Patent GB-815350-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in or relating to continuous electrophoresis apparatus
IPC: G01N27/447
Filed: 1957-03-21
Abstract: 815,350. Electrophoresis apparatus and processes. BECKMAN INSTRUMENTS Inc. March 21, 1957 [June 7, 1956], No. 9336/57. Class 41. Electrophoresis apparatus for separating the components of a sample of a material, for example human serum, comprises a suspended curtain-like medium, such as filter paper, down which the sample, and carrier electrolyte, is caused to flow, and means for applying a transverse current comprising electrodes in the form of column-like wicks, for example packs of filter paper, which engage the side margins of the curtain and are continuously fed with electrolyte. As shown, a sheet of filter paper 22, Fig. 1, is suspended from a rod 23, its upper edge being folded back over the rod and held approximately horizontal by clamps not shown. This edge is supplied with electrolyte in the form of drips from the serrated edge of a second sheet of filter paper 11 folded over the edge of, and dipping into electrolyte in, a reservoir 12. A pair of columnar electrodes 96, Fig. 3, each in the form of a pack of filter paper, are held in frames secured to the side walls of the apparatus and, at their lower ends, between partitions in reservoirs 104. The lateral edges of the sheet 22 are held in contact with the electrodes by spring plates 99, Fig. 1, secured by screws 101. The material sample is supplied from a vessel 83 through a tube 85 to a tab 82 cut from the sheet 22 at any chosen point, the drip device 87 connected to the tube 85 being adjustable along a bar 93. By controlling the flow of electrolyte to the sheet 22, and individually to the electrodes 96 (as described below), the pattern of separation of the components of the sample may be spread or contracted, or displaced laterally. The lower edge of the sheet 22 is serrated, the individual points being slit into halves which are separated by a rod 36. Electrolyte carrying the separate components drips from the points through funnels 42 into two rows of vessels 46. The reservoir 12, Fig. 3, comprises a narrow trough extending across the apparatus, to house the sheet 11, and forward extensions 61 at each side. Electrolyte is supplied to the reservoir continuously and in excess by a circulating pump, or from a tank, to tubes 79, 81, and overflows through a vertically adjustable tube 66 and a tube 75 for recirculation. The electrodes 96 are supplied with electrolyte from the extension troughs 61 through vertically adjustable U-tubes 108, which control its flow, and passages 109 and drip points 111. Excess electrolyte is siphoned off through tubes 113 leading to the reservoirs 104 and recirculated. Current is supplied to the electrodes 96 through platinum coils 106 in the reservoirs 104. The tube 83, Fig. 1, containing the material sample is carried on a bracket 88 on a threaded rod rotated uniformly by a motor to raise the tube and maintain the liquid level in it constant. The apparatus is housed in a casing with a removable transparent front panel 127, Fig. 3. Condensation on the panel is prevented by cooling air circulated between a pair of baffled plates in the casing, condensation on the plates being drained through the base of the casing. An example refers to the separation of the components of a sample of human serum, supplied after achieving a steady state of flow of electrolyte in the apparatus maintained at 1 C. in an ice-box, the electrolyte being a buffer solution of barbitol of pH 8.6 and 0.02 ionic strength, a -constant current of 30 m. amps. being maintained from a 500 V. source, the temperature at the sheet 22 being 7‹ C. from the negative to the positive sides of the sheet 22 separation was achieved into gamma-globulin, beta-globulin, and alpha-2- and alpha-1-globulin respectively, albumin, beta-lipoprotein and alpha-liproprotein being also found at separated points on the positive side.