Electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer devices, systems, and methods

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer comprising one or more chambers (10a, 10b) capable of removably and interchangeably receiving either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette, providing an electrical interface for both electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules. The present disclosure also provides an electrophoresis device including a clamp and an electrophoretic transfer cassette, as well as related devices. Methods for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer using the systems and devices of the present disclosure are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to Related Applications This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 051,349, filed Jul. 13, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to systems capable of performing both electrophoresis and electrotransfer of biomolecules. The present disclosure further relates to electrophoresis systems, electrophoresis devices, electrotransfer systems, and electrotransfer devices. Methods of electrophoresis and electrotransfer using the systems and devices are also described.

Background Art

[0003] Electrophoresis is a common procedure for separating biological molecules (biomolecules) such as nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, polypeptides, proteins, etc. based on their size and charge. In gel electrophoresis, biomolecules can be separated into bands by an electric field that moves the molecules through a filtering matrix. A typical filtering matrix includes a gel. An electrophoresis cassette comprises a slab of a filtering matrix (such as a gel) sandwiched between two glass or plastic plates. The gel has an open molecular network structure defining pores saturated with a conductive buffer solution containing salts. These pores are large enough to allow the passage of biomolecules moving through the gel in response to an electric field. Several types of gels, such as polyacrylamide gels, agarose gels, starch gels, etc., can be used for electrophoresis, but are not limited thereto.

[0004] During electrophoresis, the gel in a precast or self-cast electrophoresis cassette is typically filled with a sample containing biomolecules and tracking dyes and is positioned in a chamber having cathodes and anodes that come into contact with a buffer solution, allowing for the formation of an electric field throughout the gel when connected to a power source. The electric field thus generated is applied throughout the gel, consisting of a negative charge at one end and a positive charge at the other, causing the biomolecules and tracking dyes of the sample to separate from each other and move towards the bottom of the gel. Electrophoresis is stopped before the biomolecules of interest reach the edges of the gel.

[0005] Biomolecules separated electrophoretically are typically transferred from the separation gel to another material for further analysis of the biomolecules, such as immunological characterization, chemical reactions, and quantification, but not limited to these. Electroblotting, or electrophoretic transfer, is a known method in the art for transferring degraded or separated biomolecules from a gel to another material.

[0006] In electrophoretic transfer, following the electrophoretic separation of biomolecules, the electrophoretic gel containing the separated biomolecules is positioned in contact with a relatively thin material or support. The material is typically, but not limited to, porous materials such as nitrocellulose-based membranes, PVDF-based membranes, activated paper, or activated nylon membranes. A buffer solution is applied to the electrophoretic transfer device, and an electric current passes through the sandwiched gel and blotting membrane in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the blotting membrane. This results in the electrophoretic transfer of some or most of the biomolecules from the gel to the porous material. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Existing systems, apparatus, and methods for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer require separate systems and devices for each step. For example, in the case of electrophoresis, a gel cassette, a gel tank for holding the gel cassette and electrophoretic buffer, and electrodes for supporting electrical connectivity are part of several separate pieces of equipment required. In the case of electrophoretic transfer, an electrophoretic transfer stack, electrodes, a container for holding the stack and electrophoretic transfer buffer, and electrical connectivity are required. Each step has several time-consuming steps and requires different sets of equipment. In addition, existing electrophoresis systems often have problems with the use of large amounts of buffer, such as buffer overflow and / or overflow and / or leakage of buffer from the anode and cathode buffer reservoirs. Wet electrophoretic transfer systems in the art also have similar problems, including overflow and / or leakage of buffer during assembly and execution, and the use and waste of large amounts of buffer during stack assembly. Wet electrophoretic transfer systems also often generate large amounts of hazardous waste, such as waste transfer buffer, typically containing methanol or other hazardous substances. There is a need in this field for superior gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer devices, systems, and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The systems, devices, and methods described herein address several problems in the art. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein address problems in the art by providing a single system that can be used for both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein address problems in the art by providing leak-free gel electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer devices and systems. In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein address problems in the art by providing increased throughput, lower buffer volume requirements, and reduced amounts of liquid hazardous waste for electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer.

[0009] In one embodiment, a system for gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer comprises at least one chamber, one compartment, one vessel, or one component that can detachably and interchangeably receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette and can provide an electrical interface for both electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules.

[0010] In one embodiment, the system has at least two chambers that enable parallel processing of electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules on two or more gels or transfer membranes.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may comprise two or more chambers to enable simultaneous electrophoretic separation and / or simultaneous electrophoretic transfer of multiple gels / matrices / membranes / materials.

[0012] While most embodiments of this disclosure are described in non-limiting embodiments of two chambers, the teachings can be extended to one chamber or to three or more chambers positioned adjacent to each other to increase throughput. In some embodiments, at least two chambers in the system of this disclosure can be arranged back-to-back, side-by-side, or adjacent to each other, or in tandem, or touching each other, or positioned adjacent to each other, or stacked, or one stacked vertically on top of the other, or joined at an angle, or stacked vertically, with one chamber above and the other behind the other in a staggered manner, and / or one or both chambers tilted at an angle to each other.

[0013] Some embodiments describe gel electrophoresis cassettes and clamp systems that can be incorporated into the systems of the present disclosure, and that the systems can perform both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. Some embodiments also describe various electrophoretic transfer cassettes that can be incorporated into the systems of the present disclosure, and that the systems can perform both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer.

[0014] The systems, devices, cassettes, and methods of this disclosure are advantageous compared to existing systems and devices for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer, resulting in one or more of the aforementioned outcomes, including: a single system for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer; the ability to perform high-throughput electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules on two or more gels or transfer membranes simultaneously; a reduction in the number of devices or components; cost reduction; a reduction in accessories; a reduction in the required equipment footprint; a reduction in storage space for systems and devices; a reduction in buffer overflow; a reduction in leakage; a reduction or no overfilling of buffer; a reduction in buffer usage; and a reduction in liquid hazardous waste. In contrast to some existing devices and systems for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer, the systems and devices for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer reduce preparation work by not requiring the cooling of buffer or freezing of ice packs for use to reduce the temperature during use. The devices and systems of this disclosure use lower voltage and power in some embodiments.

[0015] In one embodiment, the disclosure describes a system comprising at least one chamber or one compartment configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette. The system further comprises electrodes and electrical connectors that can be connected to a power source to provide electrical connectivity to the chamber in order to facilitate electrophoresis or electrophoresis transfer in the electrophoresis cassette or electrophoresis transfer cassette positioned in the chamber.

[0016] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure comprises at least two chambers, each independently configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette, a first electrode, and a second electrode.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure comprises at least two chambers, each independently configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette, a first electrode, and a second electrode, the electrodes having an electrical interface to which they can be connected to an external or internal power supply. In some embodiments, the first and second electrodes have interfaces extending into each chamber such that each chamber has an anode and a cathode.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first electrode spans both chambers or has an interface spanning both chambers and is configured to electrically contact an electrical interface located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the first electrode has extensions into each chamber that function as anodes during electrophoresis.

[0019] In some embodiments, the second electrode has an extension configured to contact a second electrode interface located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the second electrode has an interface that spans both chambers or spans both chambers and is configured to electrically contact an electrical interface located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the second electrode has an extension that functions as a cathode in each chamber during electrophoresis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first electrode is the anode and the second electrode is the cathode.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first electrode spans both chambers or is divided into components or electrode interfaces located in each chamber of the system of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the second electrode spans both chambers or is divided into components or electrode interfaces located in each chamber of the system of the disclosure.

[0022] In some embodiments of the systems of this disclosure, a first electrode (including its interface and components) is connected to a common first electrical node, and a second electrode (including its interface and components) is connected to a common second electrode node. In some embodiments, the first and second electrode nodes are located in a chamber or part of the system that is configured to be electrically connected to a power source.

[0023] In some embodiments, the first and second electrode nodes are positioned in a chamber or part of the system that contacts a lid configured to cover the system.

[0024] In some embodiments, the system of the Disclosure may further include a lid configured to cover at least one chamber or compartment. In one embodiment, the lid of the system of the Disclosure includes an electrical connection that is detachably connectable to a power supply, and one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to chamber electrodes and complete an electrical circuit in the chamber or compartment when the lid is positioned on the device, in order to facilitate electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. The electrodes in at least one chamber are also configured to electrically connect to an electrical interface of an electrophoretic transfer cassette of the Disclosure.

[0025] In some embodiments, the system cover may have an electrical connection that is detachably connectable to a power supply, comprising one or more cables and / or one or more plugs into which a power supply can be plugged. An external power supply is typically used in the systems of the present disclosure. However, the systems of the present disclosure may also have an internal power supply.

[0026] In some embodiments, the lid of the system can comprise mechanical features that interact with complementary mechanical features at the top of the chamber such that when the system is in use, the electrical contacts on the lid connect with the first and second electrical nodes in an orientation that prevents inversion of the electrodes. In some embodiments, the lid can comprise mechanical features such as grooves that can engage with a user's finger to enable easy removal of the lid.

[0027] In some embodiments, the lid of the system can comprise color-coded features operable to cover the chamber in an orientation that enables connection of the electrical contacts of the lid to corresponding first and second electrical nodes that prevent inversion of the electrodes when in use.

[0028] In some embodiments, the lid of the system can comprise at least one feature such as one or more cable hooks that wrap an electrical cable around the lid and enable it to be kept safe during storage. In some embodiments, the lid of the system has one or more vents that enable the discharge of buffer vapor during electrophoresis or electrotransfer. In some embodiments, the lid is made of a transparent or translucent material that enables visibility during use to confirm whether the setup is correct and to check performance.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the lid is used with an electrophoresis system, mechanical features such as ridges or grooves on the underside of the lid enable the lid to fit the chamber only when the cam handle (used to secure the electrophoresis gel cassette to the system) is locked.

[0030] In one embodiment, the disclosure describes a system comprising: two chambers, each independently configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette; three electrodes; and a lid configured to cover the chambers, wherein the lid comprises an electrical connection that can be detachably connected to a power supply; and one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the electrodes to complete the electrical circuits of each of the two chambers when the lid is positioned over the chambers. In some embodiments of the system, the three electrodes comprise a first electrode spanning both chambers and a second electrode positioned in each chamber. In some embodiments, the lid comprises at least two electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the first and second electrodes to complete the electrical circuits for each of the two chambers when the lid is positioned over the device.

[0031] In some embodiments, at least two chambers of the system of the present disclosure are separated by at least one common surface between them. Non-limiting embodiments of the common surface between chambers include walls between at least parts of two chambers, partitions between at least parts of two chambers, common connectors, and the like. In some embodiments, at least two chambers are separated by a space between two chambers. In some embodiments, at least two chambers are separated by a common surface and a space between at least two chambers.

[0032] Each chamber has at least a first inner surface and a second inner surface. Additional inner surfaces may be present. In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may further include a gasket positioned adjacent to or on one portion of the inner surface of the chamber. In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may further include a gasket positioned adjacent to or on a portion of the first inner surface. Typically, a three-sided gasket used in non-limiting embodiments may be a C-shaped or U-shaped gasket. Alternatively, two-sided or four-sided gaskets may be used similarly.

[0033] In embodiments, when the system of the present disclosure or at least one of its chambers is used for electrophoresis, one or two electrophoresis cassettes may be located in the chamber or compartment of the system. In some embodiments, an electrophoresis cassette for use in the system of the present disclosure comprises two parallel plates, the two parallel plates having a gel sealed between the two plates. Each chamber or compartment of the system of the present disclosure is configured to independently receive an electrophoresis cassette and is further configured to independently receive a clamping or fixing mechanism that is operable to clamp an electrophoresis cassette in one or more chambers / compartments. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is operable to clamp an electrophoresis cassette to the inner surface of the chamber / compartment. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is operable to clamp an electrophoresis cassette to a sealing mechanism such as a gasket, or to a clamping or fixing mechanism within the chamber / compartment. In some embodiments, the gasket is located in at least a portion of the inner surface of the chamber / compartment of the system of the present disclosure. Typically, a three-sided gasket used in a non-limiting embodiment may be a C-shaped or U-shaped gasket. Alternatively, a two-sided or four-sided gasket may be used in a similar manner.

[0034] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system for performing gel electrophoresis, comprising a base and a removable lid that provides electrical connectivity to a power source and has electrical connectors for completing a circuit between the chamber electrodes when positioned on the base, each chamber comprising at least two chambers, each chamber configured to independently receive an electrophoresis cassette comprising two parallel plates for enclosing a gel, each chamber configured to individually receive clamps for securing the electrophoresis cassette to the surface of each chamber, a single first electrode spanning both chambers, and each chamber comprising a separate second electrode connected to a common electrical node. In one embodiment, the system for electrophoresis of the present disclosure comprises one electrophoresis cassette. In one embodiment, the system for electrophoresis of the present disclosure comprises two electrophoresis cassettes.

[0035] In some embodiments, the first electrode of the chamber further comprises a wire extending along the bottom of each chamber to allow current to flow across the chamber for electrophoresis. In some embodiments, the wire extending along the bottom of each chamber serves as the anode during electrophoresis when the electrophoresis cassette is positioned in one or both chambers. The wire can be made of any conductive material, but is not limited to platinum, gold, silver, copper, palladium, steel, stainless steel, iridium, conductive plastic, or any coated conductive material.

[0036] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a clamp for securing an electrophoresis cassette to a surface. In one embodiment, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises: a cam plate having a flat surface and two protruding ridges, both of which are positioned on the first side of the flat surface, and configured such that the protruding ridges of the cam plate are positioned to contact adjacent to the edge of the first plate of the electrophoresis cassette; and two independently movable cam handles, which are operable to move forward toward the cam plate or backward toward the cam plate, and are attached to the cam plate via pegs positioned on the cam plate, wherein moving the cam handles forward toward the cam plate secures the electrophoresis cassette to the surface, and moving the cam handles backward toward the cam plate releases the electrophoresis cassette from the surface. The two protruding edges, positioned perpendicular to the flat surface of the cam plate facing the electrophoresis cassette, are positioned adjacent to the cam arms and provide guidance for positioning the electrophoresis cassette. Optionally, the cam plate may also have two additional projections located on the second side of the flat surface of the cam plate and projecting from the edge of the cam plate in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the cam plate facing away from the electrophoresis cassette.

