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Gel electrophoresis system including optical stage, sample applicator and sample retriever

  • US 5,275,710 A
  • Filed: 02/14/1992
  • Issued: 01/04/1994
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A gel electrophoresis system for separating components of a mixture by their physical and chemical characteristics by passage through a gel under a voltage gradient, said system comprising:

  • a. a housing comprising a gel electrophoresis module, and electrical circuitry for external connection, sample applicator and retrieval means, and a gel plate;

    b. said gel electrophoresis module comprising a temperature control platform, a removable optical stage reflective for light in the ultraviolet range and transparent for light in the visible range, supported by said platform, buffer wells on opposite sides of said platform, power electrodes for creating a voltage gradient in said gel, and sensing electrodes for reading the voltage gradient for feedback to the power electrodes;

    c. a gel plate for mounting on said platform and supporting a gel, said plate comprising aligned orifices proximal to opposite ends of a horizontal gel support, and first and second vertical support means for extending into said buffer wells and comprising channels communicating with said orifices, a separation gel on said horizontal support and a stacking gel in said channels of said first vertical support, wherein said stacking gel and said separation gel abut at said orifices or on said horizontal gel support in the direction of migration;

    d. a sample applicator assembly for application of sample to said gel, said applicator assembly comprising a housing having at least one passageway, with an upper opening for receiving liquid sample and a lower opening covered with an absorbent material for absorbing said sample and delivering said sample to said gel; and

    e. a sample retriever assembly for removing portions of sample from said gel after at least partial separation, said retriever assembly comprising a housing having at least one passageway for receiving an electrically conductive medium, with an upper opening for withdrawing sample and a lower opening covered with an absorbent material to contact said gel over said portion, said electrically conductive medium in said passageway for electrical contact with said absorbent material; and

    an electrode positioned for contact with said medium.

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