Electrophoresis Device Using Non-Circulating Buffer Chambers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoresis apparatuses for separating macromolecules and cells are complex, expensive, and difficult to decontaminate due to the need for circulating buffer streams to prevent gas buildup, pH gradient, and temperature increases during electrolysis, and they use toxic polyacrylamide membranes.
Innovation Solution
An electrophoresis apparatus with non-circulating buffer chambers containing a low-electrolyte buffer solution, such as HEPES with sucrose, eliminates the need for circulating buffers, using ion-permeable membranes to separate sample and harvest chambers, and employs size-exclusion membranes to separate macromolecules and cells without polyacrylamide, allowing for a sterile and disposable design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If circulating buffer streams are used to prevent gas buildup, pH gradient, and temperature increases during electrolysis, then the electrophoresis process can be maintained, but the apparatus becomes complex, expensive, and difficult to decontaminate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the circulating buffer system from the electrophoresis apparatus. By removing the need for continuous buffer circulation, the invention simplifies the apparatus design while maintaining electrophoresis process stability through alternative means such as optimized electrode configuration and buffer chamber design that prevent gas buildup and pH gradients without requiring complex circulation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable electrophoresis cartridges that can be discarded after single use. This eliminates the need for complex decontamination procedures and reduces the complexity of maintaining reusable components. The disposable nature allows the apparatus to maintain reliability without requiring sophisticated cleaning and sterilization systems
2Reliability
If circulating buffer streams are used to prevent gas buildup, pH gradient, and temperature increases during electrolysis, then the electrophoresis process can be maintained, but the apparatus is expensive and difficult to decontaminate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the circulating buffer system and associated complex tubing, pumps, and reservoirs that are difficult to decontaminate. The simplified apparatus design with integrated buffer chambers and electrodes eliminates the extensive fluid pathways that would require complex cleaning protocols, making the device easier to manufacture and decontaminate while maintaining process reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes disposable cartridges that eliminate the need for repeated decontamination. This approach significantly reduces the complexity of manufacturing cleanable components and makes the apparatus easier to handle, as each cartridge can be discarded after use without requiring elaborate decontamination procedures
3Reliability
If polyacrylamide restriction membranes are used in the apparatus, then ionic migration can be restricted, but the macromolecules or cells may be contaminated due to toxic acrylamide monomer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates polyacrylamide restriction membranes from the apparatus design. By removing these toxic membranes, the invention prevents contamination of macromolecules and cells with acrylamide monomer while maintaining ionic migration control through alternative means such as ion-permeable membranes made from non-toxic materials or optimized buffer compositions that restrict ion movement without requiring polyacrylamide
Solution Approach 2:
The use of disposable cartridges with non-toxic membrane alternatives eliminates the need for extensive decontamination procedures that would be required if polyacrylamide membranes were used. This approach prevents contamination while simplifying the handling and disposal process
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 reduces electrical current by 90%, minimizing temperature and pH fluctuations, simplifies the apparatus design, and ensures the separation of macromolecules and cells without contamination, enhancing the efficiency and viability of the separation process.
Implementation Method 1
a sample chamber and a harvest chamber separated by a size-exclusion membrane (separation membrane)
Implementation Method 2
each buffer chamber is separated from each respective sample chamber and harvest chamber by an ion-permeable membrane (restriction membrane)
Implementation Method 3
an electrode positioned in each buffer chamber
Implementation Method 4
The motion of the dispersed particles is a function of the electrical charge on the particles and the applied field gradient
Implementation Method 5
The buffer solution has a pH of about 7.5 to about 8.5
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to apparatuses for use in electrophoretic separation of macromolecules and/or cells.