Membrane loader for gel electrophoresis

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. The membrane advantageously prevents contamination of electrode buffer solution and cross-talk or mixing between samples by inhibiting the diffusion of sample material into the gel or buffer solution before the gel is activated by a release mechanism. Once the gel is activated by the release mechanism, the membrane releases substantially all of the samples into the gel where the samples are subjected to the electrophoretic separation and identification process.