Technology
The Electroluminator is an instrument that combines the operational units of the vertical and horizontal gel electrophoresis with a UV/epi white transilluminator. The instrument can be operated in dual modes:
One, it functions like a conventional horizontal electrophoresis unit, where the prepared DNA/RNA samples are loaded and electrophoresed. Post electrophoresis, the samples can be visualized just by pressing a button, which turns on the UV transilluminator to visualize the samples.
Two, where a simple attachment of the vertical electrophoresis tank setup will convert the setup into a PAGE unit, wherein the top and bottom tanks are connected via the acrylamide gel. Post electrophoresis, the gel cast can be detached and the gel can be placed in a tray (provided along with this setup, which can be attached on top of the horizontal tank).
The gel can thus be stained via silver staining or Coomassie Blue by placing the tank setup (the horizontal tank containing the tray with the gel placed in the staining solution) on any gel rocker unit. The UV lights herein can be easily replaced with fluorescent tube lamps to enable accurate visualization.
Problem Addressed
Molecular researchers often use electrophoresis on a day-to-day basis to separate and visualize DNA/RNA/proteins. This procedure requires the researcher to setup horizontal/vertical gel electrophoresis units, run the samples, and visualize the bands under UV/epi white illumination.
To observe the bands, the user is often required to scoop the gel(s) and carry them to a dark chamber where the transilluminator is placed. During transit, the researcher could drop the gel(s) or cross-contaminate the samples, thus causing significant losses.
A simple hack that can solve this issue is to integrate the electrophoresis and the transilluminator units into a single instrument, which eliminates the need to transport the gel from one place to another.
Further, the provision of a staining cabinet in the device simplifies the process of staining polyacrylamide gels, eliminating the need for a separate rocker. These provisions have been made available in our patent-pending product “Electroluminator”, designed to provide convenience to the researcher.
Societal Impact
This instrument is quintessential in every molecular biology laboratory and research lab across the world. It provides convenience to the researcher and labs looking to minimize workload, reduce time requirements, cut the cost of procurement, and optimize space utilization.
The device's design also allows easy transportation to remote areas where in-situ experiments are conducted. In a nutshell, the Electroluminator is a valuable tool for molecular research, offering efficiency, affordability, and convenience.
Current status
- Design and Utility Patents granted
- Positive feedback received from academia and industry personnel
Product Photo & Working Prototype
