LY DYCP-31CN Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System
| Brand | LY |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Model | DYCP-31CN |
| Instrument Type | Nucleic Acid Electrophoresis Apparatus |
| Gel Tray Dimensions (L × W) | 100 × 70 mm |
| Sample Combs | 8-well and 15-well, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thickness |
| Overall Dimensions (L × W × H) | 270 × 115 × 110 mm |
| Buffer Capacity | 260 mL |
| Weight | 1 kg |
Overview
The LY DYCP-31CN Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System is a compact, benchtop nucleic acid electrophoresis apparatus engineered for routine DNA separation, identification, and molecular weight estimation in academic teaching labs, quality control environments, and molecular biology core facilities. It operates on the principle of electrophoretic mobility—where negatively charged DNA fragments migrate through an agarose gel matrix under the influence of a uniform DC electric field, with separation resolution governed by fragment size, gel concentration, buffer ionic strength, and applied voltage. Designed specifically for horizontal slab-gel configurations, the system supports standardized agarose gel electrophoresis protocols compliant with widely adopted methodologies including those referenced in ISO 13485–related QC workflows and educational curricula aligned with AP Biology and undergraduate molecular biology standards.
Key Features
- Injection-molded polycarbonate construction ensures structural integrity, chemical resistance to common electrophoresis buffers (e.g., TAE, TBE), and zero leakage under operational conditions.
- Bridge-style electrode architecture minimizes buffer consumption while maintaining uniform current distribution across the gel tray—reducing electrolyte depletion and thermal gradients during extended runs.
- Integrated fluorescent scale markings on the gel tray enable rapid orientation and approximate band localization under UV transillumination without requiring external calibration tools.
- Transparent, vented lid facilitates real-time visual monitoring and passive heat dissipation—critical for maintaining gel integrity during high-voltage or prolonged electrophoresis runs.
- Spring-loaded, detachable platinum-coated stainless steel electrodes allow full disassembly for thorough cleaning, inspection, and replacement—supporting long-term reproducibility and GLP-aligned maintenance records.
- Automatic power cutoff circuitry activates upon lid opening, meeting IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory electrical equipment and mitigating accidental exposure risks during gel loading or retrieval.
- Modular comb system includes four interchangeable combs: 8- and 15-well configurations in both 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thicknesses—enabling optimization of loading volume, resolution, and sensitivity based on sample concentration and detection method (e.g., ethidium bromide staining vs. SYBR Safe imaging).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DYCP-31CN accommodates standard agarose gels (0.7–2.0% w/v) cast within its 100 × 70 mm tray. It is compatible with common nucleic acid stains (including EtBr, GelRed, and SYBR Gold), post-electrophoresis visualization systems (UV transilluminators, blue-light imagers), and downstream applications such as gel extraction and Sanger sequencing validation. While not certified to specific regulatory standards (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11), its mechanical design, material traceability, and consistent performance support documentation practices required under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories and GMP-adjacent R&D environments where instrument qualification (IQ/OQ) is performed per internal SOPs.
Software & Data Management
As a standalone electrophoresis platform, the DYCP-31CN does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital controls. Its operation is fully manual—requiring external DC power supply (typically 25–150 V, 0.1–1.0 A) with adjustable output. This analog architecture eliminates software validation burdens and aligns with institutions prioritizing simplicity, auditability, and minimal electronic dependencies. Users integrate it into existing digital workflows via third-party gel documentation systems (e.g., Bio-Rad GelDoc, Azure Sapphire) that capture, annotate, and archive images in TIFF/PNG formats with metadata tagging (date, operator ID, gel concentration, run time). Full traceability is maintained when paired with LIMS-compatible image management platforms supporting ALCOA+ principles.
Applications
- Routine verification of PCR amplification products and restriction digests.
- Assessment of plasmid preparation purity and supercoiled vs. linear isoform ratios.
- Educational demonstrations of DNA mobility, charge-to-mass relationships, and gel matrix effects.
- Preparative isolation of DNA fragments prior to cloning or sequencing library construction.
- Stability testing of nucleic acid formulations under accelerated storage conditions.
- QC release testing for in vitro diagnostic (IVD) reagents involving target amplification steps.
FAQ
What power supply is required to operate the DYCP-31CN?
A variable DC power supply capable of delivering 25–150 V and up to 100 mA is recommended. Constant voltage mode is preferred for reproducible migration rates.
Can the unit be used with polyacrylamide gels?
No—it is optimized for agarose-based matrices only; polyacrylamide gels require vertical electrophoresis systems with different thermal management and electrode geometry.
Is the gel tray autoclavable?
The polycarbonate tray is heat-resistant up to 120 °C but not designed for repeated autoclaving; chemical sterilization with 70% ethanol or dilute bleach is advised.
How is buffer level monitored during electrophoresis?
The transparent chamber walls and shallow buffer depth (max. 5 mm over gel surface) permit direct visual assessment; no integrated level sensor is included.
Are replacement combs available separately?
Yes—LY supplies individual combs (P/N 141-3135 and 141-3136) and spare electrode assemblies (P/N 144-0011) through authorized distributors.
