an alternative view of the support panel of FIG. 9a. [Figure 10a] FIG. 13 is a diagram of another support panel of a membrane transfer cassette according to the present disclosure. [Figure 10b] FIG. 10b is an alternative view of the support panel of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an electroblotting kit according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0114] FIG. 1a shows a membrane transfer cassette 2 comprising a first support panel 4 and a second support panel 6. In use, the elements of a blotting sandwich are placed between the first and second support panels. The membrane transfer cassette 2 further comprises a hinged clip 8 which secures the first support panel 4 to the second support panel 6, thereby holding the elements of the blotting sandwich together in use. The hinged clip 8 is attached to the first support panel 4 by a hinge at a first end 10 of the clip, and fits over the edges of the first and second support panels and the blotting sandwich to secure the first and second support panels together in use. The hinged clip 8 comprises a raised portion 38 to strengthen the clip at the hinge.

[0115] The first support panel 4 is provided with a number of apertures 12, three of which are labelled in Figure 1a. These apertures will be considered in more detail with reference to Figure 2.

[0116] As shown in Figure 1b, the second support panel includes a plurality of openings 14, three of which are labeled in Figure 1b.

[0117] As can be seen most clearly in Figure 1a, the second support panel 6 includes an integral clip 16 which receives the blotting sandwich and first support panel 4 during use and holds the first and second support panels and the blotting sandwich together with the hinged clip 8. The integral clip will be considered in more detail with reference to Figure 3.

[0118] Referring to FIG. 2, the first support panel 4 comprises an outer frame 18 and a number of openings 12, three of which are labeled in FIG. 2. The openings 12 are each hexagonal and interlock to form a honeycomb pattern. This pattern spans the entire height and width of the first support panel, apart from the outer frame 18, to expose the separation substrate to the electric current as much as possible, while still providing enough strength to hold the blotting sandwich together to facilitate good contact between the separation substrate and the membrane. The typical width of the outer frame (in the plane of the support panel) is 9 mm above and below the support panel. Any high molecular weight polymers (which may not migrate far during electrophoresis and may be present on the separation substrate) may be blocked from transfer by the outer frame. Therefore, by making the outer frame relatively narrow (in the plane of the support panel), blocking of such high molecular weight polymers by the outer frame can be avoided.

[0119] The width of the outer frame at the side of the support panel shown in Figure 2 is different at different locations along the side due to the shape of the opening adjacent to the outer frame. The width of the outer frame can typically range from 11 mm at its narrowest point to 18 mm at its widest point. As with the top and bottom edges of the support panel, some macromolecules (e.g., proteins) may be hindered by the outer frame at the side edges of the support panel, so providing a narrow outer frame at the side edges of the panel is also beneficial.

[0120] The openings 12 are separated by a number of walls 13, three of which are labeled in FIG. 2. Specifically, each opening 12 is separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall 13. The walls are typically 3 mm or 3.5 mm wide (in the plane of the support panel) and 5 mm thick (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the support panel). At the top and bottom edges of the first support panel 4 (i.e., the top and bottom edges of the support panel when the membrane transfer cassette is in use), some of the openings 12 are partial openings. For example, opening 12A is a partial hexagon. This use of partial openings increases the exposure of the separation substrate at the edges of the first support panel 4.

[0121] The first support panel 4 comprises a connection opening 20 for receiving a corresponding protrusion (see Figures 1a, 1b, 4a and 4b) on the hinged clip 8, by which the clip 8 can be hinged to the first support panel 4. The connection opening 20 is located at the top edge of the support panel (where top is defined as the uppermost edge when the membrane transfer cassette is in use).

[0122] The first support panel 4 also includes grooves 22 and 24. These grooves are areas of reduced thickness along each of the side edges of the support panel 4, where the side edges are defined as the edges on either side of the top edge mentioned above. These grooves exist to facilitate the use of thicker support panels in a given transfer tank configured to accept a cassette (including a blotting sandwich) of a given thickness. By reducing the thickness of the support panels 4 and 6 at the side edges, the remainder of the support panels can be made thicker than they would otherwise be, while still ensuring that the cassette fits into the slot in the transfer tank. This increased thickness makes the support panels stronger and less prone to bending.

