Patent ID: 6942775
Filing Date: 2005-09-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A system for containing at least one separation medium and for performing vertical electrophoresis within a single apparatus comprising: (a) at least one cassette for containing at least one separation medium, said at least one cassette comprising (i) a first plate and a second plate, (ii) a space for containing said separation medium between said first plate and said second plate of said cassette, said cassette having an open top and an open bottom; (b) a frame assembly for receiving said at least one cassette, the frame assembly having (i) at least one clamping mechanism for pressing said at least one cassette against said frame assembly in a substantially vertical position thereby forming a fluid-tight seal between said first plate and said frame assembly and defining at least one upper buffer chamber, (ii) a base comprising a platform extending beyond said at least one cassette when said cassette is clamped in position on said frame assembly, said base having at least one basin for receiving the open bottom of said at least one cassette and having a solution capable of plugging the bottom of said cassette, (iii) a first electrode for said upper buffer chamber, and (iv) a second electrode for a lower buffer chamber; and (c) a lower buffer chamber comprising a container for holding an electrolyte solution within which said base of said frame assembly is positioned.