A tetrad apparatus for protein gel casting, electrophoresis, staining, and scanning techniques with dual sensors for automatic detection of gel polymerization and protein migration.

Abstract

Recent advancements in biochemical sciences have facilitated researchers to explore the structure and function of macro molecules in a cell. PAGE is one of the most favored and adapted laboratory techniques. Due to its simple and economical procedures, several variants or new modifications are routinely observed in the basic electrophoresis technique that comprises gel casting, electrophoresis, staining, and imaging process which consequently necessitates additional apparatuses/components in the laboratory. Operation of these additional apparatuses/components lengthens the pre- and postelectrophoresis procedures involving many intermittent tedious and time-consuming steps. A universal apparatus that can facilitate all such associated techniques is lacking and is of utmost importance for fast and effective results. An apparatus that can perform synchronized action of slab gel casting (16×16cm), electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), dye staining (Coomassie), and imaging (scanning) techniques with real-time monitoring through sensor technology is described in this article. The estimated cost (∼$150) of fabrication of the apparatus is very economical and simple assembly procedure of the main apparatus can be completed within ∼30min after fabrication.