[0123] Generally, thicker support panels are preferred for increased strength, but the thickness of the support panel will be limited by the thickness that can be accommodated by the transfer tank.

[0124] The first support panel 4 also includes notches 23 and 25, one at each bottom corner of the support panel, which interlock with retaining elements 26A and 26B on the second support panel (see FIG. 3), which are described below.

[0125] The first support panel 4 has an inner surface 17 which faces and contacts the blotting sandwich in use. The first support panel 4 also has an outer surface 15 which faces away from the blotting sandwich in use.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 3, the second support panel 6 comprises an outer frame 28 and a plurality of openings 14, three of which are labeled in FIG. 3. As in the first support panel 4, the openings 14 are each hexagonal and interlock to form a honeycomb pattern. The openings 14 are separated by a plurality of walls 30, three of which are labeled in FIG. 3. Specifically, each opening is separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall. The walls are typically 3 mm or 3.5 mm wide (in the plane of the support panel) and 5 mm thick (in a direction perpendicular to the support panel). As in the first support panel, the openings 14 span substantially the entire height and width of the second support panel 6 to maximize exposure of the separation substrate. At the top and bottom edges of the second support panel 6 (i.e., the top and bottom edges of the support panel when the membrane transfer cassette is in use), some of the openings 14 are partial openings. For example, opening 14A is a partial hexagon. This use of partial apertures increases the exposure of the separation substrate at the edge of the second support panel 6. The dimensions of the outer frame are the same as the dimensions of the outer frame of the support panel shown in Figure 2. However, it is understood that this may not be the case and that the dimensions of the first support panel and the second support panel may differ.

[0127] The second support panel 6 includes an integral clip 16 disposed along the bottom edge of the second support panel. The bottom edge is defined as the bottom-most edge of the support panel in use. The integral clip includes a first portion 16A extending perpendicular to the plane of the second support panel and a second portion 16B extending parallel to the plane of the second support panel 6 and facing the second support panel. The integral clip 16 spans the entire width of the bottom edge of the second support panel. At each end of the integral clip 16 is a respective retaining element 26A and 26B. The retaining elements extend perpendicular to the integral clip and face each other. The retaining elements help align the first and second support panels and the blotting sandwich therebetween. The retaining elements 26A and 26B also interlock with the notches 23 and 25 (see FIG. 2) in the first support panel 4. This interlocking prevents relative lateral movement between the first support panel 4 and the second support panel when the first support panel 4 and the blotting sandwich are received in the integral clip 16. This prevention of relative lateral movement is particularly useful when a user is closing the hinged clip 8.

[0128] The second support panel 6 also includes two grooves 34 and 36, one along each side edge of the second support panel 6. These grooves are arranged in the same manner and for the same reasons as grooves 22 and 24 in the first support panel 4. The grooves can also be seen in Figure 1b.

[0129] The second support panel 6 has an inner surface 7 which faces and contacts the blotting sandwich in use. The second support panel 6 also has an outer surface 9 which faces away from the blotting sandwich in use.

[0130] It should be noted that although the openings 12 and 14 are polygonal, they could alternatively have non-polygonal shapes.

[0131] 4a and 4b, the membrane transfer cassette 2 comprises a hinged clip 8. The cross section of the clip is U-shaped to fit across the first support panel 4, the blotting sandwich, and the second support panel 6. At the first end 10 of the clip, the clip 8 comprises a protrusion 32 configured to engage with a connection opening 20 in the first support panel 4 (see FIG. 2). The clip 8 comprises a raised portion 38 (shown in FIG. 4b) at the first end 10 of the clip to strengthen the clip.

[0132] Figure 5 shows an alternative configuration of the first support panel 4. With reference to Figure 5, the first support panel 4 is triangular and includes openings 12 (three of which are labeled in Figure 5) that are arranged in an interlocking pattern. The second support panel 6 may have this configuration of openings or may have a different configuration.

[0133] A number of different shapes of apertures may be used in one or both of the first support panel 4 and the second support panel 6. For example, the apertures 12 and / or 14 may include two or more of a triangle, a rectangle, a square, a pentagon, and a hexagon.