[0037] In another embodiment, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises a cam plate having a flat surface and two protruding ridges, the protruding ridges of the cam plate being positioned to contact adjacent to the edge of a first plate of an electrophoresis cassette; and two independently movable cam handles, operable to move forward toward the cam plate or backward toward the cam plate, and attached to the cam plate via pegs positioned on the cam plate, wherein moving the cam handles forward toward the cam plate secures the electrophoresis cassette to the surface, and moving the cam handles backward toward the cam plate releases the electrophoresis cassette from the surface.

[0038] In some embodiments, the cam handle of the clamp of the present disclosure can move within a range of motion from 0 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the cam handle of the clamp of the present disclosure can move within a range of motion from 0 to 45 degrees.

[0039] In some embodiments, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of small protrusions on the bottom side of the flat surface of the cam plate. In some embodiments, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of small protrusions on the bottom side of the flat surface of the cam plate facing the gel cassette. The number of small protrusions can vary. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, and so on, are located on the bottom side of the flat surface of the cam plate facing the gel cassette. The design of the small protrusions can vary in shape and size. In some embodiments, the small protrusions are configured to distribute pressure across all parts of the gel cassette plate at the bottom to prevent warping or bending of the gel cassette during electrophoresis and / or when the gel cassette is fixed for electrophoresis. In some embodiments, the small protrusions allow for free circulation of buffer ions at the bottom of the cassette.

[0040] In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp of the Disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette is the surface of a part or portion of the electrophoresis tank. In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp of the Disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette is the surface of a part or portion of the system of the Disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer.

[0041] In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp of the present disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette is a part or portion of an electrophoresis tank, or a wall or gasket disposed on the surface, or a part or portion of a system of the present disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer.

[0042] The clamping mechanism or clamp of the present disclosure creates or forms a fluid-seal seal between an electrophoresis cassette and a gasket in a chamber / compartment of a system. In some embodiments, clamping an electrophoresis cassette to a chamber or compartment of a system of the present disclosure results in two fluidly separated subchambers / subcompartments in the chamber or compartment. In some embodiments, a first subchamber / subcompartment is formed between a portion of the first inner surface of the chamber / compartment, a portion of the gasket, and a plate of the electrophoresis cassette facing the first inner surface of the chamber of the system in which the electrophoresis cassette and clamp are positioned. In some embodiments, the portion of the gasket forming the first subchamber comprises three sides of the gasket, including the left, right, and bottom sides of the gasket. In some embodiments, a second subchamber / subcompartment is formed between the left and right sides of the gel cassette, the sides of the gel cassette facing the second inner surface, and the rest of the chamber of the system in which the electrophoresis cassette and clamp are positioned.

[0043] The subchamber or subcompartment thus formed can be filled with buffer for electrophoresis during use of the system and can function as first and second buffer reservoirs.

[0044] In some embodiments, a first buffer reservoir is formed between a portion of the first inner surface of the chamber / compartment, a portion of the gasket, and the plate of the electrophoresis cassette facing the first inner surface of the chamber of the system in which the electrophoresis cassette and clamp are positioned. In some embodiments, a second buffer reservoir is formed between the right and left edges of the gel cassette, the plate / side of the gel cassette facing the second inner surface, and the rest of the chamber in which the electrophoresis cassette and clamp are positioned.

[0045] The system of this disclosure is not limited to any size and can be scaled up or down to accommodate electrophoresis cassettes or electrophoresis transfer cassettes of any size. For example, the electrophoresis cassettes that can be used may include one or more small gel cassettes, medium gel cassettes, and large gel cassettes. In other non-limiting embodiments, each chamber of the system of this disclosure may contain an electrophoresis buffer in volume of approximately 30 ml to 5 liters.

[0046] In some embodiments of the system of this disclosure, one or both chambers of the system have an electrophoresis cassette and a clamp. In some embodiments of the system of this disclosure, one or both chambers of the system have an electrophoresis transfer cassette.

[0047] In some embodiments of the system of this disclosure, one chamber of the system has an electrophoresis cassette and clamps, and the other chamber of the system has an electrophoresis transfer cassette.

[0048] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to electrophoretic transfer cassettes. In one embodiment, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises two plates (or shells) which can be reversibly or permanently joined by at least one joining mechanism to allow the two plates to move between an open position and a closed position; a mechanism for locking the two plates in the closed position; and a sealing mechanism which is operable to seal the two plates in the closed position to form a liquid-proof seal on at least three sides, wherein the second plate is configured to receive components of a transfer stack inside it, and the outsides of the first and second plates each have at least one electrical interface connected to electrodes located inside each plate.

[0049] In embodiments where the liquid-sealing seal is formed on three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette, the three sides are the bottom, left, and right sides of the cassette. In some embodiments, the liquid-sealing seal is formed on all four sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette.

[0050] In some embodiments, the bonding mechanism of an electrophoretic transfer cassette comprises one or more of the following: a hinge, multiple hinges, a non-connecting hinge, a clamp, one or more hooks, one or more clips, mechanical components of both plates (or shells) that can slide and interlock, bonding, taping, joining or welding of two plates, a linkage design, two plates connected by a flexible material, or an external component for bonding two plates. In some embodiments, the bonding mechanism is reversible or permanent. A permanent bonding mechanism allows the two plates to remain together as a single component. This can be advantageous for the user as it provides fewer components and / or also makes closing the plates easier because the plates do not need to be aligned before closing. A reversible bonding mechanism allows for two separate shells.

[0051] In some embodiments, the electrodes positioned inside the two plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure are plate electrodes embedded in or positioned on the inner surface of each plate. In alternative embodiments, the electrodes positioned inside the two plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette may be wire electrodes, wire mesh electrodes, or rod electrodes. These electrodes may be made of conductive materials such as, but are not limited to, steel, stainless steel, copper, platinum, palladium, iridium, titanium, conductive coating materials, and conductive plastics.

[0052] In some embodiments, the external electrical interface of the plate electrode can be any design that allows electrical contact, such as a spring, electrical node, bracket, pin, plug, or electroplating interface to the electrode. The external electrical interface is configured to connect physically or electrically to an electrode or electrode extension having an electrical connection to a power source. The electrode or electrode extension can be provided in a system of the present disclosure that can perform both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. The electrode or electrode extension can be provided in any system that can perform electrophoretic transfer.

[0053] In one embodiment, the system of the present disclosure is configured such that a first electrode spanning both chambers contacts a first electrode interface on an electrophoretic transfer cassette which can be positioned within one or more chambers. In some embodiments, the first electrode interface on the electrophoretic transfer cassette is an anode interface.

[0054] In some embodiments, the second electrode of the chamber / compartment of the present disclosure has an extension configured to contact a second electrode interface on an electrophoretic transfer cassette that can be positioned within one or more chambers. In some embodiments, the second electrode interface on the electrophoretic transfer cassette is a cathode interface.

[0055] Non-limiting examples of electrode interfaces in the systems, cassettes, devices, and other components of this disclosure may include springs, nodes, adapters, plugs, connectors, and pins.

[0056] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises a slider. In some embodiments, the slider comprises a band that wraps around the outer width portion of the first plate, a lateral extension of the band that further wraps around the outer depth portion of the first plate, and an element operable to reversibly engage with the outer portion of the second plate to form a lock between the first plate and the second plate when engaged. In some embodiments, when the two plates are closed, the slider of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure aligns with a corresponding element on the second plate that is operable to slide to form a lock.

[0057] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a slider that can be attached to one of the plates via one or more mounting features. In some embodiments, the slider may have a mating mounting feature that is operable and permanently or reversibly attached to the plate. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is a slider located on one plate, and a mechanical mating feature on the slider can mate with a corresponding mechanical feature located on the other plate. The mating features are typically located on both sides of each plate.

[0058] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may consist of a clamp on one plate and a clamp closure positioned on the other plate. The clamp mechanism is typically attached to one plate via mounting features. The clamp typically has a mating mounting feature that allows the clamp to be attached to the other plate. Various mounting features, such as pegs and hole mechanisms, can be used.

[0059] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism of the electrophoresis transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises at least one slider. In one exemplary embodiment, when two plates are closed, the slider (as described above) moves toward the upper edge of the plate to form a lock and liquid-tight seal on at least three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In one exemplary embodiment, when two plates are closed, the slider moves toward the lower edge of the plate to form a lock and liquid-tight seal on at least three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In one exemplary embodiment, when two plates are closed, a slider located on one side of the closed plate moves up and down to form a lock and liquid-tight seal on at least three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the liquid-tight seal can be formed on all four sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. The formation of the liquid-tight seal (or liquid-tight seal) creates or forms a liquid reservoir within the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure may further include a gasket positioned on one of the two plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette.

[0060] In some embodiments, the lip or protrusion may be located on the first plate or on the second plate. The lip or opening facilitates the dispensing of liquid into or out of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. The lip or protrusion may also provide additional structural support to the cassette. In some embodiments, the second plate has a lip or protrusion or opening on its upper side, which, after being sealed on the other three sides, is operable to dispense liquid (such as transfer buffer) into the electrophoresis transfer cassette or to pour liquid out of the cassette after the electrophoresis transfer is complete. The electrophoresis transfer cassette may have visual markers, such as a filling line or other indication, in the liquid reservoir to indicate the amount of liquid (such as electrophoresis transfer buffer) to be filled by the user.

[0061] In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure further comprises elements providing a support structure positioned outside or inside the first or second plate. In some embodiments, the support structure for the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure may be positioned outside the cassette. In non-limiting embodiments, the support structure can reduce or prevent warping or curvature of the first plate. In non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the support structure may comprise one or more ribs, one or more protrusions, one or more grooves, one or more protruding structures, concave or convex structures, one or more reinforcing elements that are added externally to the plate or are small protrusions, inserts, or can be combined with supports in the electrophoretic transfer system that provide support and / or rigidity to the electrode plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. In some embodiments, one or more support structures allow the two electrode plates to be parallel to each other and enable a uniform electric field for efficient transfer of biomolecules during electrophoretic transfer.

[0062] In some embodiments, the support structure allows the second plate to be held at a certain angle. In some embodiments, the angle created by the support structure allows for ergonomic advantages in assembling and / or viewing the transfer stack. In some embodiments, the angle of the support structure allows the second plate to contain an amount of transfer buffer that helps keep the transfer stack hydrated throughout the assembly. In some embodiments, the angle of the support structure reduces buffer outflow on the second plate during the assembly of the transfer stack.

[0063] In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is configured to be positioned in a system of the present disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is configured to be positioned in any system capable of performing electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette, locked and sealed, is used in the electrophoretic transfer system.

[0064] In non-limiting embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassettes that can be used may include cassettes that can be used to simultaneously transfer biomolecules from one or more small gel cassettes, one or more medium gel cassettes, and one or more large gel cassettes to one or more electrophoretic transfer membranes.

[0065] In some embodiments, during use, the liquid reservoir of the closed and sealed electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is filled with buffer and is located in the chamber of the system of the present disclosure, which can perform both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer, and the lid of the system is located on the chamber and connected to a power supply to complete the electrical circuit of the electrophoretic transfer cassette system. In some embodiments, during use, the buffer is not filled into the liquid reservoir before electrophoretic transfer.

[0066] In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a system for performing electrophoretic transfer, comprising: at least two chambers; a base comprising: a single first electrode spanning the two chambers and connected to a first electrical node located on the upper side of the base; and second electrodes located in each chamber, the two second electrodes connected by a common second electrical node located on the upper side of the base, wherein each chamber is configured to independently receive an electrophoretic transfer cassette, the electrophoretic transfer cassette comprising: two plates joined by a joining mechanism configured to allow the two plates to move from an open position and a closed position; and a locking mechanism operable to lock the two plates. The present invention provides a system comprising: a mechanism; a sealing mechanism operable for liquid-sealing at least three sides of an electrophoretic transfer cassette; a second plate configured to receive components of a transfer stack inside it; the outsides of the first and second plates each having at least one electrical connection connected to an electrode positioned inside each plate, the electrical connections on the first and second plates electrically contact the first and second electrodes of the chamber; and a removable lid covering the chamber, the lid providing electrical connectivity to a power source; and the lid having an electrical connector that electrically connects to the electrical connections of the electrophoretic transfer cassette to complete the circuit when the electrophoretic transfer cassette is positioned on the base and the lid covers the base. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism comprises a slider operable to lock (or clamp or bias) the two plates in a closed position. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism comprises a slider capable of sealing the two plates in a closed position to form a liquid-sealing seal on at least three sides. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism further comprises at least one gasket positioned on at least one of the two plates. In one embodiment, the system for electrophoretic transfer of the present disclosure comprises one electrophoretic transfer cassette. In one embodiment, the system for electrophoretic transfer of the present disclosure comprises two electrophoretic transfer cassettes.

[0067] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to methods for performing gel electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer using the devices and systems described herein.

[0068] In some embodiments, a method for performing gel electrophoresis includes obtaining an electrophoresis cassette having a gel, removing a gel comb from the electrophoresis cassette, optionally rinsing the wells with water or electrophoresis buffer, positioning the electrophoresis cassette in at least one chamber of the system of the disclosure, positioning the clamp of the disclosure within the chamber and clamping the gel cassette to a portion of the surface of the chamber, pouring electrophoresis buffer into a first buffer reservoir, pouring electrophoresis buffer into a second buffer reservoir, filling the wells with samples and controls, connecting the system's electrical nodes / interfaces / connectors (electrically connected to the electrodes of the chamber) to a power supply, selecting voltage and time on a power supply unit, and performing electrophoresis on the samples and controls.

[0069] In some embodiments of this method, the gel cassette is positioned adjacent to a gasket present on the wall of at least one chamber. In some embodiments, the clamping step includes moving the cam handle of the clamp of this disclosure toward the gel cassette to lock them in place.

[0070] In some embodiments of the system of the present disclosure having a lid, the step of connecting an electrical node / interface / connection in the system to a power supply includes the steps of positioning the lid in the system such that the electrical connections of the lid are connected to the system electrode interface / node / connection with the correct polarity, and connecting a plug in the lid to a power supply.

