Vertical Gel Electrophoresis Layout for Air Bubble Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Air bubbles generated by the lower electrode during vertical electrophoresis enter the flow path, hindering energization and causing phoresis failure in sealed electrophoresis devices.
Innovation Solution
The electrophoresis device is designed with a first electrode on the upper side and a second electrode on the lower side, featuring a second gel flow path with a protrusion or partition to prevent air bubbles from entering the first gel flow path, and includes a connection portion to connect the flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If vertical electrophoresis is used in a sealed device, then separation capability is improved, but air bubbles enter the flow path and cause phoresis failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes air bubbles from the flow path by providing a dedicated air bubble discharge port separate from the sample flow path. This allows air bubbles generated during vertical electrophoresis to be discharged without interfering with the separation process, thereby maintaining both high separation capability and reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary air bubble discharge port that mediates between the air bubbles generated by electrolysis and the sample flow path. This intermediary structure allows air bubbles to be safely removed from the system without contaminating or blocking the electrophoresis flow path, resolving the conflict between separation performance and operational reliability.
2Productivity
If the second electrode is positioned on the axis of the first gel flow path, then electrophoresis efficiency is improved, but air bubbles block the flow path and hinder energization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device into distinct functional zones: a sample flow path for electrophoresis and a separate air bubble discharge port. This segmentation allows the second electrode to be positioned on the axis for efficient electrophoresis while air bubbles are diverted to a separate discharge channel, preventing blockage and maintaining continuous energization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts air bubbles from the main electrophoresis flow path by providing a dedicated discharge port. This removal of air bubbles prevents them from blocking the flow path and interfering with energization, while allowing the electrode positioning to optimize electrophoresis efficiency.
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
Prevents air bubbles from entering the gel flow path, ensuring uninterrupted electrophoresis by effectively capturing and restricting bubble movement.
Implementation Method 1
a gel electrophoresis method is known in which biological substances such as nucleic acids or proteins are analyzed using a phenomenon that when an electric field is applied to a substance having charges, the substance moves in an electrode direction having an opposite polarity
Implementation Method 2
air bubbles generated by a lower electrode due to electrolysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(b)
Figure 3
AI summary
Air bubbles generated by a second electrode 4b on a lower side are prevented from entering a first gel flow path 2. An electrophoresis device 1, used for vertical electrophoresis in which a first electrode 4a as a cathode and the second electrode 4b as an anode are provided and the first electrode 4a is disposed on an upper side and the second electrode 4b is disposed on a lower side, includes: a buffer solution tank 5 into which a sample is introduced and in which the first electrode 4a is provided; the first gel flow path 2 connected to the buffer solution tank 5 and filled with a gel; and a second gel flow path 3 connected to the first gel flow path 2 and filled with a gel, the second electrode 3 being provided in the first electrode 4a, in which the second electrode 4b is provided in the second gel flow path 3 at a position different from a position on an axis of the first gel flow path 2.