[0134] 6a-6c show an alternative configuration of the first support panel 4. Referring to FIG. 6a-6c, the walls 13 of the first support panel 4 (two of which are labeled in FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, and FIG. 6c) have a smaller surface area at the inner surface 17 of the support panel than the surface area of ​​the walls at the outer surface 15 of the support panel. FIG. 6a shows the outer surface 15 of the support panel that faces away from the blotting sandwich during use. FIG. 6b shows the inner surface 17 of the support panel shown in FIG. 6a that faces and contacts the blotting sandwich during use. At the inner surface 17, the walls 13 between the openings 12 have a smaller surface area than the surface area of ​​the walls 13 at the outer surface 15 of the support panel. In this way, the outer surface 15 provides strength to the support panel and the inner surface 17, where the surface area of ​​the walls 13 is smaller, reducing the contact area between the support panel and the blotting sandwich.

[0135] Figure 6c shows a cross-sectional view of the support panel of figures 6a and 6b, the cross-section of each of the walls being trapezoidal.

[0136] 6a-6c show a first support panel having walls formed in this manner, the second support panel can equally have walls of this form (with a greater surface area on the outer surface of the support panel than on the inner surface). Either or both of the first and second support panels can have walls formed in this manner.

[0137] FIG. 7 shows an alternative configuration of the first support panel 4. With reference to FIG. 7, the first support panel 4 is provided with openings of different sizes. Specifically, the first support panel 4 has a central region (encircled by a dotted line and labelled 11C) and an outer region 11D (i.e. the region outside the enclosed portion 11C), the central region 11C having smaller openings 12C than the openings in the outer region 11D (openings 12D). The walls 13C of the openings in the central region 11C are also thicker (in the plane of the support panel) than the walls between the openings in the outer region 11D (walls 13D). Only some of the walls and openings are labelled in FIG. 7 for clarity. These features described with reference to FIG. 7 may equally be applied to the second support panel 6. One or both of the first and second support panels may have the features described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0138] 8a and 8b show an alternative configuration of the first support panel 4. Referring to Fig. 8a and 8b, the first support panel 4 is bent. Specifically, the first support panel 4 is curved such that, in the absence of the blotting sandwich, when the inner faces of the first support panel and the second support panel face each other, the distance between the center of the first support panel 4 and the center of the second support panel 6 is smaller than the distance between the first and second support panels at their edges. As described above, as a result of this bending, the pressure exerted by the membrane transfer cassette on the blotting sandwich during use is more uniform across the plane of the membrane transfer cassette. This is because the bending compensates for the reduced strength of the support panel at the center compared to the edges. It is understood that either or both of the first and second support panels can be bent in this manner.

[0139] 9a and 9b show alternative configurations of the first support panel 4. Referring to Figs. 9a and 9b, the first support panel 4 comprises a number of support bars 40 (two of which are labeled in Figs. 9a and 9b) to strengthen the support panel. The support bars span the width of the first support panel and are thinner (in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the panel) than the support panel itself, such that the support bars 40 do not come into contact with the blotting sandwich during use. In this way, the bars strengthen the support panel but do not increase the surface area of ​​the panel that comes into contact with the blotting sandwich during use. The support bars may equally have different configurations (e.g., the support bars may extend from the top to the bottom of the support panel as opposed to extending from one side to the other). The support bars are not necessarily parallel and may overlap, e.g., one set of support bars may extend perpendicular to the other set.

[0140] 10a and 10b show further configurations of the first support panel 4. Referring to FIG. 10a, the first support panel 4 comprises two different shaped apertures. Specifically, the first support panel 4 comprises a first region 52 (shown enclosed in FIGS. 10a and 10b) comprising a plurality of triangular apertures 12E (two of which are labeled in FIGS. 10a and 10b for clarity). Each triangular aperture is rotated 180° with respect to each adjacent triangle to form an interlocking pattern.

[0141] The first support panel 4 also comprises a second region 54 with hexagonal openings 12F, two of which are labeled in Figs. 10a and 10b for clarity. The hexagonal openings 12F are arranged in a honeycomb pattern. The hexagonal openings 12F are larger than the triangular openings 12E. The difference in shape and size between the openings 12E and 12F means that the support panel is stronger in the first region 52 (with the smaller triangular openings 12E) but exposes a larger percentage of the membrane in the second region 54 (thus facilitating better transfer of polymer to the membrane during use). In this way, the size and shape of the openings in different regions of the support panel can be selected to control the properties of the support panel in those regions (such as strength and percentage exposure of the membrane during use).

