# US 5,217,591 A · Gel electrophoresis sample applicator/retriever > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,217,591 A - Document ID: US5217591A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 07/954,911 - Filed: 1992-09-30 - Granted: 1993-06-08 - Earliest claimed: 1990-05-14 - Assignees: Labintelligence, Inc. - Inventors: Erich Gombocz; Mark Dwight; David H. Rammler - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5217591A ## CPC - G01N 27/44704: {Details; Accessories} - G01N 27/44721: {by optical means} - G01N 27/44743: {Introducing samples} - G01N 27/44782: {of a plurality of samples} - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract A sample applicator/retriever for gel electrophoresis is provided, which allows easy and reproducible application or retrieval of samples. The sample nozzle is designed to load samples uniformly through a gel. The applicator/retriever may be in several different forms, including a a multiwell device, individual wells and mounting bar, a single line well, or a concentrator applicator. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A gel electrophoresis sample applicator/retriever device comprising: a holder comprising a linear array of wells or mountings for detachably mounting individual wells, with the proviso that when said holder comprises said mountings, said device further comprises a plurality of wells capable of being detachably mounted to said holder; said wells comprising a channel and forming a nozzle at a bottom end having a front and rear face, said front and rear faces being angled to form an edge transverse to a gel surface in the direction of component migration in said gel, and said front face having an aperture in communication with said channel, which aperture serves to release sample components substantially uniformly into a gel under the influence of an electrical field when said nozzle is inserted into a gel; and a retrieval electrode for inserting into said channel. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein said retrieval electrode is capable of removable insertion into said channel. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein said wells are detachably mounted on said holder. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein said aperture extends substantially across said front face. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, further comprising a concentrator funnel capable of mounting on said channel and partially extending into said channel. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) A device according to claim 1, wherein said front face is at an angle of from about 53 to 58 degrees and said back face at an angle of from about 62 to 67 degrees to a gel surface when said device is held upright. ### Claim 7 A gel electrophoresis sample applicator/retriever device comprising: a holder comprising a linear array of wells; said wells comprising a channel and forming a nozzle at a bottom end having a front and rear face, said front and rear faces being angled to form an edge transverse to a gel surface in the direction of component migration in said gel, and said front face having an aperture in communication with said channel, which aperture serves to release sample components substantially uniformly into a gel under the influence of an electrical field when said nozzle is inserted into a gel, wherein said front face is at an angle of from about 53 to 58 degrees and said back face at an angle of from about 62 to 67 degrees to a gel surface when said device is held upright; and a retrieval electrode for inserting into said channel. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A device according to claim 7, comprising pegs at each end of said holder for mounting said holder on a support. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) A device according to claim 7, wherein said holder is of clear plastic. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) A device according to claim 7, wherein said holder further comprises an electrode extending into a well. ### Claim 11 A method for performing a gel electrophoresis with removal of at least one band during the course of the electrophoresis prior to completion of said electrophoresis, employing a gel electrophoresis sample applicator/retriever device comprising: a holder comprising a linear array of wells or mountings for detachably mounting individual wells, with the proviso that when said holder comprises said mountings, said device further comprises a plurality of wells capable of being detachably mounted to said holder; said wells comprising a channel and forming a nozzle at a bottom end having a front and rear face, said front and rear faces being angled to form an edge transverse to a gel surface in the direction of component migration in said gel, and said front face having an aperture in communication with said channel, which aperture serves to release sample components substantially uniformly into a gel under the influence of an electrical field when said nozzle is inserted into a gel; and a retrieval electrode for inserting into said channel; said method comprising: inserting said nozzle into said gel while maintaining an electrical field in said gel, whereby components in said sample migrate into said gel; maintaining an electrical field in said gel, whereby said components migrate and separate in said gel to define bands; inserting said nozzle containing an electrically conducting medium into said gel adjacent at least one parallel band and applying an electrical field between said electrode inserted in said channel and a second electrode opposite said band from said nozzle, whereby said component in said band migrates into said medium; and removing said nozzle from said gel.