WO2014088948A1

WO2014088948A1 - Combless gel electrophoresis device

Info

Publication number: WO2014088948A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/072617
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zhuying Wang; Hong Qian; Yuanming Liao; Tao BAI
Original assignee: Nanjingjinsirui Science & Technology Biology Corporation; Genscript Corporation
Priority date: 2012-12-03
Filing date: 2013-12-02
Publication date: 2014-06-12

Abstract

A device for gel electrophoresis is provided having sample loading wells formed without using any combs. The device includes a gel cassette having a front plate and a back plate, with one of the plates having evenly spaced teeth configured on its inner surface near its top edge to create rigid sample loading wells at the top opening of the gel cassette, and a gel matrix. Using this device, no comb is needed during gel matrix formation and therefore, the gels are ready for sample loading without removing any combs, saving the comb-related materials and labors. Methods for using the device for performing gel electrophoresis are also provided.

Description

TITLE OF THE INVENTION

Combless Gel Electrophoresis Device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device and methods for performing gel

electrophoresis. In particular, the invention relates to an improved gel electrophoresis device for the separation of biological macromolecules that eliminates the need for a comb, allowing for easier handling and manufacture with improved gel resolution.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Gel electrophoresis is a commonly used technique for the separation of biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). Generally, the method involves applying an electric current to a porous, polymerized gel matrix that contains the biological mixture. The components of the mixture will migrate through the gel matrix at different rates, most often dependent on charge and/or size. Movement of the molecules through the polymerized gel matrix produces a series of bands, with each band corresponding to a different molecule.

[0003] Acrylamide or agarose gel matrices are typically used for the separation of the biological molecules. The gel matrix is formed by copolymerization with crosslinking reagents which creates a pore structure that allows for the passage of molecules through the gel matrix. Other gels, such as starch gels, have also been used for electrophoresis. Selection of the gel matrix material most often depends on the type of biological molecules to be separated. For protein separation, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) is popular because

polyacrylamide gels are optically transparent, and the pore sizes are in a range that is suitable for proteins. Proteins with different charge/mass ratios will move through the polyacrylamide matrix at different rates. Using a series of known molecular weight proteins as a marker, the size and/or the molecular weight of the specific protein of interest can be estimated.

[0004] Polyacrylamide gels were first used as a supporting matrix for gel electrophoresis in 1959 by Raymond and Weintraub (Acrylamide gel as a supporting medium for zone

electrophoresis. Science. 1959, 130:711-711) and were well studied by Ornstein (Disc Electrophoresis 1, Background and Theory. Ann New York Acad. Sci. 121 :321-349, 1964) and Davis (Disc Electrophoresis 2, Method and application to human serum proteins. Ann. New York Acad. Sci. 121 :404-427, 1964). In general, a solution containing acrylamide monomer and bisacrylamide as the crosslinking reagent is polymerized in appropriate buffers in the presence of an initiator at room temperature. The desired resolution of the gels can be achieved by adjustment of the concentrations of the various components of the gel solution. The components and concentrations thereof for producing gel solutions of different supporting matrices for various applications are well known to one skilled in the art.

[0005] The basic apparatus used for gel electrophoresis includes (1) a gel cassette which holds the gel matrix between two plates and (2) an electrophoresis unit that holds the gel cassette and is connected to a power source which supplies the electric current that causes the molecules to move through the gel matrix. The electrophoresis unit also contains buffer chambers that place the top and bottom of the gel in contact with the buffer solutions, which are ionic solutions that carry the electrical current through the gel matrix. Glass or plastic plates have typically been used to form the gel cassettes for casting polyacrylamide gels. Polyacrylamide gels held in glass cassettes show better resolution compared to those held in plastic cassettes upon performing gel electrophoresis. However, glass is fragile and not suitable for high throughput production due to the tedious procedures taken to prepare the gels. Plastic molds are now used more often to make precast gels because it is easier and more economical. Special surface coating of the plastic plates has been adapted to improve the resolution of the separated macromolecule bands.

