Integrated Electrophoresis And Electrotransfer For Low-Waste Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophoresis and electrotransfer systems require separate setups and generate hazardous waste, and existing combined systems face issues with antigen masking and inefficient detection due to antibody diffusion kinetics and cross-linking steps.
Innovation Solution
A single system that integrates gel electrophoresis and electrotransfer with direct biomolecule detection, allowing for easy access and reduced hazardous waste, using a device with multiple electrodes and ion reservoirs for controlled current flow and detection methods like immunodetection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate systems are used for electrophoresis and electrotransfer, then each procedure can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the device complexity and experimental setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrophoresis and electrotransfer functions into a single integrated device. The device includes a chamber with a gel matrix, transfer membrane, and multiple electrodes that can perform both separation and transfer operations without requiring separate equipment setups, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining procedural reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device is designed to perform multiple functions: electrophoretic separation of biomolecules in the gel matrix, electrotransfer of separated biomolecules to the transfer membrane, and detection of transferred biomolecules. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated equipment for each procedure
2Productivity
If traditional electrotransfer buffers containing methanol and acetic acid are used, then effective electrotransfer can be achieved, but large volumes of hazardous waste are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the electrotransfer buffer composition by replacing traditional hazardous chemicals (methanol and acetic acid) with safer alternatives such as Tris-buffered saline or phosphate-buffered saline. This parameter change in buffer chemistry maintains electrotransfer efficiency while eliminating the generation of large volumes of hazardous waste
3Stability of the object's composition
If cross-linking steps are used in existing combined systems, then biomolecules can be fixed to the matrix, but antigen masking occurs resulting in poor antibody recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts or eliminates the cross-linking step from the experimental protocol. By removing this step, biomolecules remain in their native state without chemical modification that would mask antigens, thereby maintaining both stability for fixation and precision for antibody recognition and detection
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate equipment pieces are used for electrophoresis and electrotransfer, then each procedure can be optimized independently, but the equipment footprint and operational time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electrophoresis and electrotransfer operations into a single continuous process within one device. After biomolecules are separated in the gel matrix, the same device performs electrotransfer to the membrane without requiring removal or reconfiguration, eliminating setup time and reducing operational duration while maintaining procedure versatility
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
Enables high-throughput electrophoresis and electrotransfer with reduced hazardous waste, improved detection efficiency, and reduced equipment footprint, while maintaining biomolecule integrity for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
In gel electrophoresis, biomolecules can be separated into bands by an electric field that causes the molecules to migrate through a filtering matrix
Implementation Method 2
an electrical current is passed through the sandwiched gel and blotting membrane in a direction generally perpendicular to the surface of the blotting membrane. This results in some or most of the biomolecules being electrophoretically transferred from the gel to the porous material
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides devices and systems for gel electrophoresis and/or electrotransfer and/or detection of biomolecules. Devices for electrotransfer comprise: one or more receptacles comprising: a biomolecule receiving material (BMR); a first and second electrode; wherein the second electrode is located after and/or distal to an area where biomolecules are received OR wherein both electrodes are arranged to allow current flow in at least two directions, wherein the second direction of current flow is along the plane of the BMR. Devices and systems can be adapted to perform electrophoresis, wherein the receptacle further comprises a matrix for electrophoretic separation of biomolecules. Devices and systems can be further adapted to perform detection, wherein the receptacle further comprises reagent dispensing channels or ports and/or reagents to detect electrotransferred biomolecules. Devices and systems of the disclosure can be microfluidic devices. Methods using the systems and devices of the disclosure are also provided.