Patent ID: 7285199

Claim:
An apparatus for the concentration of biomolecules in a sample, comprising: a first compartment for containing a first buffer to which a sample containing biomolecules is added; a second compartment for containing a second buffer including no sample; an insulation wall separating the first compartment and the second compartment, said insulation wall having a fine throughhole; a membrane covering the throughhole and blocking biomolecules contained in the sample from passing therethrough, wherein the first buffer and the second buffer are insulated by the insulation wall except for the throughhole covered with the membrane when the sample is loaded, wherein the first buffer and the second buffer are in electrical contact with each other via the membrane; a first electrode provided in the first compartment to contact the first buffer when loaded; a second electrode provide in the second compartment to contact the second buffer when loaded, wherein when a voltage is applied between the first and the second electrodes, biomolecules in the sample are subjected to electrophoresis and concentrated at the membrane-covered throughhole; and an outer container in which the second compartment is formed, wherein said outer container has a bottom which constitutes the second electrode.