[0142] Although Figures 10a and 10b show a support panel with two regions where the openings in one region are of a different shape and size than the openings in the other region, it is understood that the openings in the two regions can be of the same or similar size, but have different shapes. For example, triangular openings 12E can be of the same or similar size as hexagonal openings 12F. Equivalently, the openings in the two regions can all be of the same shape, but of different sizes (e.g., as shown in Figure 7), with the openings in one region being of a different size than the openings in the other region. It is understood that the features described with reference to Figures 10a and 10b can additionally or alternatively be applied to the second support panel 6.

[0143] FIG. 11 shows the following: a first support panel 4, - Sponge 44A, - 1 filter paper 46A, - a separation matrix (gel) 48; - membrane 50; - 1 filter paper 46B, - Sponge 44B, - a second support panel 6; 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electroblotting kit 42 comprising:

[0144] The elements of FIG. 11 are shown stacked in the order in which they would be used, but spaced apart for clarity.

[0145] Any membrane transfer cassette disclosed herein, or portions thereof, can be made from a material that can tolerate immersion in a buffer solution containing alcohol while being exposed to high voltages (up to 400V) and high temperatures (up to 60°C). An example of such a material is polyamide 12. Other types of plastics, such as nylon, may also be used. The cassette may be made from metal.

[0146] References made herein to polygons and polygonal shapes will be understood to be intended to refer to polygons which may have rounded corners or slightly curved edges, but which are generally polygonal in shape.

[0147] Various aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide several advantages, for example, when compared to known systems currently used for electrophoresis of small gels. Such embodiments can, for example, be used in a wider range of sizes and shapes and provide increased support strength at larger sizes. Insufficient support strength of the gel and membrane sandwich during electroblotting of large gels in conventional systems is known to result in poor results (i.e., poor resolution). Also, in various conventional devices where the amount of support material used is relatively large (i.e., with a large surface area), current disturbances in the support area and protein transfer disturbances may also occur. Thus, certain embodiments of the present invention may be provided to address such issues.

[0148] The singular terms "a" and "an" should not be construed to mean "one and only one." Rather, unless otherwise stated, they should be construed to mean "at least one" or "one or more." The word "comprising" and its derivatives, including "comprises" and "comprise," include each of the stated features but do not exclude the inclusion of one or more additional features.

[0149] The above implementations have been described by way of example only, and the described implementations are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be understood that modifications of the described implementations can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It will also be understood that there are many variations which have not been described and which are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0150] Reference numbers for features shown in the drawings are placed in parentheses in the claims to facilitate comprehension, and these reference numbers should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0151] Also disclosed is the following:

[0152] 1. A membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting, the cassette comprising a first support panel and a second support panel, at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures.

[0153] 2. The membrane transfer cassette described in item 1, wherein each of the polygonal openings has three sides or five or more sides.

[0154] 3. The membrane transfer cassette according to item 1 or 2, wherein the polygonal opening comprises an opening having two or more shapes.

[0155] 4. The membrane transfer cassette according to item 1 or 2, wherein each of the polygonal openings is the same shape.

[0156] 5. A membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the polygonal opening has openings of two or more sizes.

[0157] 6. The membrane transfer cassette of item 1, wherein each of the polygonal openings is a hexagon and the interconnection pattern is a honeycomb pattern.

[0158] 7. A first support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface; a second support panel having an inner surface and an outer surface; In use, an inner surface of the first support panel faces an inner surface of the second support panel; each polygonal opening is separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall; 7. The membrane transfer cassette of any one of the preceding items, wherein one or more of the walls has a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than the surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel.

[0159] 8. A membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the region is a central region of each support panel, and each support panel further comprises an outer region having an opening, the opening in the outer region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal opening in the central region.

[0160] 9. A membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the regions are outer regions of each support panel, and each support panel further comprises a central region having an opening, the opening in the central region differing in one or more of shape, size, or pattern from the polygonal opening in the outer regions.

