Beijing Liuyi DYCP-31BN Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System

Overview

The Beijing Liuyi DYCP-31BN Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System is a compact, benchtop electrophoresis apparatus engineered for routine nucleic acid separation and analysis in molecular biology laboratories. It operates on the principle of horizontal gel electrophoresis—where DNA fragments migrate through an agarose matrix under the influence of a direct current electric field, with mobility inversely proportional to molecular weight. Designed specifically for standard agarose gel applications, the system supports qualitative assessment, fragment sizing, and preparative isolation of DNA fragments ranging from ~100 bp to >20 kbp. Its open-top configuration facilitates real-time visual monitoring during electrophoresis, while the integrated fluorescent ruler on the gel tray enables rapid estimation of migration distance and approximate fragment size under UV transillumination—critical for downstream applications such as cloning, PCR product verification, and restriction digest analysis.

Key Features

• Open-top transparent lid with ventilation apertures ensures efficient heat dissipation during extended runs and allows unobstructed observation of gel migration without lid removal.
• Gel tray fabricated from optical-grade polycarbonate via precision injection molding—chemically resistant, non-porous, and leak-proof, eliminating buffer leakage even at elevated voltages or prolonged operation.
• Bridge-style electrode architecture minimizes buffer volume requirement (120 mL total capacity), reducing reagent consumption and waste generation without compromising field uniformity across the gel surface.
• Removable electrode assemblies—including platinum-coated stainless steel electrodes and modular electrode holders—enable thorough cleaning, corrosion mitigation, and straightforward replacement during maintenance cycles.
• Integrated safety interlock: high-flexibility insulated leads automatically interrupt power supply upon lid opening, complying with IEC 61010-1 electrical safety requirements for laboratory equipment.
• Compact footprint (197 × 96 × 100 mm) and lightweight design (0.5 kg) optimize space utilization in shared core facilities, teaching labs, and field-deployable molecular workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DYCP-31BN accommodates standard 60 × 60 mm agarose gels cast using the included gel former (143-3145) and dual gel trays (143-3143). Compatible sample combs include 6- and 8-well variants (1.5 mm thickness) for higher loading capacity and resolution of larger fragments, and an 11-well comb available in both 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses—supporting high-resolution separation of small amplicons or multiplexed samples. The system is validated for use with common electrophoresis buffers including TAE (Tris-acetate-EDTA) and TBE (Tris-borate-EDTA), and maintains stable field distribution across voltage ranges typical for agarose systems (50–150 V DC). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11, its mechanical and electrical design adheres to general laboratory safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports GLP-aligned documentation practices when integrated into validated lab workflows.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone electrophoresis apparatus, the DYCP-31BN does not incorporate embedded microcontrollers, digital displays, or proprietary software. It functions as a passive, analog electrophoresis platform requiring external DC power supply (e.g., LY-2000 series or equivalent). This architecture ensures long-term operational stability, eliminates firmware update dependencies, and simplifies integration into regulated environments where software validation burdens are constrained. Users retain full control over voltage, current, and run duration via their selected power source—enabling precise replication of published protocols (e.g., those referenced in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual or Current Protocols in Molecular Biology). Gel documentation is performed externally using standard UV transilluminators or gel imaging systems compliant with ISO 15190:2022 for laboratory safety and image archival standards.

Applications

• Routine verification of PCR amplification products, restriction enzyme digests, and ligation reactions.
• Sizing and purity assessment of plasmid DNA, genomic DNA extracts, and cDNA libraries.
• Preparative isolation of DNA bands for subsequent enzymatic processing (e.g., gel extraction, sequencing library preparation).
• Teaching laboratory implementation for undergraduate molecular biology courses—emphasizing fundamental principles of charge-driven macromolecular migration and buffer chemistry.
• Field-deployable nucleic acid screening in resource-limited settings where robustness, low power demand, and minimal consumables are critical.

FAQ

What buffer volumes are compatible with the DYCP-31BN?

The system is optimized for 120 mL total buffer volume, sufficient to submerge a 60 × 60 mm gel with 3–5 mm buffer depth above the gel surface.
Can I use acrylamide gels with this unit?

No—the DYCP-31BN is mechanically and thermally designed exclusively for agarose gels; polyacrylamide gels require vertical electrophoresis systems with specialized casting and cooling capabilities.
Is the fluorescent ruler on the gel tray calibrated to a specific wavelength?

The embedded scale is visible under standard 302 nm UV transillumination and aligns with conventional DNA staining dyes (e.g., ethidium bromide, SYBR Safe); no instrument-specific calibration is required.
Are replacement combs available separately?

Yes—part numbers 141-3122N (6/8-well, 1.5 mm) and 141-3121N (11-well, 1.0/1.5 mm) are orderable as consumables through authorized distributors.
Does the system support constant current or constant voltage operation?

Operation mode depends entirely on the external power supply; the DYCP-31BN itself imposes no regulation—it conducts current passively according to Ohm’s Law (I = V/R) as determined by gel concentration, buffer conductivity, and electrode spacing.