Patent ID: 6602391
Filing Date: 2003-08-05
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for combined separation and blotting of biomolecules, the apparatus comprisinga support structure comprising a disposable separating element having an entrance end, an exit end and a body, external electrodes, side electrodes, and three separate reservoirs: one reservoir in which the entrance end of the separating element is located, one reservoir in which the exit end of the separating element is located, and one reservoir in which the body of the separating element is located, each reservoir having means for leak-proof closure, openings for filling with electrolyte solution, means for circulating fluid, and means for applying pressure within the reservoirs, each reservoir also being filled with buffer solution, which surrounds the separating element; the disposable separating element comprising at least one capillary tube vertically or horizontally supported by said support structure in a stretched or coiled configuration, said capillary tube having vertically or longitudinally opposed ends and filled with sieving or interaction matrix, a first layer of porous material, which acts as a separating membrane, and a second layer of porous material external to the first layer, which acts as a deposition membrane, the support structure also comprising means for modulating the permeability properties of the first layer of porous material by changing chemical composition, temperature, or pH of the surrounding solution; the external electrodes being attached on said support structure adjacent to the capillary tube ends and adapted for electrical contacts with the capillary ends when the capillary tube is filled with a conductive solution so electrophoresis of a molecular mixture can be performed in the capillary tube; and the side electrodes being positioned adjacent to the body of the capillary tube so separated material from inside the capillary can be transferred by electrophoresis to said second layer of porous material through the first layer.