Masking Device for Photopolymerized Electrophoretic Gel Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hand-casting systems for electrophoresis gels are cumbersome, require precise alignment of numerous components, and suffer from issues like acrylamide leakage and inconsistent sample well formation during photopolymerization.
Innovation Solution
A masking device is introduced to the gel casting assembly, which includes a light blocking agent fixedly located on the assembly. This device overlaps with the comb teeth to prevent photopolymerization of the electrophoretic gel between the comb teeth and the inner surfaces of the gel casting assembly, ensuring uniform sample wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If photopolymerization is used to cure the gel, then curing time is reduced, but the gel between comb teeth and inner surfaces photopolymerizes causing inconsistent sample wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful photopolymerization reaction from the region between comb teeth and inner surfaces by introducing a light blocking agent that prevents light from reaching this area, thereby preventing unwanted gel formation while maintaining the benefits of photopolymerization in the desired gel regions
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking agent serves as an intermediary element between the light source and the gel mixture, selectively blocking light in specific regions to prevent photopolymerization where it is not desired, while allowing photopolymerization to proceed in the main gel areas
2Manufacturing precision
If a masking device with light blocking agent is added, then sample well fidelity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The masking device performs multiple functions: it blocks light to prevent unwanted photopolymerization, maintains spacing between comb teeth and inner surfaces, and ensures uniform sample well formation, thereby justifying the added complexity through multi-functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The light blocking agent is positioned in advance during assembly to prevent unwanted photopolymerization before it can occur, ensuring proper sample well formation from the start rather than requiring corrective actions later
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 masking device enhances the fidelity and consistency of the sample wells in photopolymerized electrophoretic gels, reducing variations and potential damage during the removal of the comb, thereby improving the overall gel casting process.
Implementation Method 1
photopolymerization of the electrophoretic gel contained between the comb teeth and the inner surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a masking device (20) for enhancing the fidelity of sample wells of a photopolymerized electrophoretic gel contained in a gel casting assembly (10) that comprises a comb (30) having a one or more teeth. The masking device (20) includes a light blocking agent fixedly located on the gel casting assembly (10) where the light blocking agent overlaps with the teeth of the comb to prevent photopolymerization of a portion of an electrophoretic gel contained between the comb and the inner surfaces of the gel casting assembly. Upon removal of the comb after electrophoretic gel photopolymerization the sample wells remain uniform.