[0006] A standard gel cassette is formed by binding the two glass or plastic plates together and temporarily sealing the bottom of the cassette with tape. Spacers are placed along the vertical side edges of each plate to create a space, or "gel chamber," between the plates for the gel matrix to fill. In addition, the top edge of one plate is often cut away across the top length of the plate except at the vertical side edges to create a cutout that allows the buffer solution to access the top of the gel matrix once the cassette is placed in the electrophoresis unit. The gel matrix solution is poured into the sealed cassette and then solidified through polymerization. To form the sample holding compartments, known as "wells," a comb is inserted between the two plates at the top edge prior to completion of the gel polymerization process with the teeth of the comb extending downwardly into the gel matrix.

[0007] However, during gel preparation or manufacture, inserting a comb into each polymerizing gel is an extra challenge. Firstly, the comb is small and has no handle to hold it; secondly, the comb must be aligned exactly with the gel plates; and thirdly, the comb needs to be inserted into the gel matrix with great care to avoid popping the plates apart. Furthermore, before gel electrophoresis is performed, the comb must be carefully removed for sample loading to prevent movement of the walls of the sample wells to ensure ease of sample loading and optimal gel resolution.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists for a gel cassette that is capable of forming sample wells without inserting a comb into the gel, eliminating the need to remove the comb before electrophoresis. Furthermore, it is desirable to design the gel cassette such that the walls of the sample wells are rigid and held in place to facilitate sample loading and further improve gel resolution.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides an improved device for making a precast gel for performing gel electrophoresis, particularly for PAGE. The device comprises two plastic plates to form a gel cassette with no comb needed to form sample wells. According to embodiments of the present invention, the sample wells are formed by evenly spaced teeth configured on one or both of the two plates of the gel cassette without the need to insert and subsequently remove a separate comb.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention provides a gel cassette comprising a front plate and a back plate, wherein one of the two plates has at least two teeth configured on the inner surface of the plate near its top edge, such that at least one sample well is formed. Thus, when the inner surfaces of the front and back plates are placed face-to-face and fastened together, the spaces created between adjacent teeth at the top opening of the gel cassette define the sample wells of the gel chamber. After the gel chamber of the gel cassette is filled with a gel matrix to a level above the bottom edge of the teeth, the sample wells are bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the adjacent teeth and the top surface of the gel matrix. According to embodiments of the present invention, the thickness of the teeth is substantially equal to the spacing formed between the front and back plates. In a preferred embodiment, either the front or back plate has 1 1 , 13 or 16 evenly spaced teeth configured on the plate to form a gel cassette with 10, 12 or 15 sample wells, respectively. [0011] Another aspect of the present invention provides a gel cassette comprising a front plate and a back plate, wherein one of the two plates has at least two teeth configured on the inner surface of the plate near its top edge, and the other of the two plates has at least two vertical grooves configured on the inner surface of the plate near its top edge, such that the teeth align with the vertical grooves to form at least one sample well. The purpose of the grooves is to hold the teeth in place and seal the subsequent wells that are formed to prevent sample leakage. Preferably, the thickness of the teeth is slightly greater than the spacing formed between the front and back plates, such that the teeth extend into the groove. Thus, the spaces created between adjacent teeth extending into the corresponding grooves at the top opening of the gel cassette define the wells of the gel chamber used for sample loading. After the gel chamber of the gel cassette is filled with a gel matrix to a level above the bottom edge of the teeth, the sample wells are bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the side edges of adjacent teeth extending into the corresponding grooves and the top surface of the gel matrix. According to a preferred embodiment, one plate of the gel cassette has 11, 13, or 16 evenly spaced teeth, whereas the other plate has the same number of corresponding grooves, such that 10, 12, or 15 sample wells are formed respectively.