[0161] 10. The membrane transfer cassette according to item 8 or 9, wherein the opening in the central region is smaller than the opening in the outer region.

[0162] 11. The membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the openings in the central region are hexagonal and form a honeycomb pattern.

[0163] 12. The membrane transfer cassette of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein one or each of the first and second support panels is curved.

[0164] 13. A membrane transfer cassette described in any one of items 1 to 12, wherein one of the first and second support panels is flat and the other support panel has a connection mechanism for connecting the first support panel and the second support panel together.

[0165] 14. The membrane transfer cassette according to item 13, wherein the connection mechanism is a hinged clip for connecting the first and second support panels together, the hinged clip being disposed at an edge of the support panels, and the length of the hinged clip being 60% or more, preferably 70% or more, of the length of the edge of the panels.

[0166] 15. A membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 14, wherein the percentage of the surface area of ​​the first and / or second support panel occupied by the openings is between 55% and 75%, preferably between 65% and 75%.

[0167] 16. A membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 15, wherein one of the first and second support panels has an integral clip at an edge of the support panel, the integral clip being integral with the support panel and positioned to receive the other support panel.

[0168] 17. The membrane transfer cassette according to item 16, wherein the integral clip is the same length as the edge length of the panel.

[0169] 18. A support panel for a membrane transfer cassette for electroblotting, wherein at least some area of ​​the support panel has an interlocking pattern of polygonal apertures.

[0170] 19. A computer-aided design file comprising a digital representation of the support panel described in item 18 or the membrane transfer cassette described in any one of items 1 to 17, the computer-aided design file being readable by an additive manufacturing device, such as a 3D printer, to fabricate components of the membrane transfer cassette or support panel by additive manufacturing.

[0171] 20. An electroblotting kit comprising at least a membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 17 and one or more components of an electroblotting sandwich.

[0172] 21. A method of electroblotting, comprising using a membrane transfer cassette according to any one of items 1 to 17. [Explanation of symbols]

[0173] 2. Membrane Transfer Cassette 4 First Support Panel 6 Second Support Panel 7 Inner surface of second support panel 8 Hinged Clip 9 Outer surface of second support panel 10 First End 11C central area 11D outer area 12, 12A First Support Panel Opening 12C Central Area Opening 12D Outer Area Opening 12E Triangular opening 12F Hexagonal opening 13. Wall 13C Wall 14, 14A Opening in second support panel 15 Outer surface of first support panel, outer surface 16 Integrated Clip 16A First Part 16B Second Part 17 Inner surface of first support panel 18 Outer Frame 20 Connection opening 22, 24 groove 23, 25 Notch 26A, 26B retaining elements 28 Outer Frame 30 Wall 32 Protrusion 34, 36 groove 38 Raised area 40 Support rod 42 Electroblotting Kit 44A, 44B Sponge 46A, 46B Filter paper 48 Separation Substrate (Gel) 50 membrane 52 First Area 54 Second Area

Claims

1. A membrane transfer cassette (2) for electroblotting, comprising a first support panel (4) and a second support panel (6), at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having an interconnected pattern of polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F), the polygonal openings having three sides or five or more sides.

2. 2. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 1, wherein each of said polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) has six or more sides.

3. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the polygonal opening (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) comprises an opening having two or more shapes.

4. 3. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each of said polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) is of the same shape.

5. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) comprise openings of two or more sizes.

6. 2. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 1, wherein each of said polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) is hexagonal and said interconnection pattern is a honeycomb pattern.

7. The first support panel (4) has an inner surface (17) and an outer surface (15); The second support panel (6) has an inner surface (7) and an outer surface (9); In use, the inner surface of the first support panel faces the inner surface of the second support panel; Each polygonal opening (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) is separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall (13, 30); 7. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 1, wherein one or more of the walls have a surface area at the outer surface of the support panel that is greater than a surface area of ​​the wall at the inner surface of the support panel.

8. A membrane transfer cassette (2) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the region is a central region (11C) of each of the support panels (4, 6), each of the support panels further comprising an outer region (11D) having an opening (12D), the opening in the outer region differing in one or more of shape, size or pattern from the polygonal opening (12C) in the central region.