[0071] This disclosure also provides electrophoretic transfer cassettes and electrophoretic transfer systems. In some embodiments, the gel used for electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from a gel to a transfer membrane is a gel operated in any electrophoretic system. In other embodiments, the gel used in the electrophoretic transfer method of this disclosure may be a gel operated in the electrophoretic systems described above.

[0072] In some embodiments, the gel on which electrophoresis is being performed to degrade biomolecules is first removed from the electrophoresis cassette. This typically involves prying open or breaking open the electrophoresis cassette with a gel knife and removing the gel before assembling the transfer stack. The transfer stack typically comprises a sponge and one or more layers of filter paper (and / or other porous gel-like material immersed in electrophoresis transfer buffer), a gel on which biomolecules to be degraded by electrophoresis are positioned, a transfer membrane (typically nitrocellulose, PVDF, or any porous material), and another stack of one or more layers of filter paper and another sponge immersed in electrophoresis transfer buffer. This stack can be assembled on one plate of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. Typically, the plate in the electrophoresis transfer cassette having a cathode is the plate on which the stack is assembled. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tray of the present disclosure is designed to position the electrophoresis transfer cassette in an open position and to assemble the transfer stack. The trays of this disclosure are designed to contain excess buffer and to avoid spillage and mess on the bench and table, as well as to provide a container for immersing consumables in buffer before transfer.

[0073] In one embodiment, a method for performing electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules includes obtaining a gel in which biomolecules have been separated by electrophoresis; assembling a transfer stack on a second plate of an electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, which includes positioning blotting material on the gel and further positioning filter paper and sponge above and below the blotting material and gel stack; closing the first plate of the electrophoretic transfer cassette on the second plate; locking and sealing the electrophoretic transfer cassette on at least three sides by a locking and sealing mechanism on the electrophoretic transfer cassette; positioning the electrophoretic transfer cassette in at least one chamber of the system of the present disclosure capable of performing electrophoretic transfer and electrophoresis; connecting electrical connections / nodes / interfaces on the system to a power supply; selecting the transfer voltage and execution time of the power supply; and performing electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from the gel onto the blotting material.

[0074] In one embodiment, locking and sealing are achieved by sliding a slider over the electrophoresis transfer cassette to lock and seal the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In another embodiment, locking and sealing are achieved by clamping a clamp to the electrophoresis transfer cassette to lock and seal the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In yet another embodiment, sealing is achieved by a gasket placed on at least one of the two plates of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. The gasket may be a three-sided or four-sided gasket.

[0075] In some embodiments, the seal forms a liquid-seal seal. In some embodiments, the liquid-seal seal is formed on at least three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In one embodiment, positioning the electrophoresis transfer cassette within the chamber of the system of the present disclosure includes standing the electrophoresis transfer cassette upright such that the junction side (hinge / hook side) is at the bottom of the system and the unsealed fourth side is at the top. At this stage, the method may optionally include pouring electrophoresis transfer buffer into the opening at the top of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, since the transfer stack has sufficient buffer, it is not necessary to pour additional electrophoresis transfer buffer into the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In embodiments of the system of the present disclosure having a lid, the step of connecting the electrical connections of the system to a power source includes positioning the lid on the chamber such that the electrical connections of the lid connect to the chamber electrode connections, and connecting the electrical connections on the lid to a power source.

[0076] In some embodiments, the liquid-sealing seal is formed on all sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette.

[0077] In some embodiments, the assembly of the transfer stack on the second plate is performed by positioning an open electrophoretic transfer cassette on a tray to avoid the outflow of buffer onto the surface. In some embodiments, the assembly of the stack includes immersing filter paper and sponge in transfer buffer, pouring the transfer buffer onto the second plate, positioning the sponge layer, followed by the filter paper, on the second plate, oriented the gel with the wells toward the bottom of the electrophoretic transfer cassette and positioning the gel on top of the filter paper, positioning a blotting material (such as, but not limited to, a membrane, PVDF membrane, nylon membrane, or porous material on which biomolecules can be transferred) on top of the gel, using a roller to remove air bubbles from each layer of the stack, positioning another piece of filter paper on top of the blotting material (membrane), and positioning another piece of sponge on top of the filter paper.

[0078] In some embodiments, the Disclosure provides a method for simultaneously performing both electrophoretic transfer and electrophoresis, comprising: clamping an electrophoresis cassette in a first chamber of the System of the Disclosure; filling the electrophoresis cassette with a sample containing biomolecules to be electrophoresed; positioning an electrophoretic transfer cassette having a transfer stack comprising a gel containing biomolecules and a blotting material on which electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules is desired, in a second chamber of the System of the Disclosure; and using a power supply device to select a voltage and optionally select a desired duration for the voltage to run; and performing electrophoresis in the electrophoresis cassette and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from the gel to the blotting material. In some embodiments, electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer are performed at different times because a common voltage is used.

[0079] These and other features of this instruction will become clearer from the detailed explanations in the following chapters.

[0080] One or more embodiments of this disclosure can be better understood by referring to one or more drawings below. Those skilled in the art will understand that the drawings below are for illustrative purposes only. The drawings are not intended in any way to limit the scope of this teaching. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0081] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary system of the present disclosure having two chambers, which can be used to perform electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is an exploded view showing the layers of a component according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figures 1 and 2 are side views of the system of the present disclosure according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figures 1 and 2 show a front perspective view of the system of the present disclosure, with the lid positioned according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A]This is a front perspective view of the lid of the system of the present disclosure according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] This is a top view of the lid of the system of the present disclosure according to one embodiment. [Figure 5C] This is a bottom view of the lid of the system of the present disclosure according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A-6B] Figure 6A shows a detailed view of the lid portion of the system of the present disclosure according to one embodiment, with an exemplary cable retainer and spring clip shown in Figure 6B showing part of the cable electrode node and electrical connector. [Figures 7A-7D] An exemplary clamp for clamping an electrophoresis cassette to the chamber of the system of the present disclosure is shown. A cam arm positioned on the side of the clamp according to one embodiment is shown. Figure 7A shows a front perspective view of the clamp, Figure 7B shows a front view of the clamp, Figure 7C shows a rear view of the clamp, and Figure 7D shows a side view of the clamp. [Figure 8A] A front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoresis system of the Disclosure is shown, illustrating an electrophoresis gel cassette and clamp positioned within both chambers of the system of the Disclosure, according to one embodiment, with the clamp in the unlocked position. [Figure 8B] Figure 8A shows a front perspective view of the electrophoresis system, illustrating an electrophoresis gel cassette and clamp positioned within both chambers of the system of the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, with the clamp in the locked position. [Figure 8C] Figure 8B shows a front view of the electrophoresis system, illustrating an electrophoresis gel cassette and clamp positioned within both chambers of the system of the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, with the clamp in the locked position. [Figure 9A] Figure 8B shows a front perspective view in which a lid, which can be positioned on the system according to one embodiment, is shown on top. [Figure 9B] Figure 9A shows a front perspective view of one embodiment in which the lid is positioned on the system. [Figure 10A] This shows an internal front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette in the open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10B] Figure 10A shows an internal front view of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10C] Figure 10B shows a rear view of the back side of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the open position, according to one embodiment. [Figure 10D] Figure 10A shows a front perspective view of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the closed and unlocked positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 10E] Figure 10D shows a front view of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the closed and unlocked positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 10F] Figure 10E shows a rear view of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the closed and unlocked positions according to one embodiment. [Figure 10G] Figure 10A shows a front perspective view of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the system in the closed and locked position according to one embodiment. [Figure 10H] Figure 10G shows a front view of the electrophoresis transfer cassette in the closed and locked position according to one embodiment. [Figure 10I] Figure 10H shows a rear view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette in the closed and locked position according to one embodiment. [Figure 11A-11C] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, having a clamp closure and locking mechanism, is shown in one embodiment, with Figure 11A showing the open position, Figure 11B showing the closed position, and Figure 11C showing the locked position. [Figures 12A-12E] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, having a hinge and two plates with a slider on one plate for closing and locking, is shown in Figure 12A showing the open position with an exploded view of the transfer stack assembly, Figure 12B showing the open position with the assembled stack, Figure 12C showing the half-open position, Figure 12D showing the closed position with a slider that can be slid down to lock the cassette, and Figure 12E showing the locked position with the slider slid down. [Figure 13A-13C]An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, having two plates without a hinge and with a slider lock attached to one of the plates, is shown in Figure 13A showing the open position, Figure 13B showing the unlocked position with the slider closed but with the slider at the top, and Figure 13C showing the locked position with the slider sliding downward. [Figures 14A-14E] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, having a hinge and two separate plates with a slider on one of the plates for closing and locking, is shown in one embodiment, with Figure 14A showing the open position with an exploded view of the transfer stack assembly, Figure 14B showing the open position with the assembled stack, Figure 14C showing the half-open position with details of the locking mechanism, Figure 14D showing the closed position with a slider that can slide upward to lock the cassette, and Figure 14E showing the closed and unlocked position with additional details of the interlocking mechanism. [Figures 15A-15D] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, having at least one hinge and at least one slider on one plate for closing and locking, with Figure 15A showing an internal front view in the open position, Figure 15B showing an external rear view in the open position, Figure 15C showing a closed but unlocked position with a slider that can be slid down to lock the cassette, and Figure 15D showing a locked position with the slider slid down. [Figure 16] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is shown, having at least one hinge and at least one slider on one plate for closing and locking, the slider sliding downward to form a lock and seal and sliding upward to unlock and open. [Figures 17A-17B] Two different exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassettes according to this disclosure are shown, each having two separate, unconnected plates locked together with a slider, each having a different number of contact points for the slider's locking interface. [Figure 18] An exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is shown, having two separate plates with a bonding mechanism at the bottom of the plates, such as a slider for closing and locking, and a hook or detachable hinge, with a slider for closing and locking, where a slider slides down to lock the cassette and up to unlock it. [Figure 19A] A front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer system of the present disclosure is shown, illustrating an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of Figure 10H inserted into one chamber of the system according to one embodiment. [Figure 19B] Figure 16A shows a front view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer system according to one embodiment. [Figure 19C] Figure 16A shows a front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer system according to one embodiment, with the lid positioned on top. [Figure 20] An exemplary front perspective view of a tray used to assemble an electrophoretic transfer stack and cassette according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 21] An illustrative method of electrophoresis according to one embodiment is shown. [Figures 22A-22F] Figure 22A illustrates an exemplary method of electrophoretic transfer according to one embodiment, where Figure 22A shows an open electrophoretic transfer cassette positioned in a tray, Figure 22B shows an electrophoretic transfer cassette with an exploded view of the transfer stack, Figure 22C shows an electrophoretic transfer cassette in a closed and locked position in a tray, Figure 22D shows an electrophoretic transfer cassette in a closed and locked position positioned to be positioned within an electrophoretic transfer system, Figure 22E shows an electrophoretic transfer cassette within an electrophoretic transfer system, and Figure 22E shows an electrophoretic transfer cassette within an electrophoretic transfer system with a lid to allow electrical connection. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0082] It should be understood that neither the above summary nor the following detailed description are intended to limit the scope of this teaching, but are merely illustrative and descriptive. In this application, the use of singular forms includes plural forms unless otherwise specifically stated. For example, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" as used herein also include plural forms unless the context indicates otherwise. Similarly, singular terms as used herein also mean plural forms or vice versa unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0083] Furthermore, the use of “comprise,” “contain,” and “include,” or variations of their roots, such as “comprise,” “contained,” and “including,” is not intended to be restrictive. The use of “or” means “and / or” unless otherwise stated. The term “and / or” means that the preceding and following terms can be understood together or separately. For illustrative purposes only and not restrictive, “X and / or Y” may mean “X” or “Y” or “X” and “Y.”

[0084] Whenever a range of values ​​is provided herein, unless otherwise specified, that range includes a starting value, an ending value, and any value or range of values ​​between them. For example, "0.2 to 0.5" means the range between them, such as 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.2 to 0.3, 0.3 to 0.4, 0.2 to 0.4, the increments between them, such as 0.25, 0.35, 0.225, 0.335, 0.49, the incremental range between them, such as 0.26 to 0.39, and so on.

[0085] As used herein, the terms “or any combination thereof” refer to all permutations and combinations of the items listed prior to the term. For example, “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” is intended to include at least one of A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and in certain contexts where order is important, it also includes BA, CA, CB, ACB, CBA, BCA, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this embodiment, combinations containing repetitions of one or more items or terms are explicitly included, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB. Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise evident from the context, there is typically no limit to the number of items or terms in any combination.

[0086] This specification describes systems, devices, and methods for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules. The systems, devices, and methods of this disclosure overcome several problems in the art. In some embodiments, systems are described that can be used for both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. The systems for gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer comprise, in some embodiments, one or more chambers, compartments, or components that can detachably and interchangeably receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette and can provide an electrical interface for both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules. Thus, the systems of this disclosure provide a single instrument platform for performing two different biomolecular analysis methods.

[0087] In some embodiments, the systems, devices, and methods described herein overcome problems in the art by providing an electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer system having multiple chambers to enable parallel processing of electrophoretic gels or electrophoretic transfer from multiple gels to multiple electrophoretic transfer membranes, thereby providing increased throughput for electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the system has at least two chambers that enable parallel electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules on two or more gels or transfer membranes.

[0088] The systems, devices, and methods described herein also overcome other problems in the art by providing leak-free gel electrophoresis systems. The systems, devices, and methods described herein also overcome other problems in the art by providing leak-free electrophoretic transfer devices and electrophoretic transfer systems.

[0089] Accordingly, the systems, devices, cassettes, and methods of the present disclosure, compared to existing systems and devices for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer, result in at least one of the aforementioned advantages, including: a single system or platform for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer; the ability to perform multiple electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer procedures in a single device by processing biomolecules in two or more gels or transfer membranes simultaneously; improved throughput of electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer; reduced number of devices or parts or components; reduced cost; reduced footprint for equipment storage; reduced spillage; reduced leakage; reduced cleaning; reduced amount of buffer and reagents used; and reduced liquid hazardous waste (such as methanol in transfer buffer waste, compared to existing systems and devices for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer). In addition, in contrast to some existing devices and systems for electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer, the present systems and devices for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer reduce preparation work by not requiring cooling of buffers or freezing of ice packs for use to reduce the temperature during use of the system or device. An additional advantage provided by the present invention is that the current and power requirements are lower compared to existing devices.

