Integrated Protein Analysis Platform for Western Blotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional western blot method is time-consuming, requires skilled operators, and involves complex, discontinuous steps with separate apparatus, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel protein analysis platform that integrates gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting into a single apparatus, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing operational complexity and time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three separate apparatus are used for gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the operation time increases and the process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting functions into a single integrated platform. The gel working unit includes a gel accommodation area that can accommodate gels for electrophoresis, and the blotting layer stack can be positioned beneath the gel accommodation area. This integration eliminates the need to transfer gels between separate apparatus, reducing operation time from 15-25 minutes to minimal time, while maintaining testing reliability through dedicated functional zones within the unified platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated platform performs multiple functions (gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting) within a single apparatus. The gel working unit serves as a universal workspace that can accommodate gels for electrophoresis and support blotting operations beneath the same gel accommodation area, allowing the platform to execute different biochemical testing steps without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function.
2Reliability
If three separate apparatus are used for gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting, then each step can be optimized independently, but the device complexity and hardware cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates three separate apparatus (gel casting device, electrophoresis device, and blotting device) into one unified platform. The gel working unit with gel accommodation area and the blotting layer stack with electrode layer are combined in a single apparatus, reducing device complexity while maintaining the functional optimization of each step through dedicated structural zones.
3Ease of operation
If manual gel transfer between platforms is performed, then flexibility in operation is maintained, but the skill requirement increases and operational reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting into a single platform, the patent eliminates the need for manual gel transfer between separate apparatus. The gel remains in the gel accommodation area throughout the process, with the blotting layer stack positioned beneath it, removing the risk of accidents during transfer and reducing skill requirements while maintaining operational flexibility.
4Reliability
If separate apparatus are used for each step, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the hardware cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines three separate apparatus into one integrated platform, reducing hardware costs by eliminating redundant structures and components. The gel working unit, electrophoresis tank, and blotting layer stack are integrated into a single system, reducing the overall hardware investment while maintaining the functional optimization and reliability of each biochemical testing step.
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 platform enhances testing performance, reduces operation time, improves consistency and reliability, and lowers hardware costs, achieving results comparable to or better than commercial devices.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrophoresis tank provided along a side of the gel accommodation area and provided with at least one electrode
Implementation Method 2
a blotting layer stack provided in a bottom portion of the gel working unit and comprising an electrode layer
Data Source
AI summary
A protein analysis platform includes a platform body comprising: a gel working unit provided in a top portion of the platform body and comprising a gel accommodation area for accommodating at least one gel; at least one electrophoresis tank provided along a side of the gel accommodation area and provided with at least one electrode; and a blotting layer stack provided in a bottom portion of the gel working unit and comprising an electrode layer; wherein a removable bottom plate is provided between the gel working unit and the blotting layer stack and detachably corresponds to a bottom side of the gel accommodation area. The protein analysis platform is used for western blotting or next-generation western blotting, wherein the protein analysis platform can quickly complete steps such as gel casting, electrophoresis, and blotting in one platform.