Conductive Polymer Gel Plates for Western Blot Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gel electrophoresis and protein transfer methods face challenges such as air bubble introduction and gel tearing during transfer, limited visualization of protein separation, and reliance on timers for electrophoresis completion, which can lead to suboptimal protein separation and diffusion.
Innovation Solution
A precast gel and blotting membrane combination unit using conductive polymers that allows for simultaneous electrophoresis and protein transfer without physically moving the gel, employing opaque conductive and transparent static-dissipative regions to support the gel and enable visualization and efficient protein transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gel is transferred from precast gel setting to separate protein transfer membrane, then protein transfer can be accomplished, but gel tearing occurs and air bubbles are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the precast gel and protein transfer membrane into a single integrated unit where the membrane is permanently attached to the gel casting plate. This merging eliminates the need to separate and reposition the gel, thereby preventing gel tearing and air bubble introduction while maintaining reliable protein transfer functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The gel casting plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the support structure for gel electrophoresis and the transfer surface for protein blotting. The integrated membrane-gel-plate assembly allows the same structure to perform both separation and transfer operations without requiring additional components or manual repositioning.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gel is kept in precast gel setting during transfer, then gel tearing and air bubbles are avoided, but non-conductive materials prevent electrical current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the gel casting plate. The portion of the plate that contacts the gel and membrane during transfer is made conductive to allow electrical current flow, while other structural portions may remain non-conductive. This localized conductivity ensures both gel integrity and electrical functionality are maintained simultaneously.
3Reliability
If opaque conductive materials are used to support gel, then electrical current can flow for transfer, but visualization of electrophoresis progress is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gel casting plate incorporates both opaque conductive regions and transparent regions. The opaque conductive portions provide the necessary electrical conductivity for protein transfer, while the transparent portions allow visualization of electrophoresis progress. This spatial differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between conductivity and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is segmented into functionally distinct zones: conductive opaque areas for electrical contact during transfer and transparent areas for optical monitoring of electrophoresis. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
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
This solution enables fast, reliable, and efficient one-step protein separation and transfer, reducing the risk of gel tearing and air bubbles, while allowing for real-time visualization of protein separation and precise control over the electrophoresis process.
Implementation Method 1
The gel matrix is capable of separating proteins by size within the gel matrix when an electric current flows between electrodes on opposite sides of the y-axis of the gel matrix
Implementation Method 2
after the protein separation phase has completed, the current flows through conductive plate regions in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the flow of the current during the separation phase
Implementation Method 3
transparent static-dissipative regions to support the gel and enable visualization
Data Source
AI summary
A precast gel and blotting membrane combination unit and method of use. The device includes two plates, each plate having a conductive opaque region with conductive polymers and a transparent region having static-dissipative polymers. Between the plates are a gel matrix and blotting membrane. The device is placed in a tank capable of both performing the electrophoresis phase and transfer phase of a western blot. During the electrophoresis phase, current flows from a pair of electrophoresis electrodes to separate proteins by size. The user can visualize the extent of protein separation by observing a tracking dye through the transparent region. After the electrophoresis phase, voltage is switched to a pair of transfer phase electrodes. The device allows current to flow through the conductive opaque regions of the plates to transfer separated proteins to a blotting membrane directly after electrophoresis without having to remove or reorient the device in the tank.