[0012] Another aspect of the present invention provides a gel cassette comprising a front plate and a back plate, wherein both plates have at least two teeth configured on their inner surfaces near their top edges. The teeth are configured in such a way that two teeth (one from each plate) will pair with each other closely to form a pair of teeth, the pair acting as a wall of the sample wells when the front and back plates are fastened together. Thus, at least two pairs of teeth will be formed, creating at least one sample well. Thus, when the inner surfaces of the front and back plates are placed face-to-face and fastened together, the spaces created between adjacent pairs of teeth at the top opening of the gel cassette define the wells of the gel chamber. The thickness of the teeth is substantially equal to or slightly less than the spacing formed between the front and back plates. According to a preferred embodiment, each plate has 11, 13 or 16 evenly spaced teeth, such that 1 1, 13, or 16 pairs of teeth are formed that create 10, 12 or 15 sample wells respectively.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when both the front and back plates have at least two teeth configured in their inner surfaces as described above, a gap is created between the two teeth of each pair that is preferably from 0.1 to 0.5 mm wide. After the gel matrix fills the gel cassette to a level above the bottom edge of the teeth, the gaps created between the two teeth of each pair will also be filled with the gel matrix due to capillary action, which will seal the wells and prevent sample leakage.

[0014] The invention also relates to methods of conducting gel electrophoresis comprising using a device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method comprises obtaining a gel cassette assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention, filling the gel chamber of the gel cassette with a gel matrix to a level just above the bottom edge of the teeth, and applying a sample to the sample wells.

[0015] The details of one or more embodiments of the disclosure are set forth in the description below. Other features and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In order for the aspects of the present invention to be more clearly understood, various embodiments will be further described in the following detailed description of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, where corresponding reference numerals refer to corresponding components. The drawings and following detailed description are intended to provide examples of various embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that the scope of the invention is not limited by the drawings and discussion of these specific embodiments.

[0017] In the drawings:

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a side perspective view of a gel cassette comprising a front plate and a back plate with twelve sample loading wells assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a side plan view of a plastic plate according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the inner surface of a back plate according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the inner surface of a front plate according to an embodiment of the present invention DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] All publications and patents referred to herein are incorporated by reference. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

Otherwise, certain terms used herein have the meanings as set forth in the specification.

[0023] It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0024] As used herein, the term "gel cassette" refers to the device assembled from two plates aligned face-to-face and fastened together with a spacing formed between the two plates. The spacing formed between the two plates is referred to as the "gel chamber." The gel matrix is held within the gel chamber. Certain terms describing the dimensions and other aspects of the gel cassette have the following meanings: "top length" of a plate refers to the dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the vertical side edges of the plate along its top edge; "plate-to- plate distance" refers to the distance measured between the two plates extending in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the plates; "top opening" or "spacing at the top portion" refers to the space between the two plates accessible near the top edges of the plates; "bottom opening" or "spacing at the bottom portion" refers to the space between the two plates accessible near the bottom edges of the plates; and "gel thickness" refers to the dimension of the gel in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the plates assembled to form the gel cassette.

[0025] As used herein the terms "well" or "sample well" refer to the spaces created between adjacent teeth at the top opening of the gel cassette. "Well thickness" refers to the dimension of the well in a direction perpendicular to the faces of the gel cassette plates.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "teeth" or "tooth" refer to the protrusions configured on the inner surface of the plate(s) near the top edge of the plate(s). Each tooth has a front face that is substantially parallel to the inner surface of the plate and distal to the interface where the tooth is fused to the plate; two side edges, extending in a vertical direction, that are perpendicular to the inner surface of the plate from which the tooth extends; and a bottom edge, which is the surface of the tooth farthest from the top edge of the plate and perpendicular to the inner surface of the plate from which it extends. Certain terms describing the dimensions of the teeth have the following meanings: "height" refers to the dimension extending in a direction proximal to the top edge of the plate to the bottom edge of the tooth; "length" refers to the dimension in a direction extending across the front face of the tooth from one side edge to the other side edge, perpendicular to its height; and "thickness" refers to the dimension in a direction extending from the front face of the tooth to the interface where the tooth is fused to the inner surface of the plate.