9. A membrane transfer cassette (2) as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the regions are outer regions (11D) of each of the support panels (4, 6), each of the support panels further comprising a central region (11C) having an opening (12C), the opening in the central region differing in one or more of shape, size or pattern from the polygonal opening (12D) in the outer regions.

10. 10. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the opening (12C) in the central region (11C) is smaller than the opening (12D) in the outer region (11D).

11. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the openings (12C) in the central region (11C) are hexagonal and form a honeycomb pattern.

12. A membrane transfer cassette (2) for use in electroblotting, comprising: a first support panel (4) having an inner surface (17) and an outer surface (15); a second support panel (6) having an inner surface (7) and an outer surface (9); Equipped with In use, the inner surface (17) of the first support panel (4) faces the inner surface (7) of the second support panel; one or each of said first and second support panels has a set of openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F), each opening being separated from each adjacent opening by a respective wall (13, 30); A membrane transfer cassette (2), wherein one or more of said walls have a surface area at said outer surface of said support panel that is greater than a surface area of ​​said wall at said inner surface of said support panel.

13. 13. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of the set of apertures (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) are polygonal apertures that form an interlocking pattern.

14. 14. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the set of openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) comprises openings having two or more shapes.

15. 14. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein each of said openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D) is of the same shape.

16. 16. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the set of openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) comprises openings of two or more sizes.

17. 17. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein each of said polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) has three sides or five or more sides.

18. 14. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 13, wherein each of said polygonal openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) is hexagonal and said interconnection pattern is a honeycomb pattern.

19. One or each of the first and second support panels (4, 6) comprises a central region (11C) having a plurality of inner openings (12C) and an outer region (11D) having a plurality of outer openings (12D). the set of apertures includes at least a portion of the inner and / or outer plurality of apertures; 19. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 12, wherein the openings of the inner plurality of openings differ from the openings of the outer plurality of openings in one or more of shape, size, or pattern.

20. A membrane transfer cassette (2) for use in electroblotting, comprising: A first support panel (4); A second support panel (6) and Equipped with the or each of said first and second support panels comprises a central region (11C) having a plurality of inner openings (12C) and an outer region (11D) having a plurality of outer openings (12D); A membrane transfer cassette (2), wherein the openings of the inner plurality of openings differ from the openings of the outer plurality of openings in one or more of shape, size, or pattern.

21. A membrane transfer cassette (2) for electroblotting, comprising a first support panel (4) and a second support panel (6), at least a region of one or each of the first and second support panels having a plurality of openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F), and one or each of the first and second support panels being bendable.

22. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 21, wherein one of the first and second support panels (4, 6) is flat and the other support panel is provided with a connection mechanism (8, 16) for connecting the first support panel and the second support panel together.

23. The membrane transfer cassette (2) of claim 22, wherein the connection mechanism is a hinged clip (8) for connecting the first and second support panels (4, 6) together, the hinged clip being arranged at an edge of the support panels, and the length of the hinged clip is 60% or more, preferably 70% or more, of the length of the edge of the panels.

24. A membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the percentage of the surface area of ​​the first and / or second support panels (4, 6) occupied by the openings (12, 14, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F) is between 55% and 75%, preferably between 65% and 75%.

25. A membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein one of the first and second support panels (4, 6) is provided with an integral clip (16) at an edge of the support panel, the integral clip being integral with the support panel and positioned to receive the other support panel.

26. 26. The membrane transfer cassette (2) according to claim 25, wherein said integral clip (16) is of the same length as the edge length of said panels (4, 6).

27. A support panel (4,6) for a membrane transfer cassette (2) for electroblotting, at least some areas of said support panel having an interconnected pattern of polygonal openings (12,14,12C,12D,12E,12F).

28. A computer-aided design file comprising a digital representation of a support panel (4, 6) according to claim 27 or a film transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, the computer-aided design file being readable by an additive manufacturing device, such as a 3D printer, which device produces components of the film transfer cassette or the support panel by additive manufacturing.

29. 27. An electroblotting kit (42) comprising at least a membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 26 and one or more elements (44A, 46A, 48, 50, 46B, 44B) of an electroblotting sandwich.

30. 27. A method of electroblotting comprising the step of using a membrane transfer cassette (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 26.

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