Integrated Electro-blotting System for Protein Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electrophoretic separation, probing, and drying of proteins are laborious and prone to membrane damage due to manual handling across different equipment, leading to inaccurate protein detection.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system that combines electro-blotting, probing, and drying in a single device, featuring a transfer unit for protein transfer, a probing unit for antibody interaction, and a drying unit with hot air, minimizing manual intervention and ensuring efficient membrane handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used to transfer membrane between different equipment, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but membrane damage risk increases and analysis accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrophoresis, probing, and drying functions into a single integrated device. The transfer unit, probing unit, and drying unit are merged into one system that processes the membrane continuously without manual removal, eliminating handling damage and improving detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions (electrophoresis separation, antibody probing, and membrane drying) within a single apparatus. The transfer unit handles membrane transfer, the probing unit performs antibody incubation, and the drying unit evaporates moisture, all within one universal device structure.
2Productivity
If multiple separate equipment are used for electrophoresis, probing and drying, then each function can be optimized independently, but manual transfer time increases and process efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane remains in the device throughout the entire process from electrophoresis to probing to drying. The transfer unit continuously moves the membrane from the gel to the membrane, then the probing unit continuously incubates antibodies, and finally the drying unit continuously removes moisture, maintaining continuous useful action without manual interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is prepared in advance within the integrated device, with the transfer unit pre-positioned to receive the membrane after electrophoresis, and the probing unit ready with antibodies. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for manual transfer and sequencing operations.
3Loss of time
If traditional drying method with fan and air supply is used, then drying function is achieved, but manual placement and handling cause membrane damage and process delay
Solution Approach 1:
The drying unit automatically dries the membrane without requiring manual placement or removal. The membrane remains in the probing unit, and the drying unit supplies hot air or vacuum to remove moisture directly in place, allowing the membrane to service itself through the drying process without human intervention.
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 integrated system enables efficient and accurate protein analysis with reduced manual handling, minimizing membrane damage and improving the reliability of protein detection processes.
Implementation Method 1
The primary method for transferring the proteins to the membrane is referred to as electroblotting and uses an electric current to pull proteins from the gel into the membrane
Implementation Method 2
A drying unit is also present for drying the membrane with hot air
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated system for performing electro-blotting, probing and drying of the membrane is disclosed. The integrated system comprises a transfer unit for receiving one or more transfer sandwich holder. Each transfer sandwich holder holding a transfer sandwich comprises a gel member and the membrane. The transfer unit is configured to transfer samples from the gel member to the membrane. The integrated system also includes a probing unit for receiving the membrane therewithin. The membrane is exposed to a plurality of antibodies for binding with the samples in the membrane. A drying unit is also present for drying the membrane with hot air.