[0027] As used herein, the terms and phrases "standard gel cassette" and "standard gel cassette and comb" all refer to a device for gel electrophoresis in which the plate-to-plate distance between the plates of the gel cassette is constant throughout. More specifically, the terms "standard 1 mm gel cassette" and "standard 1 mm gel cassette and comb" refer to a device for gel electrophoresis in which the plate-to-plate distance between the plates of the gel cassette, gel thickness and well thickness are constant throughout at 1 mm. The thickness of the teeth of the plates used with a standard 1 mm gel cassette is understood to be 1 mm.

[0028] Referring in detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a gel cassette, indicated by reference numeral 10, assembled according to embodiments of the present invention. The gel cassette is comprised of a front plate 14 and back plate 12. Each plate has an inner surface and an outer surface, with the inner surfaces oriented face-to-face with a space between the two plates. The space between the two plates defines the gel chamber and dictates the thickness of the gel matrix. Each plate also has a top edge 20, a bottom edge 22, and two side edges 24, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, which respectively depict a side perspective view of the inner surfaces of a back plate and a front plate according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] According to embodiments of the present invention, at least two teeth, referred to by reference numeral 16, are configured on the inner surface of at least one plate near its top edge, such that when the two plates are fastened together at least one sample well 18 (FIG. 1) is created without the need for inserting and subsequently removing a comb from the gel cassette. The spaces created between adjacent teeth at the top opening of the gel cassette define the sample wells 18 of the gel chamber. According to embodiments of the present invention, the gel matrix fills the gel chamber of the gel cassette to a level just above the bottom edge of the teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface that is just above the bottom edge of the teeth. Thus, after the gel chamber is filled with the gel matrix, each sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the side edges of two adjacent teeth, the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, and the top surface of the gel matrix. Thus, no comb is needed to be inserted into the gel matrix to form the wells, and no comb is needed to be pulled out prior to sample loading for performing gel electrophoresis. This will save the comb-related materials and labors. According to a preferred embodiment, the gel cassette is filled with a gel matrix to a level that is between 1 mm and 3 mm above the bottom edge of the teeth, such that the top surface of the gel matrix is between 1 mm and 3 mm above the bottom edge of the teeth.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, the inner surfaces of the front and black plates are oriented face-to-face with their respective edges aligned during assembly of the gel cassette. The two plates of the gel cassette can be assembled together via any suitable method such as ultrasonic welding. After assembly, the bottom opening of the cassette can or can not be sealed by any suitable tape, sealant, or polymeric materials. The gel solution poured into the gel cassette can be any suitable matrix material, including but not limited to

polyacrylamide, agarose, and starch, but is most preferably polyacrylamide. The plates can be made of any suitable materials, preferably plastics including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-styrene, polystyrene, polyethylene, or various copolymers. The plates can also be transparent to facilitate the viewing of the electrophoresis process.

[0031] The front and back plates of the gel cassette have additional features such as bumps, cylinder-shaped posts 26, and corner shaped posts 28 (FIG. 3 and 4) at the side edges of the plates to facilitate assembly. These additional features along the side edges of the plates also function as the spacers to space the plates apart and create a gel chamber in which the gel matrix is held. Specifically, the bumps function as spacers during the process of assembling the gel cassette, and the posts hold the two plates together and also avoid the deformation of the plates during the assembly process. For example, the front plate can also have an additional post 26 configured near its bottom edge to prevent the incurvation of the plates during assembly of the gel cassette (FIG. 4). These additional features can be made of any suitable materials, preferably plastics including but not limited to polyethylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, polymethyl methacrylate, acrylonitrile-styrene, polystyrene, polyethylene, or various copolymers, and preferably are made of the same material as the plates. Any additional features for positioning and fastening the front and back plates together, such that they are spaced apart to create a gel chamber, can be used and are not limited to those embodiments specifically described here.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the inner surface of one plate of the gel cassette has at least two teeth configured near the top edge of the plate to form at least one rigid sample well when the front and the back plate are assembled together to form a gel cassette. FIGS. 2 and 3 respectively show a side plan view and side perspective view of a back plate with teeth configured on its inner surface according to embodiments of the present invention. The back plate has thirteen teeth 16, for creating twelve sample loading wells.