[0090] The chapter headings used herein are for structural purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter in any way. All documents and similar materials cited in this application, including but not limited to patents, patent applications, articles, books, papers, and internet web pages, are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety for any purpose, regardless of the form of such documents and similar materials. If one or more of the incorporated documents and similar materials define or use terms in a manner inconsistent with their definitions in this application, this application shall prevail. While these instructions are described in conjunction with various embodiments, they are not intended to limit these instructions to such embodiments. On the contrary, these instructions include various substitutes, variations, and equivalents, as will be understood by those skilled in the art in light of these instructions.

[0091] The figures and drawings provided herein are used to illustrate exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will notice that the drawings and examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this teaching. Not all parts are labeled in each figure, and unless otherwise noted, similar parts are numbered similarly and may not be shown in each figure or in all parts described herein.

[0092] I. Systems and Devices: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a system that can be used for both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. In one embodiment, the system of the present disclosure comprises at least one chamber, compartment, vessel, or component configured to removably and interchangeably receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette. The system further comprises electrodes and a lid capable of covering the at least one chamber, compartment, or component and providing electrical connectivity. The terms “chamber,” “compartment,” “vessel,” “component,” “base,” or “base of the system” are used interchangeably herein.

[0093] 1) Systems for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a system for gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer, comprising at least one chamber capable of removably and interchangeably receiving either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette, and providing an electrical interface for both electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules. In one embodiment, the system has at least two chambers that enable simultaneous processing of electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules on two or more gels or transfer membranes.

[0094] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an exemplary system 100' that can be used for both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. In one exemplary embodiment, system 100' has two chambers 10a and 10b configured to perform electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. Each chamber 10a and 10b is independently configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoretic transfer cassette. While Figure 1 and several other drawings and embodiments in this disclosure describe non-limiting embodiments of two chambers, this teaching can be extended to systems for electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer having only one chamber, or to systems having three or more chambers positioned adjacent to each other to increase the throughput of the system of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the system of this disclosure has three or more chambers to enable electrophoretic separation or electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules to be placed in a gel / matrix / membrane / material in each of its chambers.

[0095] As shown in the embodiment of Figure 1, the two chambers 10a and 10b are arranged adjacent to each other in a back-to-back configuration. In alternative embodiments, the chambers in the system of the Disclosure may be arranged adjacent to each other, side by side, back to back, in tandem, touching each other, or positioned adjacent to each other, or positioned diagonally, or one may be stacked vertically on top of the other, or one chamber may be stacked vertically on top of the other in a staggered configuration, and / or one or both chambers may be tilted diagonally to each other.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1, system 100' comprises chambers 10a and 10b, each configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette, and comprises a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 13, each electrode having an electrical interface or nodes 12d and 13d that can be electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The power source may be external or internal. In some embodiments, the first electrode 12 and the second electrode 13 have extensions or interfaces such as 12a, 12b, 12c, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13c', 13c'' extending into each chamber, such that each chamber has an anode and a cathode.

[0097] In some embodiments, the first electrode 12 has interfaces such as 12a and 12b that span both chambers 10a and 10b, or are configured to electrically contact an electrical interface located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the first electrode 12 has extensions into each chamber, such as, but not limited to, a wire 12c that functions as an anode during electrophoresis.

[0098] In some embodiments, the second electrode 13 has extensions or interfaces, such as 13c' and 13c'', configured to contact electrode interfaces located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette, but not limited to these. In some embodiments, the second electrode 13 has interfaces that span both chambers or span both chambers, which are shown in non-limiting embodiments as 13c' and 13c'', configured to electrically contact electrical interfaces located on the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, the second electrode 13 has extensions that extend into each chamber, shown in non-limiting embodiments as 13a and 13b, which function as cathodes in each chamber during electrophoresis.

[0099] Figure 2 is an exploded view of Figure 1 showing an exemplary arrangement of components of system 100' according to one embodiment. At least two chambers 10a and 10b are independently configured to interchangeably receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette. The two chambers also comprise three electrodes 12, 13a and 13b. In some embodiments, the three electrodes comprise a first electrode 12 that spans both chambers and second electrodes 13a and 13b positioned in each chamber. The first electrode 12 has extensions 12a and 12b that span chambers 10a and 10b, respectively. The first electrode 12 has two extensions 12c, one in each chamber 10a and 10b.

[0100] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first electrode 12, spanning both chambers as extensions 12a and 12b and / or extension wires 12c located in each chamber, is connected to a first electrical node 12d, and the two second electrodes 13a and 13b (each second electrode located in one chamber 10a and 10b in the base 100' of system 100) are connected to a common second electrode node 13d. In some embodiments, the first electrode node 12d and the second electrode node 13d are interfaces that connect to a power supply.

[0101] In some embodiments, the first electrode 12 spanning both chambers in the system of the disclosure is an anode. In some embodiments, the second electrodes 13a and 13b present in one or more chambers of the system of the disclosure are cathodes.

[0102] In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the first electrode 12 further comprises a wire 12c extending along the bottom of each chamber 10a and 10b to allow current to flow across the chambers for electrophoresis. The wire 12c is made of any conductive material, but is not limited to platinum, gold, silver, copper, palladium, steel, stainless steel, iridium, conductive plastic, or any coated conductive material. The wire 12c extending along the bottom of each chamber serves as the anode during electrophoresis when the electrophoresis cassette is positioned in one or both chambers 10a and / or 10b. In some embodiments, the wire 12c is covered by a retaining means 18, which in non-limiting embodiments is shown as a perforated plastic strip. The perforations allow the wire 12c to make physical contact with the electrophoresis buffer in the chamber, while the retaining means allows the wire 12c to remain fixed to the floor of the chamber. This allows the electric field to pass from the anode wire 12c to the buffer. The retaining means 18 also protects the anode wire 12c from damage during use of the system.

[0103] Other retaining means with similar functions can be used. The frame 11 can optionally be part of the retaining means 18 and can also serve as a mount for the three electrodes 12, 13a, and 13b. In some embodiments, the frame 11 and the retaining means 18 are combined to form a single part.

[0104] The frame 11 protects the wire electrode 12c as it exits the electrode 12 and extends down the sides of each chamber 10a and 10b. In some embodiments, the frame 11, along with the perforations 18, optimizes the electric field generated by the anode wire 12c and the cathode.

[0105] The two chambers 10a and 10b of the system of the present disclosure are separated by at least one common surface 14 between them. Non-limiting embodiments of the common surface 14 between chambers include a wall between at least a portion of the two chambers, a partition between at least a portion of the two chambers, multiple walls, or multiple partitions. In some embodiments, the two chambers 10a and 10b are separated by a space 15 between the two chambers. In some embodiments, the two chambers 10a and 10b are separated by a common surface 14 and at least a space 15 between the two chambers.

[0106] Each chamber 10a and 10b has at least a first inner surface 16a and a second inner surface 16b. Additional inner surfaces may be present (not expressly shown). In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may further include a gasket 17 positioned adjacent to or on one portion of the inner surfaces of the chambers. As shown in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the base 100' of the system 100 includes a gasket 17 positioned adjacent to or on a portion of the first inner surface 16a. The gasket 17 is generally a three-sided gasket, and in non-limiting embodiments, it may be a C-shaped or U-shaped gasket. Alternatively, two-sided or four-sided gaskets may be used similarly. In some embodiments, the gasket 17 may be positioned in a groove 19 adjacent to the inner surface 16a.

[0107] Figure 3 is a side view of the system 100' shown in Figures 1 and 2, according to one embodiment.

[0108] In some embodiments, system 100', also shown as system 100 in Figure 4, may further comprise a lid 20 configured to cover two chambers 10a and 10b. Figure 4 is a front perspective view showing the lid 20 covering system 100', the lid 20 comprising an electrical connection 21 that can be detachably connected to a power supply, and one or more electrical contacts 23a and 24a (located inside the lid - see Figure 5C) configured to electrically connect to a first electrode 12 and a second electrode 13 via electrical interfaces or electrode nodes such as 12d and 13d, to complete the electrical circuit between electrodes for each of the two chambers when the lid 20 is positioned over the chambers 10a and 10b. 22 indicates a cable clip.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first electrode node 12d and the second electrode node 13d are located in the chamber portion of the system that contacts the lid 20 (see Figures 1, 2, and 3 for the electrode nodes, and Figures 4 and 5A-5C for further details of the lid 20).

[0110] As shown in Figure 4, the lid 20 includes an electrical connection 21 that can be detachably connected to a power supply. In some embodiments, the lid 20 of system 100 may include an electrical connection that can be detachably connected to a power supply, which includes one or more cables and / or one or more plugs that can be plugged into a power supply. An external power supply is typically used in the systems of this disclosure. However, systems with an internal power supply are also intended.

[0111] As shown in Figure 4, the electrical connection 21 is typically a plug having one or more banana plugs 21a and 21b that can be plugged into an external power supply (not shown). The electrical connection 21 may include a cable clip 22. Cables 21c and 21d from the electrical connection 21 are connected to cables 21c and 21d that go to cable holders 23 and 24 on both sides of the cover. Cables 21c and 21d typically have one negatively charged cable (typically colored black) and one positively charged cable (typically colored red), and one or more electrical contacts (typically banana jacks, metal tabs, or any electrical interface), shown here as 23a and 24a, configured to complete the electrical circuits of each of the two chambers 10a and 10b when the lid 20 is positioned over the chambers 10a and 10b.

[0112] In some embodiments, the lid 20 may have at least two cable hooks 26 that allow electrical cables to wrap around the lid and be kept secure during storage. In some embodiments, the lid 20 may have one or more slots 27c on the top surface that allow ventilation or airflow to release moisture accumulated during electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the lid 20 may have one or more slots 27c on the top surface that provide partial visibility of the buffer under the lid. In some embodiments, the lid is made of a transparent or translucent material (typically plastic) that allows visibility. For example, a user can see bubbles forming in the buffer during electrophoresis or electrophoretic transfer to know that the device is functioning when plugged in. Alternatively, a user can see inside the system to confirm the positioning of components within the system.

[0113] Figure 5A is a front perspective view of an exemplary lid 20 of the System 100 of the present disclosure according to one embodiment. Figure 5B is a top view of the lid 20 shown in Figure 5A, and Figure 5C is a bottom view. As shown in Figures 5A-C, the lid 20 includes cables 21c and 21d from electrical connections 21a and 21b, such as 23b and 24b, which are configured to electrically connect to chamber electrodes and complete the electrical circuit of one or more chambers when the lid is positioned over the chamber, in order to facilitate electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer by the System 100, and which are further connected to one or more electrical contacts or electrical connectors located inside the lid.

[0114] Figures 6A and 6B are detail views of parts of the lid 20, with Figure 6A showing an exemplary cable retainer 24 (similar to 23 on the opposite side) and spring clip 25, and Figure 6B showing a portion of the cable ending at electrical connectors 23a and 24a (24a is shown here). The electrical connectors or contacts 23a and 24a on the lid 20 connect to chamber electrode nodes 12d and 13d. Typically, the electrical contacts 23a and 24a are banana jacks, and the electrode nodes 12d and 13d are banana plugs. However, other types of electrical contacts and nodes are also conceivable.

[0115] In some embodiments, the lid 20 of system 100 may have at least one feature, such as a cable wrap 26, for wrapping electrical cables during storage. In some embodiments, the lid 20 of system 100 may have mechanical features 27a and 27b that interact with complementary mechanical features located on the top of the chamber, such as 10c and 10d, so that when system 100 is in use, electrical contacts on the lids 23a and 24a connect to the first electrical node 12d and the second electrical node 13d in an orientation that prevents electrode reversal.

[0116] In some embodiments, the system lid may have color-coded features such as one negatively charged cable, typically color-coded black, and one positively charged cable, typically color-coded red (colors not shown in the drawings), which are operable to cover chambers 10a and 10b in an orientation that allows the electrical contacts 23a and 24a of the lid to connect to corresponding first electrical nodes 13d and second electrical nodes 12d, preventing electrode reversal when in use.

[0117] 2) Systems and devices for electrophoresis: In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a system 100 for performing gel electrophoresis. In one embodiment, a gel electrophoresis cassette and clamp system is described, which can be positioned within the system of the present disclosure capable of performing both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer. The electrophoresis cassette may include any precast or self-cast electrophoresis cassette (such as a gel cassette) used in the art to separate biomolecules. The electrophoresis cassette typically comprises two plastic or glass plates arranged parallel to each other, with a matrix in between which biomolecules can migrate and be degraded. Electrophoresis cassettes known in the art typically comprise a partition plate, a holder plate, and a matrix. Non-limiting examples of the matrix include gels made of polymeric materials such as agarose, acrylamide, polyacrylamide, dextran, and starch. A comb with teeth is typically positioned between the two plates at the upper end of the electrophoresis cassette to create a depression at the top of the gel into which a sample containing biomolecules can be filled. The use of any parallel plate gel housing is intended for the clamp and electrophoresis / electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure.

[0118] The system of the present disclosure for electrophoresis comprises a system 100 having a base 100' having chambers 10a and 10b in which an electrophoresis cassette is positioned, and a lid 20, as shown in the above embodiments. The electrophoresis cassette is secured by clamps to the inner surface of chamber 10a or 10b (and, in some embodiments, to a gasket such as a gasket 17).

[0119] 3) Clamp: This disclosure provides a novel clamp for securing an electrophoresis cassette to system 100. Figures 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D show an exemplary clamp 28 for clamping an electrophoresis cassette within a chamber such as 10a or 10b of a system such as system 100, according to one embodiment of this disclosure.

