Patterned Electrophoresis Gel Printing via Radiation Polymerization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preparing electrophoresis gels are time-consuming and complex, especially when creating gradient gels or patterned gels, as they require mixing and polymerizing multiple solutions, which can lead to inefficiencies and inconsistencies.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the spatial distribution of polymerizable monomer solutions on a substrate followed by exposure to electromagnetic or ionizing radiation to initiate polymerization, allowing for the creation of patterned electrophoresis gels without the need for unstable initiators or complex mixing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If gradient gels or patterned gels are prepared by mixing and polymerizing multiple solutions, then gel composition gradients or patterns can be achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The gel preparation process is segmented into separate printing and polymerization steps. Different monomer solutions are printed in specific patterns or gradients onto the substrate first, then polymerization is initiated uniformly across the entire gel. This segmentation allows complex composition patterns to be achieved without complex mixing processes during polymerization.
Solution Approach 2:
The monomer solutions are deposited in their desired spatial distribution (gradients or patterns) onto the substrate before polymerization is initiated. This preliminary action of patterning the monomers allows the final gel to inherit the desired composition distribution without requiring complex mixing during the polymerization step.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard polyacrylamide gel casting solutions are used with patterning techniques, then printing can be performed, but no useful gels will be produced due to lack of polymerization control
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical mixing and chemical initiator-based polymerization system is replaced with a radiation-based polymerization system. Electromagnetic or ionizing radiation initiates and controls polymerization without requiring unstable chemical initiators in the monomer solutions, enabling reliable gel production with patterning techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymerization method is changed from chemical initiator-based to radiation-based. This parameter change in the polymerization mechanism allows the monomer solutions to remain stable during printing while still achieving controlled polymerization when exposed to radiation, ensuring reliable gel production.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple monomer solutions are mixed and polymerized together, then gradient gels can be formed, but oxygen inhibition and inconsistencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The unstable chemical initiators are extracted from the monomer solutions and replaced with radiation initiation. This removal of oxygen-sensitive chemical initiators eliminates oxygen inhibition problems while still allowing controlled polymerization through radiation exposure, improving polymerization consistency in gradient gels.
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 the production of reproducible and efficient patterned electrophoresis gels with improved homogeneity and reduced oxygen inhibition, facilitating high-resolution protein and nucleic acid separation.
Implementation Method 1
exposing the printed substrate to electromagnetic or ionising radiation so as to initiate polymerisation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method to produce gels for electrophoresis, wherein at least two monomer solutions are printed in a pattern on a substrate and the printed substrate is exposed to electromagnetic or ionising radiation so as to initiate polymerisation. The gels are useful for electrophoretic separation of proteins, peptides and/or nucleic acids.