Preferably, the teeth are spaced evenly apart. The back plate also has four cylinder-shaped posts 26 located at its side edges (FIG. 3), which are configured to fit into the corner-shaped posts 28 on the side edges of the front plate (FIG. 4) during assembly of the gel cassette to precisely position the plates together. As noted above, any additional features for positioning and fastening the front and back plates together, can be used and are not limited to those specifically described herein.

[0033] According to embodiments of the present invention, when only one plate of the gel cassette has teeth configured on its inner surface (i.e. either the front plate or back plate), the thickness of the teeth is substantially equal to the spacing formed between the front and back plates, such that the front face of each tooth is flush against the inner surface of the opposite plate. This essentially seals the sample wells and prevents sample leakage from the wells. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the front and back plates is between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, such that the teeth have a thickness ti (FIG. 1) also between 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm. The teeth also preferably have a length li ranging from 0.5 to 3 mm, and a height i ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm (FIG. 2).

[0034] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the front plate has at least two teeth configured on its inner surface near its top edge for forming at least one sample well when assembled with a back plate to form a gel cassette. FIG. 4 depicts a side perspective view of a front plate 14 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The front plate has thirteen teeth for creating twelve sample loading wells. The front plate also has four corner- shaped posts 28 located at its side edges configured to fit into the cylinder-shaped posts 26 on the side edges of the back plate during assembly of the gel cassette to precisely position the plates together (FIG. 3), as discussed above. The top edge of the front plate can also contain a cutout across its top length, except at the two side edges, to allow access of the top surface of the gel matrix to the buffer solution during electrophoresis and to facilitate sample loading. Thus, the top edge of the front plate can be lower than the top edge of the back plate in the assembled gel cassette.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, either the front plate or the back plate has 11 , 13, or 16 evenly spaced teeth configured on its inner surface near its top edge, such that 10, 12, or 15 sample wells are created after assembly with the other plate to form the gel cassette.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the present invention, one plate of the gel cassette (either the front or back plate) has at least two teeth configured on its inner surface near its top edge, and the other plate of the gel cassette has at least two vertical tooth grooves configured on its inner surface near its top edge. As used herein, the terms "groove" and "grooves" also refer to the vertical tooth grooves described above. The teeth on one plate and the corresponding tooth grooves on the other plate are configured such that the teeth align with the grooves and fit into the grooves when the plates are assembled together to form the gel cassette. The purpose of the grooves is to hold the teeth tightly in place and create a seal that prevents sample leakage to other wells. Preferably, the grooves are at least 0.55 mm long, 0.15 mm wide and 0.05 mm deep. According to this embodiment, the thickness of the teeth is slightly larger than the spacing formed between the front and back plates, such that the teeth extend into the corresponding tooth grooves. When gel matrix is added to the gel cassette to the level just above the bottom edge of the teeth, the gap (if any) between the teeth and the grooves will be filled with gel matrix due to capillary action, thus sealing the connections between the teeth and the grooves, which will prevent any leakage of the samples from the wells. In a preferred embodiment, the spacing between the front and back plates is preferably between 0.5 and 1.5 mm, such that the teeth have a thickness between 0.5 mm to 2 mm, as well as a length li ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm and a height hi ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0037] According to another preferred embodiment, the number of teeth configured on one plate is equivalent to the number of tooth grooves configured on the other plate of the gel cassette. In a more preferred embodiment, one plate has 11, 13 or 16 evenly spaced teeth and the other plate also has 11, 13, or 16 evenly spaced corresponding tooth grooves, such that 10, 12, or 15 sample wells are created respectively, after the two plates are assembled together to form the gel cassette.