[0120] Figure 7A shows a front perspective view of an exemplary clamp 28, which includes a cam plate 29 having a flat surface with two sides 29a and 29b. Two protruding ridges 29c and 29d extend vertically on the first side 29a. The protruding ridges 29c and 29d on the first side 29a of the cam plate 28 are configured to be positioned adjacent to and in contact with the edge of the first plate 33a of the electrophoresis cassette 35 (parts 35 and plates 33a and 33b are shown in Figure 8A). Protrusions 29e and 29f extend to each corner of the second side 29b of the plate 29. Two independently movable cam handles 30a and 30b, which are operable to move forward toward the cam plate or backward toward the cam plate, are attached to the cam plate 28 via pegs 31 positioned on the cam plate 28. Two protruding edges 29c' and 29d' are positioned on the first side 29a perpendicular to the flat surface 29a of the cam plate facing the electrophoresis cassette. The protruding edges 20c' and 29d' are positioned adjacent to the cam arms 30a and 20b. The protruding edges 29c' and 29d' guide the positioning of the electrophoresis cassette 35. In one embodiment, moving the cam handles 30a and 30b forward, i.e. toward the cam plate 29, fixes the electrophoresis cassette 35 to a surface or part thereof (the surface is not explicitly shown), and moving the cam handles 30a and 30b backward, i.e. toward the cam plate 29, releases the electrophoresis cassette 35 from the surface. In some embodiments, the surface or part of a surface to which the cam 28 fixes the electrophoresis cassette is a gasket 17 located in the electrophoresis system 100. In some embodiments, the cam handle of the clamp of the present disclosure can move within a range of motion from 0 to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the cam handle of the clamp of the present disclosure can move within a range of motion from 0 to 45 degrees.

[0121] In some embodiments, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of small protrusions 32 on the bottom side of a first side 29a of the flat surface of the cam plate 29. In some embodiments, the clamp of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of small protrusions 32 on the bottom side of the flat surface 29a of the cam plate 29 facing the gel cassette 35. In some non-limiting exemplary embodiments, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 small protrusions, etc., are located on the bottom side of the flat surface 29a of the cam plate 28 facing the gel cassette 35. The design of the small protrusions can vary in shape, size, and number. In some embodiments, the small protrusions are configured to distribute pressure across all parts of the gel cassette plate at the bottom to prevent warping or bending of the gel cassette during electrophoresis and / or when the gel cassette is fixed for electrophoresis. In some embodiments, the small protrusions allow for free circulation of buffer ions at the bottom of the electrophoresis cassette.

[0122] In some embodiments, the small protrusions 32 in conjunction with the perforations 18 of the electrophoresis system of the present disclosure allow for the free circulation of buffer ions at the bottom of the electrophoresis cassette where the anode wire 12c is positioned in the electrophoresis system below the perforations 18.

[0123] Figure 7B shows a front view of the clamp 28, and Figure 7C shows a rear view of the clamp 28. Figure 7D shows a side view of the clamp 28, showing a cam arm 30a positioned on the side of the clamp according to one embodiment. The cam arm 30 has a receptacle (such as a hole) that is positioned on a peg 31 located on the side of the cam plate 29. In one embodiment, the peg 31 is a spring clip on which the cam arm 30 is positioned via the receptacle. In some embodiments, the cam arm 30 is permanently fixed to the cam plate 29 via the spring clip. Alternatively, the peg 31 may be located on the cam arm 30 and the receptacle (such as a hole) may be located on the cam plate 29. In alternative embodiments, the cam arm 30 may be assembled using screws or inserts, such as a cam arm or cam handle, or a post, or a pin, or other clip, or a pivot, or a shouldered screw that would allow rotation in a rotational design, but is not limited to these.

[0124] In some embodiments, the lid 20 fits into the system 100 when the cam arm 30 is in the locked position. This is to ensure that the electrophoresis cassette is properly secured to the system 100 before electrical connectivity is enabled.

[0125] In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp 28 of the present disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette is the surface of a part or portion of the electrophoresis tank, shown in Figure 8A as the base 110' of the system 100 (without the lid 20). In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp 28 of the present disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette 35 is the surface of a part or portion of the system 100 of the present disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, the clamp 28 can be used in conjunction with any electrophoresis tank surface.

[0126] In some embodiments, the surface on which the clamp 28 of the present disclosure clamps or secures the electrophoresis cassette is a gasket such as gasket 17 disposed on part or part of a wall or surface of an electrophoresis tank, or a gasket disposed on part or part of a wall or surface of a base 110' of the system 100 of the present disclosure, which can perform both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. The gasket 17 may be a three-sided or four-sided gasket.

[0127] 4) Electrophoresis system: Figure 8A shows a front perspective view of the base 110' of an exemplary electrophoresis system 100 of the present disclosure, showing the electrophoresis gel cassette 35 and clamp 28 positioned within both chambers 10a and 10b, with the clamp 28 in the unlocked position, according to one embodiment.

[0128] Figure 8B shows a front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoresis system base 110' of the present disclosure, showing the electrophoresis gel cassette 35 and clamp 28 respectively positioned within both chambers 10a and 10b, with the clamps in the locked position (cam arms 30a and 30b moving upward toward the cam plate 28), according to one embodiment.

[0129] Figure 8C shows a front view of the base 110' of the electrophoresis system 100 of Figure 8B, which shows an electrophoresis gel cassette 35 and clamp 28 positioned within both chambers of the system, with the clamp in the locked position, according to one embodiment.

[0130] Figure 9A is a front perspective view of an electrophoresis system 100 with a base 110' and a lid 20 positioned on top of the base 110', as indicated by a thick arrow under the lid. Figure 9B shows a front perspective view of the system 100 with the lid 20 positioned on the base 110' according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the system 100 for performing gel electrophoresis comprises a base 110' having at least two chambers 10a and 10b, each chamber configured to independently receive an electrophoresis cassette 35 having two parallel plates 33a and 33b for enclosing gels, each chamber configured to independently receive clamps 28 for securing the electrophoresis cassette 35 to the surface of each chamber, a single first electrode 12 and two wire electrodes 12c extending from there along the base of each chamber 10a and 10b, and each chamber has separate second electrodes 13a and 13b connected by a common electrical node 13d. Some embodiments have a removable lid 20 for providing electrical connectivity to a power supply, and the lid 20 has electrical connectors such as 23a and 24a which can be connected to electrical nodes 13d and 12d, respectively, to complete the circuit between the chamber electrodes when positioned on the base. In one embodiment, the system 100 for electrophoresis of the present disclosure comprises one electrophoresis cassette 35 and one clamp 28. In one embodiment, the system 110 for electrophoresis of the present disclosure comprises two electrophoresis cassettes 35 and two clamps 28.

[0131] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is operable to clamp the electrophoresis cassette to the inner surface of the chamber / compartment of the base 110'. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism of the present disclosure is operable to clamp the electrophoresis cassette to a gasket 17 within the chamber / compartment. In some embodiments, the gasket 17 is positioned or attached to at least a portion of the inner surface 16a of the chamber / compartment of the system 100 of the present disclosure. Non-limiting embodiments of positioning or attaching the gasket include, but are not limited to, overmolding or bonding the gasket to at least a portion of the inner surface 16a.

[0132] In some embodiments, a clamping mechanism of the present disclosure, such as clamp 28, creates or forms a fluid-seal seal between the electrophoresis cassette 35 and the gasket 17 in the chamber / compartment 10a or 10b of the system 100. Clamping the electrophoresis cassette to the chamber or compartment of the system of the present disclosure forms two fluidly separated subchambers / subcompartments 10a' and 10a'' in chamber 10a, and subchambers / subcompartments 10b' and 10b'' in chamber 10b. In some embodiments, the first subchamber 10a' is formed between a portion of the first inner surface 16a of chamber 10a (or 10b), a portion of the gasket 17, and the plate 33b of the electrophoresis cassette 35 facing the first inner surface 16a of the chamber of the system. In some embodiments, the second subchamber / subcompartment 10a'' is formed from the left and right sides of the gel cassette 35, the outer edge of the plate 33a of the gel cassette 35 facing the second inner surface 16b, and the remaining portion of the chamber 10a (or 10b) of the system 100 in which the electrophoresis cassette 35 and clamp 28 are positioned.

[0133] The subchamber or subcompartment thus formed can be filled with buffer for electrophoresis during use of the system and can function as first and second buffer reservoirs.

[0134] In some embodiments, a first buffer reservoir 10a' is formed between a portion of the first inner surface 16a of the chamber 10a, a portion of the gasket 17, and the plate of the electrophoresis cassette 33b facing the first inner surface 16a of the chamber 10a of the system 100 in which the electrophoresis cassette 35 and clamp 29 are positioned. In some embodiments, a second buffer reservoir 10a'' is formed between the plate of the gel cassette 33a facing the second inner surface 16b and the remaining portion of the chamber 10a in which the electrophoresis cassette 35 and clamp 28 are positioned.

[0135] The system of this disclosure is not limited to any size and can be scaled up or down to accommodate electrophoresis cassettes or electrophoresis transfer cassettes of any size. For example, the electrophoresis cassettes that can be used may include one or more small gel cassettes, medium gel cassettes, and large gel cassettes. For example, in a non-limiting embodiment, each chamber of the system of this disclosure may contain an electrophoresis buffer in volume of about 30 ml to 5 liters.

[0136] 5) Electrophoresis transfer cassette: Embodiments of this disclosure relate to electrophoretic transfer cassettes. Several embodiments of electrophoretic transfer cassettes are described that can be positioned in System 100 of this disclosure, which is capable of performing both gel electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer.

[0137] In one embodiment, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises two plates (or shells) that are reversibly or permanently joined by at least one joining mechanism to allow the two plates to move between an open position and a closed position; a locking mechanism for locking the two plates in the closed position; and a sealing mechanism operable to seal the two plates in the closed position to form a liquid-proof seal on at least three sides, wherein the second plate is configured to receive components of a transfer stack inside it, and the outside of the first plate and the second plate each comprises at least one electrical interface connected to electrodes located inside each plate.

[0138] In some embodiments, the liquid-sealing seal is formed on all four sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In embodiments where the liquid-sealing seal is formed on three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette, the three sides are the bottom, left, and right sides of the cassette.

[0139] In some embodiments, the bonding mechanism of an electrophoretic transfer cassette comprises one or more of the following: a hinge, multiple hinges, a non-connecting hinge, a clamp, one or more hooks, one or more clips, mechanical components of both plates (or shells) that can slide and interlock, bonding, taping, joining or welding of two plates, a linkage design, two plates connected by a flexible material, or an external component for bonding two plates. In some embodiments, the bonding mechanism is reversible or permanent. A permanent bonding mechanism allows the two plates to remain together as a single component. This can be advantageous for the user as it provides fewer components and / or also makes closing the plates easier because the plates do not need to be aligned before closing. A reversible bonding mechanism allows for two separate shells.

[0140] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises a slider. In some embodiments, the slider comprises a band that wraps around the outer width portion of the first plate, a lateral extension of the band that further wraps around the outer depth portion of the first plate, and an element operable to reversibly engage with the outer portion of the second plate to form a lock between the first plate and the second plate when engaged. In some embodiments, when the two plates are closed, the slider of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure aligns with a corresponding element on the second plate that is operable to slide to form a lock.

[0141] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a slider that can be attached to one of the plates via one or more mounting features. In some embodiments, the slider may have a mating mounting feature that is operable and permanently or reversibly attached to the plate. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism is a slider located on one plate, and a mechanical mating feature on the slider can mate with a corresponding mechanical feature located on the other plate. The mating features are typically located on both sides of each plate.

[0142] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may consist of a clamp on one plate and a clamp closure positioned on the other plate. The clamp mechanism is typically attached to one plate via mounting features. The clamp typically has a mating mounting feature that allows the clamp to be attached to the other plate. Various mounting features, such as pegs and hole mechanisms, can be used.

[0143] In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism for the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises at least a slider. In some embodiments, the sealing mechanism for the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure may further comprise a gasket positioned on one of the two plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. In one exemplary embodiment, when the two plates are closed, the slider (as described above) moves toward the upper edge of the plate to form a lock and liquid-seal seal on at least three sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. In one exemplary embodiment, when the two plates are closed, the slider moves toward the lower edge of the plate to form a lock and liquid-seal seal on at least three sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. In one exemplary embodiment, when the two plates are closed, a slider positioned on one side of the closed plate moves up and down to form a lock and liquid-seal seal on at least three sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. In some embodiments, liquid-seal seals may be formed on all four sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette. Forming a liquid-seal (or liquid-tight) seal involves creating or forming a liquid reservoir within the electrophoresis transfer cassette.

[0144] Figures 10A to 10I show one embodiment of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 of the present disclosure, comprising two plates (or shells), a first plate 41 and a second plate 42, joined by a joining mechanism (such as at least one hinge 43) to allow the two plates to move between an open position (see Figures 10A to 10C for the open position) and a closed position (see Figures 10D to 10I for the closed position); a locking mechanism for locking the two plates in the closed position; and a sealing mechanism operable to seal the two plates to form a three-sided liquid-proof seal, wherein the second plate 42 is configured to receive components of a transfer stack in its inner 42a, and each comprises at least one electrical interface 45a, 45b, 45c and / or 45d connected to electrodes (first plate electrode 46, second plate electrode 47) positioned inside each plate, the outer 42b and the first plate 41. The three sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40, which has a liquid-sealing coating, are the bottom side 48, left side 49, and right side 50 of the inner wall of the cassette. In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises two plates (or shells 41 and 42) joined by two or more hinges 43.

[0145] In some embodiments, the electrodes positioned inside the two plates of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure are plate electrodes embedded in the inner surface of each plate. In other embodiments, electrodes 46 and 47 may be wire electrodes, wire mesh electrodes, bar electrodes, or plate electrodes. These electrodes may be made of conductive materials, but are not limited to, steel, stainless steel, copper, platinum, palladium, iridium, titanium, conductive coating materials, conductive plastics, etc. In some embodiments, the external electrical interfaces 45 (45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, etc.) of the plate electrodes may be any design that allows for electrical contact, such as springs, electrical nodes, brackets, pins, plugs, or electroplating interfaces to the electrodes. The external electrical interfaces 45a, 45b, 45c, and 45d of the plate electrodes 46 and 47 are configured to connect physically and / or electrically to the chamber electrodes 12, 13a, and 13b, or to the electrode extensions of these electrodes, such as 12a, 12b, 13c', 13c'', which have electrical connections to a power supply. The electrode or electrode extension may be provided in system 100 or 100' of the present disclosure, which is capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. Alternatively, the electrode or electrode extension may be provided in any system capable of performing electrophoretic transfer, including electrophoretic transfer systems not expressly shown herein.

