Biomolecular Analysis Apparatus Anode Cover Bubble Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
In biomolecule analysis, particularly with vertically installed separation media, bubbles generated from the anode can interfere with the contact location between the transfer membrane and separation unit, causing blurring and warping of protein patterns during Western blotting, which existing solutions do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A biomolecule analyzer configuration featuring a framed transfer membrane supported by insulating frames and an anode cover that directs bubbles away from the contact location, preventing interference and maintaining the integrity of protein patterns during analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the separation medium is installed vertically to save space and improve operational efficiency, then the device footprint is reduced and analysis speed is improved, but bubbles generated from the anode will adhere to the contact location between the transfer membrane and separation medium causing pattern blurring and warping
Solution Approach 1:
A bubble removal electrode is introduced as an intermediary component between the anode and the transfer membrane contact location. This electrode serves as a mediator that attracts and collects bubbles through electrostatic attraction, preventing them from reaching the critical contact area between the transfer membrane and separation medium, thus maintaining pattern clarity while preserving the vertical configuration's productivity benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful bubbles are extracted from the problematic location (contact area between transfer membrane and separation medium) by using the bubble removal electrode to collect and concentrate them at a specific collection location, separating the bubble accumulation zone from the critical analysis zone to maintain pattern quality
2Manufacturing precision
If a conventional horizontal Western blotting setup is used to avoid bubble interference, then pattern clarity is maintained, but the device occupies more space and analysis efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a new spatial dimension by adding the bubble removal electrode that creates a vertical bubble collection pathway. This dimensional addition allows the system to maintain the space-saving vertical configuration while effectively managing bubbles through a dedicated vertical collection channel, thereby preserving both analysis efficiency and pattern clarity
3Device complexity
If bubbles are allowed to accumulate at the contact location, then the electrode structure remains simple, but the transfer membrane patterns become blurred and warped reducing analysis reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble removal electrode is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both an electrical component in the electrophoresis system and a bubble collection device. By integrating these functions into a single electrode structure, the system maintains relative simplicity while effectively preventing bubble interference, thus preserving analysis reliability without significantly increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents bubble interference, ensuring stable and clear protein patterns on the transfer membrane, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of biomolecule analysis by maintaining tension and preventing warping during the blotting process.
Implementation Method 1
bubbles generating from the anode
Implementation Method 2
maintaining tension and preventing warping
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A separation unit is a configuration that is arranged vertically, and thus bubbles generating from the electrode will not negatively influence the contact location between the transfer membrane and separation unit. An anode (32) is arranged at a position separated by a certain distance in the conveying direction (X) of the transfer membrane (1) from the dispensing part (50a) of an electrophoresis gel chip (50). An insulating electrode cover (35) for setting free bubbles generating from the anode (32) is arranged at an upper part of the anode (32).