[0038] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, both the front and back plates have at least two teeth configured on their inner surfaces near their top edges. The teeth are configured in such a way that when the two plates are assembled together, two teeth (one from each plate) will stand closely side-by-side with the side edges aligned parallel to one another to form a pair of teeth. At least two teeth are on each plate, such that at least two pairs of teeth are formed to create at least one sample well. After the gel matrix is filled to a level just above the bottom edge of the teeth, each sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, two adjacent pairs of teeth, and the top surface of the gel matrix. According to this embodiment, the thickness of the teeth is substantially equal to or slightly less than the spacing formed between the front and back plates. In a preferred embodiment, the teeth have a length U ranging from 1 mm to 3 mm, a thickness t! ranging from 0.5 mm to 1.5 mm, and a height h_\ ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, when both the front and back plates have teeth configured on their inner surfaces as described above, a gap is formed between the two teeth of each pair. The gap, defining the tooth-to-tooth distance from the side edge of one tooth of the pair to the side edge of the other tooth of the pair, preferably has a width ranging from 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. When the gel matrix is added to the gel cassette to a level just above the bottom edge of the teeth, the gap between the two teeth of each pair of teeth will be filled with gel matrix due to capillary action, which will prevent any leakage of the samples from the wells.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, both the front plate and back plates each have 11, 13 or 16 evenly spaced teeth configured on their inner surfaces near their top edges. Thus, when the plates are assembled together to form the gel cassette, 11, 13 or 16 evenly spaced pairs of teeth are formed, creating 10, 12, or 15 corresponding sample wells in the gel cassette, respectively.

[0041] The present invention also relates to a method of using a device according to an embodiment of the present invention for electrophoresis. The device can be used for any type of electrophoresis using methods known in the art in view of the present disclosure. Various factors, such as the dimensions of the device or gel matrix, the type of gel casted in the device, the number of teeth, the electrophoresis buffer solution, etc. can be adjusted depending on the need.

[0042] A method for performing gel electrophoresis according to embodiments of the present invention comprises obtaining a gel cassette assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention; filling the gel chamber of the gel cassette with a gel matrix to a level just above the bottom edge of the teeth such that the at least one sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the teeth, and the top surface of the gel matrix; and applying a sample to the sample well. The method may comprise additional standard steps of placing the gel cassette in an electrophoresis unit, filling the unit with an electrophoresis buffer, and applying a current to the gel matrix, and these additional steps will be well known to one skilled in the art.

[0043] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS We claim:

1. A device for performing gel electrophoresis, the device comprising a gel cassette

comprising a front plate and a back plate, the front plate and the back plate each having an inner surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the front and back plates being fastened together along at least the two side edges, such that the inner surfaces are face-to-face with a spacing between the two plates forming a gel chamber, wherein the inner surface of either the front plate or the back plate has at least two teeth configured near the top edge of the plate such that at least one sample well is formed, the at least two teeth each having a bottom edge, two side edges, and a thickness substantially equal to the spacing between the front and back plates.

2. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a gel matrix held within the gel chamber, the gel matrix filling the gel chamber to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the side edges of the at least two teeth and the top surface of the gel matrix.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein the number of teeth configured on the inner surface of either the front plate or the back plate is between 2 and 16, such that between 1 and 15 sample wells are formed.

4. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the least two teeth have a length, the length ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and a height, the height ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm.

5. The device according to claim 2, wherein the top surface of the gel matrix is 1-3 mm above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth.

