Mini-gel comb mold for electrophoresis lane positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
The uncertainty in the positions of lanes within slab-shaped electrophoresis gels during gel electrophoresis procedures leads to inefficiencies in sample handling and detection, as the gels must be handled post-electrophoresis for electroelution or electroblotting, resulting in potential breakage, loss of samples, and the need for larger reagents due to incomplete information about molecule positions.
Innovation Solution
A mold system for casting and retaining electrophoresis gel strips with integrated features such as removable bases, window covers, and adapters allows for in-place electrophoresis, electroelution, and electroblotting without handling the gel, using a comb-like structure to segregate lanes and facilitate orthogonal current passage for sample transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slab-shaped gels are used to accommodate multiple samples in parallel lanes, then multiple separations can be performed simultaneously, but uncertainty in the positions of lanes makes it difficult to track molecules and requires larger membranes for electroblotting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the gel system into separate, individual gel strips, each contained within its own well-defined lane. This segmentation eliminates the uncertainty of lane positions in slab gels, as each gel strip's location is precisely determined by its containing lane structure, while still allowing multiple separations to occur simultaneously in parallel lanes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces physical lane structures (walls or barriers) that act as intermediaries to define and maintain the position of each gel strip. These lane structures serve as reference markers that eliminate uncertainty about molecule positions, enabling precise tracking and reducing the membrane area needed for electroblotting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the gel is removed from the mold for electroelution or electroblotting, then these techniques can be performed, but handling the gel is time consuming and can result in breakage, loss of samples, or loss of information
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the gel containment function with the lane structure by integrating gel strips directly into the lane definitions. This combination eliminates the need to handle and remove gels separately, as the lane structures themselves provide the containment needed for electroelution and electroblotting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lane structures serve multiple functions: they define gel positions during electrophoresis, contain gels during handling, and provide the framework for electroelution and electroblotting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate handling steps while maintaining versatility for different downstream applications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the gel is removed from the mold for electroblotting, then molecules can be transferred to a membrane, but a larger membrane area is required due to uncertainty in molecule positions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical handling and positioning system with a defined structural framework. The lane structures provide fixed, known positions for gel strips, eliminating the need for large membrane areas to account for position uncertainty, thereby reducing reagent consumption.
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 approach enables more precise and efficient separation and analysis of samples with reduced reagent usage and handling errors, allowing for simultaneous electrophoresis, electroelution, and electroblotting with improved predictability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
Gel electrophoresis is a ubiquitous technique in molecular biology research, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and other enterprises. The technique can be used to analyze the content of a biological sample or purify sufficient quantities of macromolecules from the sample for later use. Protein mixtures, peptide mixtures, and mixtures of DNA, RNA, and fragments of DNA and RNA can all be subjected to gel electrophoresis, which separates molecules from each other on the basis of molecular weight, charge, or other characteristics.
Implementation Method 2
the mold also includes a removable window cover, the removable window cover contacting the window plates and aligned to at least one window, wherein the window cover prevents substances or current from passing through the window(s) to which the window cover is aligned
Implementation Method 3
To harvest sample molecules from a slab gel, or characterize these molecules more extensively than is possible using electrophoresis alone, the techniques of electroelution or electroblotting are often performed after electrophoresis. These techniques require a current to be applied to the gel in a direction orthogonal to that used for electrophoresis, such that molecules arrayed in the gel migrate in a direction orthogonal to that achieved by electrophoresis and exit the gel.
Implementation Method 4
The molecules can then be collected on the surface of the gel (electroelution), or transferred to a membrane, where they can be reacted with binding partners and detected (electroblotting).
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Molds for casting and retaining electrophoresis gel strips are provided, along with methods, kits, and systems for performing electrophoresis, electroelution, and/or electrob lotting using these molds.