[0146] In one embodiment, in the system 100 of the present disclosure, for example as shown in Figure 1, a first electrode 12 spanning both chambers is configured to contact a first electrode interface 45c or 45d on an electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 which can be positioned within one or more chambers 10a or 10b. In some embodiments, the first electrode interface 45c or 45d on the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 is an anode interface which connects to an internal plate electrode 46.

[0147] In some embodiments, the second electrode 13a or 13b of the chamber / compartment of the system 100 of the present disclosure has extensions 13c' and 13c'' configured to contact a second electrode interface 45a or 45b on an electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 which can be positioned within one or more chambers 10a or 10b. In some embodiments, the second electrode interface 45a or 45b of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 is a cathode interface which connects to an internal plate electrode 47.

[0148] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism of the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure comprises a slider 44. As shown in Figure 10D, in some embodiments, the slider 44 comprises a band that wraps around the width portion of the outer 41b of the first plate 41, a lateral extension of the band that further wraps around the depth portion of the outer 41b of the first plate 41, and an element operable to reversibly engage with the outer portion of the second plate 42 to form a lock between the first plate and the second plate when engaged. As shown in Figures 10D, 10E, and 10F, in some embodiments, when the two plates 41 and 42 are closed, the slider 44 of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 aligns with a corresponding element on the second plate 42 that is operable to slide to form a lock (see the upward arrow in Figure 10E for the direction of sliding). As shown in Figures 10D and 10E, in some embodiments, when the two plates 41 and 42 are closed, the slider is moved toward the upper end of the plates (see the upward arrows in Figures 10D and 10E) to form a lock and liquid-sealing seal on three sides 48, 49 and 50 on the inner surface of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40, as shown in Figures 10G and 10H.

[0149] In some embodiments, a locking mechanism such as a slider 44 also functions as a sealing mechanism. An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40a comprises a gasket 17 that can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is placed between the two plates when the plates are closed. In Figures 10A and 10B, the gasket 17 is positioned on plate 42 and forms a liquid-seal seal between the two plates when the locking mechanism 44 slides into the locked and sealed position of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40. The formation of the liquid-seal seal on the three sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette creates or forms a liquid reservoir within the electrophoretic transfer cassette. During use, if necessary, in some embodiments, additional buffer can be poured into the liquid reservoir to allow the flow of current in the electrophoretic transfer cassette for the transfer of biomolecules in the transfer stack from gel / matrix to membrane / material. In some embodiments, no additional buffer is required during use, and the liquid reservoir serves to contain the buffer within the transfer stack without leakage, allowing the flow of current in the electrophoretic transfer cassette to transfer biomolecules from the gel / matrix to the membrane / material in the transfer stack.

[0150] In some embodiments, the second plate 42 has a lip or projection 52 on its upper side 51, which is operable to dispense liquid into the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 after being sealed with the other three sides 48, 49, and 50. The electrophoresis transfer cassette may have visual markers, such as a filling line or other indication, in the liquid reservoir to indicate the amount of liquid (such as electrophoresis transfer buffer) to be filled by the user.

[0151] In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure further includes elements that provide a support structure positioned outside the second or first plate. In non-limiting embodiments, the support structure can reduce or prevent warping or curvature of the first and / or second plate. In one non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the support structure 53 may comprise one or more ribs, one or more protrusions, one or more grooves, one or more projections, concave projections or surfaces or structures.

[0152] In some embodiments, the support structure 53 allows the second plate 42 to be stationary at a certain angle. In some embodiments, the angle created by the support structure allows for ergonomic ease of assembling and / or viewing the transfer stack. In some embodiments, the support structure 53 reduces buffer outflow during the assembly of the transfer stack on the second plate 42. In some embodiments, the support structure provides support to the plate electrodes so that the two plate electrodes are substantially parallel to each other and an optimal electric field between the two plate electrodes is allowed to facilitate the efficient transfer of biomolecules during electrophoretic transfer.

[0153] Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40a of the present disclosure having a clamp closure, locking, and sealing mechanism according to one embodiment. Figure 11A shows the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40a in an open position showing two separate plates: a second plate 42 operable to receive a transfer stack, and a first plate 41 operable to enclose the second plate 42 with the transfer stack. The transfer stack (not explicitly shown) typically comprises a gel or matrix, or a gel containing a transfer buffer or conductive ions, biomolecules, and a membrane (not shown) for transferring biomolecules, provided in a combination of sponge and filter paper. Each plate 41 and 42 accommodates or comprises electrodes (similar to 46 and 47 in Figures 10A-10I). The plate electrodes 46 and 47 are provided with an electrical interface (not explicitly shown) that can be connected to a power source. The first plate 41 has, or includes, a clamping mechanism 60 attached to or connected thereto, which is operable to close, lock, and / or seal the two plates together. Figure 11B shows the closed position where plates 41 and 42 are closed but not yet locked or clamped or sealed, and the clamp 60 is still upright. In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 60 also functions as a sealing mechanism. One or both of plates 41 and 42 may additionally have support structures such as exemplary ribs / recesses 53 shown on plate 41 herein. Support structures such as 53 reduce or prevent bending or warping of the plate when clamped. An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40a comprises a gasket (not shown) which can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is located between the two plates when the plates are closed. The gasket forms a liquid-proof seal between the two plates when the clamping mechanism 60 is clamped, as shown in Figure 11C, which indicates the locking and sealing position of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40a.

[0154] In some embodiments, the clamping mechanism 60 is attached to the first plate 41 via a mounting mechanism 61 on the second plate. The clamping mechanism 60 has a mating mounting feature 62 that enables the clamp 60 to be attached to the first plate 41. As shown in Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C, these mounting features are shown as a peg and hole mechanism that allows the clamp 60 to pivot between open and closed positions. This 0-180 degree rotational clamp movement allows the clamp 60 to move from an open and / or unlocked and / or unsealed position (about 0 degrees) to a closed and / or locked and / or sealed position (about 180 degrees). When the clamp 60 is closed (as shown in Figures 11B and 11C), the clamp features engage with the feature 62 on the second plate 42 to form a liquid-tight seal (see Figure 11C). In this non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the mounting and engaging features are shown as a hook and peg interface. Other similar features can be substituted.

[0155] Figures 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, and 12E show an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40b of the present disclosure, having two separate plates 41 and 42, each having a hinge and a slider 44 for closing and locking the plates to one side. The joining mechanism of the two separate plates 41 and 42 is hereby one or more hooks 43' located at the bottom of each plate, connecting the two plates together and facilitating the movement of the plates between an open and closed position via the movement of the hinge. Alternatively, the hooks 43' may be located on the left or right side of plate 41 or 42.

[0156] In contrast to the two plates 41 and 42 of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 shown in Figures 10A-I, these two plates of 40b are not permanently attached and can be unhooked from each other. Figure 12A shows the open position of an exemplary electrophoresis transfer cassette 40b along with an exploded view of the transfer stack assembly 63 (see the following section for details of the transfer stack assembly) positioned on the first plate 41 and the second plate 42, which is operable to enclose the second plate 42 having a transfer stack 63. Each plate 41 and 42 houses or comprises electrodes (not shown). The plate electrodes are provided with an electrical interface (not explicitly shown) to which they can be connected to a power source. The first plate 41 has or comprises a locking mechanism, shown therein as a slider 44, which is operable to close, lock, and / or seal the two plates together. The slider 44 also functions as a sealing mechanism in this embodiment. The first plate 41 also has mechanical features that guide the sliding motion of the slide 44, allowing the user to close / lock / seal it smoothly.

[0157] An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40b comprises a gasket 17 that can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is located between the two plates when the plates are closed. Figure 12B shows the open position of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40b with the assembled transfer stack 63, in this embodiment the gasket 17 is shown as the inner boundary of the second plate 42. The gasket 17 forms a liquid-proof seal between the two plates when the locking mechanism 44 and sealing mechanism 44 are down, as shown in Figure 12E showing the locked and sealed position of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40b.

[0158] One or both of plates 41 and 42 may have additional support structures, such as exemplary ribs / recesses shown on plate 41 herein. The support structures reduce or prevent curvature or warping of the putty when clamped. Figure 12C shows the half-open position when the two plates 41 and 42 are closed.

[0159] As shown in Figures 12C, D, and E, the locking and sealing mechanism, embodied here by the slider 44, is attached to the first plate 41 via one or more mounting or mating features on the second plate, which includes the slider. The slider 44 has a mating mounting feature that is operable to allow the slider 44 to be permanently attached to the second plate. As shown in Figures 12D and E, the slider 44 engages with one or more mating features 61 on the second plate 42 on both sides of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40b. Figure 12D shows the closed position with the slider 44 and its upper part. The slider 44 can be slid downward to lock the cassette, and Figure 12E shows the locked position with the slider slid downward.

[0160] Figures 13A, 13B, and 13C show an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40c of the present disclosure, which has no hinges and has two plates 41 and 42, with a slider lock 44 attached to one of the plates. In this embodiment of the electrophoretic transfer cassette, the slider 44 comprises a joining mechanism and, as well as a locking and sealing mechanism. Figure 13A shows the open position of the exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40c, in which a transfer stack assembly (not shown) can be positioned on the second plate 42. The first plate 41 is operable to enclose the second plate 42 and the transfer stack. Each plate 41 and 42 accommodates or comprises electrodes. The plate electrodes are provided with an electrical interface (not explicitly shown) to which they can be connected to a power source. The first plate 41 comprises or has a locking mechanism, shown therein as a slider 44, which is operable to close, lock, and / or seal the two plates together. The slider 44 also functions as a sealing mechanism in this embodiment. The first plate 41 also has mechanical features that guide the sliding motion of the slide 44 to allow the user to smoothly close / lock / seal it. An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40c comprises a gasket 17 that can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is positioned between the two plates when the plates are closed. According to one embodiment, Figure 13B shows an unlocked position with a slider at the top, and Figure 13C shows a locked position with a slider sliding downward.

[0161] Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, and 14E show an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40d of the present disclosure, having two separate plates 41 and 42, which have no hinges and are accompanied by sliders 44 for closing, locking, and sealing the plates to one side. The joining mechanism 43' consists of two elements 43', one of which is positioned on the slider 44 and the other on the second plate 42. The joining mechanism 43' is an extension of the mating locking features from the slider 44 and the second plate 42 positioned to their sides. Each plate 41 and 42 accommodates or comprises electrodes (not shown). The plate electrodes are provided with an electrical interface (not explicitly shown) that can be connected directly or indirectly to a power source. The first plate 41 comprises or has a locking mechanism, shown therein as a slider 44, which is operable to close, lock, and / or seal the two plates together. The slider 44 also functions as a sealing mechanism in this embodiment. The first plate 41 also has mechanical features that guide the sliding motion of the slide 44 to allow the user to smoothly close / lock / seal it. An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40d includes a gasket that can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is positioned between the two plates when the plates are closed. Figure 14A shows the open position with an exploded view of the transfer stack assembly 63. Figure 14B shows the open position with the stack 63 assembled within the plate 42 and shows the positioning of the locking and sealing mechanism 44 on the plate 41. Figure 14C shows the half-open position with details of the locking and sealing mechanism 44 attached to the first plate 41 via a mating feature on the second plate. The mating and attachment features allow the slider 44 to be permanently attached to the first plate 41. As shown in Figure 14D, the slide engages with one or more mating features on the second plate 42. These features are located on both sides and the bottom of both plates. Figure 14D shows the closed position with three fitting features on each side or edge, and a feature corresponding to the bottom of the second plate 42, with which the slider 44 engages to form a lock.Next, sealing is formed by sliding the slider 44 in an upward direction. Figure 14E shows the unlocked position with additional details of the interlocking mechanism according to one embodiment.

[0162] Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, and 15D show an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40e of the present disclosure, having a hinge 43 as a joining mechanism and a slider 44 for closing and locking to one side of the plates. Figure 15A shows an internal front view of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40e in the open position, showing plates 41 and 42 connected by one or more hinges 43. Each plate 41 and 42 houses or comprises electrode plates 46 and 47. The plate electrodes have an electrical interface (not expressly shown) to which they can be connected to a power source. The second plate 42 has or comprises a locking mechanism shown as a slider 44, which is attached to the side of the second plate by a snap feature that allows the slider to permanently clip to the side of the second plate. The slider 44 has a mating mounting feature that allows a clamp to clip to the second plate. The slider 44 is operable to close, lock, and / or seal the two plates together. The slider 44 also functions as a sealing mechanism in this embodiment. The first plate 41 also has mechanical features that guide the sliding motion of the slide 44 to allow the user to smoothly close / lock / seal it. An additional sealing mechanism component of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40e comprises a gasket (not shown) that can be positioned inside one of the two plates 41 or 42 and is positioned between the two plates when the plates are closed. Figure 15B shows an outside rear view of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40e in the open position, showing a support structure 53 for providing mechanical support.

[0163] Figure 15C shows a closed but unlocked position with a slider that can slide downward to lock the cassette. When the slider 44 is slid downward, the features on the clamp engage with the features designed on the first plate to form a liquid-tight seal, locking and sealing the two plates. Figure 15D shows the locked and sealed position of the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40e with the slider 44 sliding downward according to one embodiment.

[0164] Figure 16 shows an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40f of the present disclosure, according to one embodiment, having at least one hinge 43 as a bonding mechanism, and at least one slider 44 on one plate for closing and locking, in which the slider slides downward to form a lock and seal in the closed and locked position and slides upward to unlock and open. Other components of the sealing mechanism may include a gasket located on the inner surface of at least one plate.

[0165] Figures 17A and 17B show two different exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassettes 40g and 40h according to the present disclosure, respectively, having two separate, unconnected plates that can move between an open position and a closed position by joining a feature having one or more cut hinges that can be locked and sealed together with a slider 44, each having a different number of contact points for the slider's locking interface. The slider 44 comprises a sealing and locking mechanism. Other components of the sealing mechanism may include a gasket positioned on the inner surface of at least one plate.

[0166] The slider 44 forms a liquid-tight seal by engaging with one or more mating features designed on the opposite plate. The mating features are located on both sides and the bottom of the plate. In some embodiments, the liquid-tight seal is formed by the pressure between the plate and a gasket created when the slider moves to the locked position. Figure 17A shows the slider 44 having three mating features on each side of the plate that engage with the opposite plate, and one feature that engages at the bottom to lock and seal the electrophoretic transfer cassette. Figure 17B shows the features on each side / edge that the slider 44 engages with on the opposite plate, and one feature that engages at the bottom.

[0167] Figure 18 shows an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette 40i of the present disclosure, having two separate plates 41 and 42 with a bonding mechanism 43 at the bottom of the plates, including a slider 44 for closing and locking, with the slider sliding downward to lock the cassette and upward to unlock it. The slider 44 comprises a sealing and locking mechanism. Other components of the sealing mechanism may include a gasket positioned on the inner surface of at least one plate.

[0168] 6) System for electrophoretic transfer: As shown in Figures 19A–19C, the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 of the present disclosure is configured to be positioned in the system 100 of the present disclosure, which can perform both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer. In some embodiments, as shown and described in Figures 10A–18, electrophoretic transfer cassettes such as 40 and 40a–40i are configured to be positioned in either the system 100 or any other system capable of performing electrophoretic transfer. Similar parts are numbered in the same way as shown in the previous drawings and do not overlap.

[0169] In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is configured to be positioned in a system of the present disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer, or in any electrophoretic transfer system after sealing.

[0170] In some embodiments, during use, the liquid reservoir of the closed and sealed electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure is filled with buffer and positioned in a chamber of the system of the present disclosure capable of performing both electrophoresis and / or electrophoretic transfer, the system lid is positioned on the chamber and connected to a power supply to complete the electrical circuit of the electrophoretic transfer cassette system.

[0171] Figure 19A shows a front perspective view of an exemplary electrophoretic transfer system 100 of the present disclosure, showing an exemplary electrophoretic transfer cassette of Figure 10H inserted into one chamber of the system, according to one embodiment. Figure 19B is a front view of the exemplary electrophoretic transfer system of Figure 19A, according to one embodiment. Figure 19C shows a front perspective view of the exemplary electrophoretic transfer system of Figure 19A, with the lid positioned on top, according to one embodiment.

[0172] A system 100 for performing electrophoretic transfer, as shown in Figure 19C with a lid 20. As shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the system 100 comprises at least two chambers 10a and 10b, a single first electrode 12 connected to a first electrical node 12d located on the upper side of the chambers and spanning the two chambers, and second electrodes 13a and 13b located within each chamber, the two second electrodes connected by a common second electrical node 13d located on the upper side of the chambers, and each chamber is configured to independently receive an electrophoretic transfer cassette 40. The embodiments shown in Figures 19A-19C show an electrophoretic transfer cassette 40, but other electrophoretic transfer cassettes of the present disclosure, such as 40a-40i, can also be inserted into chambers 10a and 10b to reach the system 100 for electrophoretic transfer. Similarly, this specification further details the electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 as an exemplary embodiment for illustrating the electrophoretic transfer system, but this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. Electrophoretic transfer cassettes 40a to 40i are also described having similar components, the differences of which are detailed in the above section.

[0173] The electrophoretic transfer cassette 40 comprises two plates 41 and 42 joined by at least one hinge 43 configured to allow the two plates to move from an open position and a closed position, and a slider 44 operable to lock the two plates in the closed position and seal the two plates in the closed position to form a liquid-seal seal on three sides 48, 49, and 50, wherein the second plate 42 is configured to receive the components of the transfer stack inside 42a, and the outside 42b of the second plate and the outside 41b of the first plate 41 each have at least one electrical connection part 45 (45a, 45b, 45c, 45d, etc.) connected to electrodes 46 or 47 located inside each plate, and the first plate 41 and the second plate 42 The upper electrical connection portion 45 electrically contacts the first electrodes 12a and / or 12b and the second electrodes 13c' and / or 13c'' of the chambers 10a and 10b, and a removable lid 20 covers the base 120. The lid 20 provides electrical connectivity to a power supply and has electrical connectors such as 23a and 24a that electrically connect to the electrical connection portion / interface 45 of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 to complete the circuit when the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 is positioned on the base 120 and the lid 20 covers the base. In one embodiment, the system 100 for electrophoresis transfer of the present disclosure comprises one electrophoresis transfer cassette. In one embodiment, the system for electrophoresis transfer of the present disclosure comprises two electrophoresis transfer cassettes.

[0174] In non-limiting embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer cassettes that can be used may include cassettes that can be used to simultaneously transfer biomolecules from one or more small gel cassettes, one or more medium gel cassettes, and one or more large gel cassettes to one or more electrophoretic transfer membranes.

[0175] 7) Tray for electrophoresis transfer: Figure 20 shows a front perspective view of an exemplary tray 55 used to assemble an electrophoresis transfer stack 63 in an electrophoresis transfer cassette (40, or 40a-40i) according to one embodiment. The tray 55 comprises two compartments 57 and 58, a divider 59 and a spout 56, the larger compartment 57 being used to assemble the transfer stack 63 into the electrophoresis transfer cassette (40, or 40a-40i). Figure 22A shows an exemplary tray 55 used with an open electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 according to one embodiment. During use, the open electrophoresis transfer cassette (40, 40a-h, etc.) of the present disclosure is positioned in the tray 55. In the open electrophoresis transfer cassette as shown in Figure 22B, the divider 59 is positioned to separate sections of the tray 55. The back wall of the tray 55 is tapered so that the electrophoresis transfer cassette sits open while the user assembles the transfer stack. Compartment 58, shown as the front compartment in Figure 20, is used to wet the transfer stack material and components, and compartment 57, shown as the rear compartment in Figure 20, is used to assemble the transfer stack inside the second plate 42 of the open electrophoresis transfer cassette 40. The larger rear compartment 57 is where the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 is positioned in its open configuration, with the second plate 42 (cathode side) positioned at the bottom of compartment 57 (on the flat surface of 57) and the first plate 41 (anode side) positioned on the inclined surface of compartment 57. When the user assembles / builds the transfer stack 63 onto the second plate 42 of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40, any buffer that flows out of the electrophoresis transfer cassette while it is in the tray is captured by the tray to prevent buffer leakage in the laboratory.

[0176] The partition 59 has a higher surface 59'' located on the side of the raised portion 59'. The higher surface 59'' may have a printed image of the transfer stack configuration to guide the user in correctly assembling the transfer stack into the electrophoresis transfer cassette. The surface is angled so that the printed image (not shown here) is not blocked by the transfer stack while the user is assembling. The raised portion 59' allows liquid in the rear compartment 57 to flow into the front compartment 58 for disposal after the transfer stack has been assembled and the electrophoresis transfer cassette 40 has been closed and locked. The tray 55 has two pouring spots 56 at the front corners to allow for the safe disposal of used buffer. The pouring spots 56 are configured to allow for easy, ergonomic, and safe pouring of hazardous waste into a waste container. The pouring spots 56 are particularly useful because the transfer buffer contains methanol, a hazardous chemical that must be disposed of in a hazardous waste container and must not be poured down the sink.

[0177] II. Method: Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method for performing gel electrophoresis, comprising at least one of obtaining a gel electrophoresis system, obtaining at least one sample containing biomolecules to be electrophoresed, and performing electrophoresis. Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a method for performing electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules using the devices and systems described herein. Non-limiting examples of biomolecules that can be electrophoresed or transferred include, but are not limited to, nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, polypeptides, and proteins.

[0178] 1) Electrophoresis method: Figure 21 shows exemplary method steps for assembling electrophoresis systems 100, 100', or 110' for electrophoresis, in which system 100' of the present disclosure first receives the clamp 28. Subsequently, the electrophoresis cassette 35 is inserted between the clamp and the inner chamber wall of the system, and the cam handle 30 is moved to the locked position to clamp the cam handle 30 of the clamp 28 to the locked position. Alternatively, system 100 may first receive the electrophoresis cassette 35 and then the clamp 28.

[0179] Figure 21 shows the reception of the electrophoresis transfer cassette 35 and clamp 28 in both chambers, but as is clear from the description in the above section, only one chamber can be assembled with one electrophoresis cassette and one clamp.

[0180] Figure 21 shows the cam handle 30 in the locked position. While the clamp 28 is inserted into the system 100, the cam arm 30 is in the unlocked position and is moved to the locked position after the cassette 35 is inserted.

[0181] In a system where the cover 20 is part of system 100, the cover 20 can be positioned on top before connecting the electrical interface of system 100' to the power supply via the cover electrical connector. Alternatively, the electrical interfaces 12d and 13d of system 100' can be connected directly or indirectly to the power supply. Clamps, cam handles, electrodes, and nodes / interfaces are shown and described in other parts of this specification.

[0182] In some embodiments, a method for performing gel electrophoresis includes obtaining an electrophoresis cassette 35 having a gel, removing the gel comb from the electrophoresis cassette, optionally rinsing the wells with water or electrophoresis buffer, positioning the electrophoresis cassette in at least one chamber 10a or 10b of the system 100' or 100 of the present disclosure, positioning a clamp 28 of the present disclosure within the chamber and clamping the gel cassette to a portion of the surface of the chamber, pouring electrophoresis buffer into a first buffer reservoir formed by clamping, pouring electrophoresis buffer into a second buffer reservoir formed by clamping, filling the gel wells with a sample and optionally with a control, connecting the electrical nodes / interfaces / connectors 12d and 13d of the system (electrically connected to the electrodes of the chamber) to a power supply, selecting the voltage and time of the power supply, and performing electrophoresis on the sample and control.

[0183] In some embodiments of this method, the gel cassette is positioned adjacent to a gasket 17 on the wall of at least one chamber.

[0184] In some embodiments, the clamping step includes moving the cam handle 30 of the clamp of the present disclosure toward the gel cassette 35 to lock them in place.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first buffer reservoir and the second buffer reservoir contain the same buffer. In some embodiments, the first buffer reservoir and the second buffer reservoir contain different buffers. The selection of buffers may be guided by the combination of gel matrix and gel buffer.

[0186] In some embodiments, the system of the present disclosure has a lid 20. In these embodiments, the step of connecting the electrical nodes / interfaces / connections 12d and 13d in the system 100 to a power supply includes the steps of positioning the lid 20 on the chamber such that the electrical connections 23a and 24a of the lid are connected to the electrode interfaces / nodes / connections 12d and 13d of the system with the correct polarity after the clamp arms 30a and 30b are locked, and connecting the plug 21 in the lid to the power supply.

[0187] In some embodiments, a method for performing gel electrophoresis according to the present disclosure is to obtain an electrophoresis cassette having a gel, remove a gel comb from the electrophoresis cassette, remove a strip of tape from the electrophoresis cassette, optionally rinse the wells with water or electrophoresis buffer, position the electrophoresis cassette in at least one chamber of the electrophoresis system according to the present disclosure, wherein the well openings of the cassette are oriented toward the cathode electrode, and position the cassette in a chamber forming two independent reservoirs, a cathode reservoir and an anode reservoir. The procedure includes positioning the clamps shown and clamping the gel cassette to a portion of the chamber surface; pouring buffer into a first buffer reservoir, which is the cathode reservoir (the buffer in the cathode reservoir may optionally contain an antioxidant); pouring buffer into a second buffer reservoir, which is the anode reservoir; filling the wells of the gel cassette with the sample and control; positioning the system lid on the chamber; connecting the electrical connections of the lid to the power supply; selecting the voltage and time of the power supply; and performing electrophoresis on the sample and control.

[0188] 2) Method of electrophoretic transfer: This disclosure also provides electrophoretic transfer cassettes (40, 40a-40i) and electrophoretic transfer systems 100 and 100'. In some embodiments, the gel used for electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from a gel to a transfer membrane is a gel run in any electrophoretic system. In other embodiments, the gel used in the electrophoretic transfer method of this disclosure may be a gel run in the electrophoretic systems 100, 100' or 110 described above.

[0189] In some embodiments, the gel on which electrophoresis is being performed to degrade biomolecules is first removed from the electrophoresis cassette. This may include prying open or breaking open the electrophoresis cassette with a gel knife and removing the gel before assembling the transfer stack. The transfer stack typically comprises a sponge and one or more layers of filter paper (or any porous material such as a gel / matrix immersed in electrophoresis transfer buffer) immersed in electrophoresis transfer buffer, followed by a gel on which the biomolecules to be degraded by electrophoresis are positioned, followed by a transfer membrane (typically nitrocellulose, PVDF, nylon membrane, or any porous material), and another stack of one or more layers of filter paper and another sponge immersed in electrophoresis transfer buffer (see Figure 22B). This stack can be assembled on one plate of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. Typically, the plate in the electrophoresis transfer cassette having a cathode is the plate on which the stack is assembled. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the tray of the present disclosure is designed to position the electrophoretic transfer cassette in the open position and assemble the transfer stack (see Figure 22A for the positioning of the tray and the electrophoretic transfer cassette in the tray). The tray of the present disclosure is designed to contain excess buffer to prevent spillage and mess on the bench and table.

[0190] Figures 22A–22F illustrate the steps of an electrophoretic transfer method using the devices and systems of this disclosure. In one embodiment, a method for performing electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules includes: obtaining a gel in which biomolecules have been separated by electrophoresis; assembling a transfer stack on a second plate of an electrophoretic transfer cassette of the present disclosure (Figure 22B), which includes: obtaining a gel in which biomolecules have been separated by electrophoresis; positioning blotting material on the gel; further positioning filter paper and sponge above and below the blotting material and gel; closing the first plate of the electrophoretic transfer cassette on the second plate (Figure 22C); locking and sealing the electrophoretic transfer cassette on at least three or more sides by a locking and sealing mechanism on the electrophoretic transfer cassette (Figure 22D or Figure 10H); positioning the electrophoretic transfer cassette in at least one chamber of the system of the present disclosure capable of performing electrophoretic transfer and electrophoresis (Figures 22D and 22E); connecting electrical connections / nodes / interfaces on the system to a power supply (not shown); selecting a transfer voltage and execution time of the power supply; and performing electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from the gel onto the blotting material.

[0191] In one embodiment, locking and sealing are achieved by sliding a slider over the electrophoresis transfer cassette to lock and seal the electrophoresis transfer cassette (e.g., Figures 22C and 22D or Figure 10H). In another embodiment, locking and sealing are achieved by clamping a clamp onto the electrophoresis transfer cassette to lock and seal the electrophoresis transfer cassette (e.g., Figures 11A-D).

[0192] In some embodiments, the seal forms a liquid-seal seal. In some embodiments, the liquid-seal seal is formed on at least three sides of the electrophoresis transfer cassette (Figure 22D or Figure 10H). In one embodiment, positioning the electrophoresis transfer cassette within the chamber of the system of the present disclosure involves standing the electrophoresis transfer cassette upright such that the junction side (hinge / hook side) is at the bottom of the system and the unsealed fourth side is at the top (Figure 22D or Figure 10H). At this stage, the method may optionally include pouring electrophoresis transfer buffer into the opening at the top of the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In some embodiments, since the transfer stack has sufficient buffer, it is not necessary to pour additional electrophoresis transfer buffer into the electrophoresis transfer cassette. In embodiments of the system of the present disclosure having a lid, the step of connecting the electrical connections of the system to a power source includes positioning the lid on the chamber such that the electrical connections of the lid, such as 23a and 24a, are connected to chamber electrode connections such as 12d and 13d, and connecting the electrical connections on the lid, such as 21, to a power source (Figure 22F).

[0193] In some embodiments, the assembly of the transfer stack on the second plate is performed by positioning an open electrophoretic transfer cassette on a tray to avoid the outflow of buffer onto the surface (Figures 22A and 22C). In some embodiments, the steps of stack assembly include immersing a filter paper sponge in the transfer buffer; pouring the transfer buffer onto the first plate; positioning the sponge layer, followed by the filter paper, on the second plate; positioning the gel containing the degraded biomolecules (nucleic acids or proteins) on the filter paper with the wells oriented toward the bottom of the electrophoretic transfer cassette; positioning the transfer membrane and the gel; and using a roller to remove air bubbles from each layer of the stack (Figure 22B).

[0194] In some embodiments, the stack assembly step includes using an ion-containing gel or matrix or material, and orienting the gel containing degraded biomolecules (nucleic acids or proteins) by positioning the wells toward the bottom of an electrophoretic transfer cassette on the ion-containing gel / matrix / material. This embodiment relates to the assembly of a dry blotting stack. In some non-limiting embodiments, the ion-containing gel / matrix / material may contain an ion reservoir or conductive ions in the gel / matrix / material that is not a liquid buffer.

[0195] In some embodiments, the Disclosure provides a method for simultaneously performing both electrophoretic transfer and electrophoresis, comprising: clamping an electrophoresis cassette in a first chamber of the System of the Disclosure; filling the electrophoresis cassette with a sample containing biomolecules to be electrophoresed; positioning an electrophoretic transfer cassette having a transfer stack comprising a gel containing biomolecules and a blotting material on which electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules is desired, in a second chamber of the System of the Disclosure; and using a power supply device to select a voltage and optionally select a desired duration for the voltage to run; and performing electrophoresis in the electrophoresis cassette and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from the gel to the blotting material. In some embodiments, electrophoresis and electrophoretic transfer are performed at different times because a common voltage is used. [Examples]

[0196] Example 1: Electrophoresis using different gel chemistry The electrophoresis systems and devices of this disclosure have been used to perform electrophoresis on a variety of different gel chemistrys and formulations. Several non-limiting, exemplary running conditions during electrophoresis are provided in Table 1 for various types of gel chemistry of gels cast as medium-sized gels. The current values ​​in the table below are for one gel. When running two gels, the current is doubled. Note that the current and runtime values ​​are approximate and will vary depending on the gel percentage and the power supply used for electrophoresis. [Table 1]

[0197] Example 2: Performance of electrophoretic transfer systems, devices, and methods compared with existing electrophoretic transfer devices. In electrophoretic transfer experiments, the electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure was compared with Bio-Rad's Criterion tank blotting (electrophoretic transfer) system. In some embodiments, the electrophoretic transfer system performed protein electrophoretic transfer at much lower voltage, current, and power compared with the Bio-Rad Criterion tank. In one embodiment, when electrophoretic transfer was performed using a single NuPAGE medium gel with both systems, the following results were obtained:

[0198] Electrophoretic transfer in the system of this disclosure was performed at 25V / 725mA / 18.1W (Note: 25V × 0.725A = 18.1W).

[0199] In contrast, electrophoretic transfer in Bio-Rad's Criterion Tank blotter required a much higher voltage and power of 100V / 930mA / 93.0W.

[0200] Therefore, low-power, and consequently lower-cost, power supply units can be used in the electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure compared to existing systems. For example, electrophoretic transfer of proteins on four medium-sized NuPAGE gels can be performed with a 3A power supply in the electrophoretic transfer system and cassette of this disclosure.

[0201] Example 3: Assembly and performance of electrophoretic transfer system and device In electrophoretic transfer experiments, the electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure was compared with the Thermo Fisher Mini Blot Module B1000 (an existing electrophoretic transfer system) to analyze the liquid-sealing properties by conducting experiments to study comparative leakage rates. Timed leakage tests were performed as follows: 1. Wet the electrophoresis transfer system unit and open and close the unit while moving it underwater. Ensure the unit is wet before each leak test. 2. Construct the electrophoresis transfer stack and completely saturate all components with water before measurement. 1) Wet the sponges (quantity 2). 2) Wet the filter paper (quantity 4). 3) Assemble the electrophoresis transfer stack in this order: sponge (x1), filter paper (x4), and sponge (x1). 4) Roll each layer with a blot roller to remove air bubbles between each stacked layer. 3. The tare weight of the scale is measured on the tray in which the electrophoresis transfer system unit is positioned. 4. The timer is set to various time intervals up to at least 30 minutes, where 30 minutes is the recommended time for electrophoretic transfer. 5. The electrophoresis transfer system was closed and clamped. 6. Shake / tap off any excess water. 7. Place the electrophoresis transfer system in a weighing tray. 8. Fill the water supply line to the bottom. 9. Start the timer. 10. Record the leakage rate by lifting the electrophoresis transfer system from the tray and recording the weight of any water that may have leaked into the tray.

[0202] Results for an existing Thermo Fisher Mini Blot Module B1000 versus an exemplary electrophoretic transfer system of the disclosure are provided in Tables 2 and 3, respectively. As seen in Tables 2 and 3, the existing Mini Blot Module had an average leakage of 9.9675 grams, whereas the electrophoretic transfer system of the disclosure in Table 3 showed no leakage from measurements of 0 to 30 minutes at various time intervals. [Table 2] [Table 3]

[0203] Example 4: Performance of electrophoretic transfer system and device In electrophoretic transfer experiments, the electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure underwent "accelerated aging" by treating the electrophoretic transfer system at 80°C for various durations to simulate "real-time aging." The device was also subjected to transfer runs, repeated clamping and unclapping, and exposure to transfer buffer to simulate actual use over the long term. The aged units were analyzed for their liquid-sealing properties in relation to their "aging" by conducting experiments to study comparative leakage rates. The setup of the timed leakage tests was carried out as described in Example 3 above. Data on leakage rates related to aging are shown in Table 4 below. As shown in Table 4, the "aging" time correlates with the equivalent time on the shelf of the electrophoretic transfer unit. For example, time = 0 corresponds to no aging at 80°C, time = 1 month corresponds to 14.39 hours of aging at 80°C, time = 24 months corresponds to 345.36 hours of aging at 80°C, and so on. This experiment demonstrated that the electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure has a much lower leakage rate than existing systems, even after aging. [Table 4-1] [Table 4-2]

[0204] The existing Mini Blot Module B1000 systems tested in the 30-minute leak test of Example 3 are older, more used systems, and therefore they are comparable to the electrophoretic transfer systems of this disclosure with accelerated aging as described above.

[0205] Tables 5 and 6 below provide a summary of 30-minute leak test data for the accelerated aging electrophoretic transfer system of this disclosure, extracted from the above table to facilitate a comparison of 30-minute performance. [Table 5] [Table 6]

[0206] As can be seen from the summary of 30-minute leak test data, the existing Mini Blot Module B1000 system has a 30-minute leak rate of 9.97 g compared to several tests against the electroblot system of this disclosure which has a leak rate of 1.09 g.

[0207] All publications, patents, and patent applications referenced herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent that each individual publication, patent, or patent application is specifically and individually incorporated by reference.

[0208] While embodiments of the Disclosure have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided only as examples. Many variations, modifications, and substitutions will be conceivable to those skilled in the art without departing from the Disclosure. It should be understood that various substitutes for the embodiments of the Disclosure described herein may be used in the practice of the Disclosure. The following claims define the scope of the Disclosure and are intended to encompass the methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. It is a system, A chamber comprising at least two chambers, including a first chamber and a second chamber, At least two chambers, each independently configured to receive either an electrophoresis cassette or an electrophoresis transfer cassette, The first electrode and A second electrode is provided, Each of the first electrode and the second electrode has an electrical interface that can be connected to a power supply. A system in which each of the first electrode and the second electrode has an extension extending into the first chamber and an extension extending into the second chamber, thereby causing each of the first chamber and the second chamber to have an anode and a cathode.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the two chambers are arranged back-to-back, or adjacent to each other, or arranged in tandem.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the two chambers are separated by at least one common surface between them.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the shared surface is a wall between at least a portion of the two chambers.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the two chambers are separated by a space between the two chambers.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode have an interface in each chamber such that each chamber has an anode and a cathode.

7. The chambers are further provided with a lid configured to cover the two chambers, and the lid is An electrical connection part that can be detachably connected to the power supply, The system according to claim 1, further comprising: one or more electrical contacts configured to electrically connect to the first electrode and the second electrode in order to complete an electrical circuit between the first and second electrodes for each of the two chambers when the lid is positioned over the chamber.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein each chamber has a first inner surface and a second inner surface.

9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising a gasket disposed on or adjacent to a portion of the first inner surface.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the gasket is at least a three-sided gasket.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrophoresis cassette comprises two parallel plates, and the two parallel plates have a gel sealed between the two parallel plates.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode spans both chambers and is configured to electrically contact an electrical interface on the electrophoretic transfer cassette.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the first electrode has an electrically extending portion into each chamber that functions as an anode during electrophoresis.

14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is an anode.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode has an extension configured to contact a second electrode interface on the electrophoretic transfer cassette.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode is a cathode.

17. The system according to claim 1, wherein the second electrode has an extension that functions as a cathode in each chamber.

18. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first electrode node, and the second electrode is connected to a common second electrode node.

19. The system according to claim 18, further comprising a lid configured to cover the at least two chambers, wherein the lid includes an electrical connection portion that can be detachably connected to a power source, and the first electrode node and the second electrode node are positioned in the portion of the chambers that contacts the lid when the lid is positioned over the at least two chambers.

20. The system according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode further comprises a wire extending along the bottom of each chamber.

21. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a lid configured to cover at least two of the chambers, wherein the lid further comprises cable wrapping features for wrapping electrical cables during storage.

22. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first electrode node, the second electrode is connected to a common second electrode node, and the lid has mechanical features that interact with complementary mechanical features on the top of the chamber such that the electrical contacts on the lid connect to the first electrode node and the second electrode node in an orientation that prevents the electrodes from reversing when the system is in use.

23. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a lid configured to cover the at least two chambers, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first electrode node, the second electrode is connected to a common second electrode node, and the lid has color-coded features that allow the electrical contacts of the lid to connect to the corresponding first and second electrode nodes, preventing the electrodes from reversing when in use.

24. The system according to claim 7, wherein the electrical connection portion, which is detachably connectable to the power supply, comprises one or more cables that can be plugged into the power supply.

25. The system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply is located outside the device.

26. The system according to claim 1, wherein both chambers have an electrophoresis cassette and a clamp.

27. The system according to claim 1, wherein both chambers have electrophoretic transfer cassettes.

28. The system according to claim 1, wherein one chamber has an electrophoresis cassette and a clamp, and the other chamber has an electrophoresis transfer cassette.

29. A system for performing gel electrophoresis, A base having two chambers, Each chamber is configured to independently receive an electrophoresis cassette. Each chamber is configured to independently receive clamps for securing the electrophoresis cassette to the surface of each chamber. Each chamber has a first electrode connected by a common first electrode node, Each chamber has a base and a second electrode connected to a common second electrode node, A removable cover that provides electrical connectivity to a power source, A system comprising a lid having an electrical connector for completing a circuit between the first and second electrodes of each chamber when positioned on the base.

30. The system according to claim 29, comprising one electrophoresis cassette or two electrophoresis cassettes.

31. The system according to claim 29, wherein the first electrode comprises an electrode wire positioned in each chamber.

32. The system according to claim 31, wherein the common first electrode node and the common second electrode node make electrical contact with the electrical connector of the lid when the lid is positioned on the base.

33. A method for performing gel electrophoresis, To obtain an electrophoresis cassette containing a gel, Removing the gel comb from the electrophoresis cassette, Removing the tape strip from the electrophoresis cassette, Optionally, rinse the wells with water or electrophoresis buffer. Positioning the electrophoresis cassette within at least one chamber of the system according to claim 1, wherein the well openings of the gel are oriented toward the cathode electrode, The clamp is positioned within the chamber that forms two independent buffer reservoirs, a cathode reservoir, and an anode reservoir, and the gel cassette is clamped to a portion of the surface of the chamber. Pouring the buffer solution into the cathode reservoir, Pouring the buffer solution into the anode reservoir, The sample and optionally selected control are filled into the wells of the gel cassette, The lid of the system according to claim 1, which is configured to cover the chamber and further includes an electrical connection, is positioned on top of the tank, Connecting the electrical connection part of the lid to a power source, Selecting voltage and time using the aforementioned power supply, A method comprising performing electrophoresis on the aforementioned sample and the aforementioned control.

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the gel cassette is positioned adjacent to a gasket on the wall of at least one chamber.

35. The method according to claim 33, wherein the clamping includes the step of moving the cam handle toward the gel cassette to lock it in place.

36. A method for performing both electrophoretic transfer and electrophoresis, In the first chamber of the system described in claim 1, the electrophoresis cassette is fixed with a clamp, The process involves filling the electrophoresis cassette with a sample containing biomolecules to be subjected to electrophoresis, The electrophoretic transfer cassette having a transfer stack comprising a gel containing biomolecules and a transfer membrane on which electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules is desired is positioned within the second chamber of the system according to claim 1. Selecting the voltage using a power supply device, This includes performing electrophoresis in the electrophoresis cassette and electrophoretic transfer of biomolecules from the gel to the transfer membrane, A method in which the electrophoresis and the electrophoretic transfer are performed at different times because they use a common voltage.

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