6. A device for performing gel electrophoresis, the device comprising a gel cassette

comprising a front plate and a back plate, the front plate and the back plate each having an inner surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the front and back plates being fastened together along at least the two side edges, such that the inner surfaces are face-to-face with a spacing between the two plates forming a gel chamber, wherein the inner surface of either the front or the back plate has at least two teeth configured near the top edge of the plate, the at least two teeth each having a bottom edge, two side edges, and a thickness greater than the spacing between the front and the back plates, and the inner surface of either the front or back plate lacking the at least two teeth has at least two grooves configured near the top edge of the plate, such that when the front and back plates are fastened together, the at least two teeth align with the at least two grooves and the at least two teeth extend into the at least two grooves creating at least one sample well.

7. The device according to claim 6 further comprising a gel matrix held within the gel

chamber, the gel matrix filling the gel chamber to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the side edges of the at least two teeth extending into the at least two grooves, and the top surface of the gel matrix.

8. The device according to claim 6, wherein the number of teeth configured on the inner surface of one plate and the number of grooves configured on the inner surface of the other plate are substantially equivalent, the number being between 2 and 16, such that between 1 and 15 sample loading wells are formed.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein the at least two teeth have a length, the length ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and a height, the height ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm.

10. The device according to claim 7, wherein the top surface of the gel matrix is 1-3 mm

above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth.

11. A device for performing gel electrophoresis, the device comprising a gel cassette

comprising a front plate and a back plate, the front plate and the back plate each having an inner surface, a top edge, a bottom edge and two side edges, the front and back plates being fastened together along at least the two side edges, such that the inner surfaces are face-to-face with a spacing between the two plates forming a gel chamber, wherein the inner surfaces of both the front and the back plates have at least two teeth configured near the top edges of each plate, wherein the at least two teeth each have a bottom edge, two side edges, and a thickness substantially equal to or slightly less than the spacing between the front and the back plates, such that when the front and back plates are fastened together one of the at least two teeth on the front plate aligns side-by-side with one of the at least two teeth on the back plate, such that at least two pairs of teeth are formed creating at least one sample well.

12. The device according to claim 11 further comprising a gel matrix held within the gel chamber, the gel matrix filling the gel chamber to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample loading well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the at least two pairs of teeth and the top surface of the gel matrix.

13. The device according to claim 1 1 , wherein the number of teeth configured on the inner surfaces of both the front and back plates is equivalent, the number being between 2 and 16, such that between 2 and 16 pairs of teeth are formed, creating between 1 and 15 sample wells.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein the at least two teeth have a length, the length ranging from 0.5 mm to 2 mm, and a height, the height ranging from 5 mm to 15 mm.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein a gap is formed between the two teeth of the at least two pairs of teeth.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein the gap created between the two teeth of the at least two pairs of teeth is 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm wide.

17. The device according to claim 12, wherein the top surface of the gel matrix is 1-3 mm above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth.

18. A method for performing gel electrophoresis, the method comprising:

(1) obtaining a device according to claim 1 ;

(2) filling the gel chamber with a gel matrix to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the side edges of the at least two teeth and the top surface of the gel matrix; and

(3) applying a sample to the at least one sample well.

19. A method for performing gel electrophoresis, the method comprising:

(1) obtaining a device according to claim 6;

(2) filling the gel chamber with a gel matrix to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the side edges of the at least two teeth extending into the at least two grooves, and the top surface of the gel matrix; and

(3) applying a sample to the at least one sample well.

20. A method for performing gel electrophoresis, the method comprising:

(1) obtaining a device according to claim 11;

(2) filling the gel chamber with a gel matrix to a level at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the gel matrix has a top surface at least above the bottom edge of the at least two teeth, such that the at least one sample loading well is bounded on opposite sides by the inner surfaces of the front and back plates, the at least two pairs of teeth and the top surface of the gel matrix; and

(3) applying a sample to the at least one sample well. ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE