Charles A Browning

US Patent:

59721880, Oct 26, 1999

Filed:

Jul 3, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/675467

Inventors:

Sallie Rice - Chula Vista CA
Charles Browning - San Diego CA
James Burke - San Marcos CA
Loi Nguyen - San Diego CA

Assignee:

Genetic Biosystems, Inc. - San Diego CA

International Classification:

G01N 2726
G01N 27447

US Classification:

204456

Abstract:

An apparatus and method for loading samples into a gel of an electrophoretic gel system (EGS). The preferred sample loader includes a membrane having a net negative charge, net neutral charge or no charge (preferably nitrocellulose or nylon) which releasably retains the samples such that the samples are actively released when the membrane is inserted into the gel of an EGS. In one preferred embodiment, the sample loader includes a substrate having a plurality of sample loading areas extending therefrom. In an alternative embodiment, the membrane is substantially thick and serves as its own substrate. In another embodiment, sample inhibiting agents such as hydrophobic ink are formed through the membrane to inhibit the diffusion of samples between sample loading areas. Each sample loading area includes an affixed membrane. In use, one or more samples to be subjected to electrophoretic action are applied to the membrane before the membrane is inserted into a previously polymerized gel.