Beijing Liuyi DYCZ-20D DNA Sequencing Electrophoresis Apparatus

Overview

The Beijing Liuyi DYCZ-20D DNA Sequencing Electrophoresis Apparatus is a vertical slab gel electrophoresis system engineered for high-resolution nucleic acid separation in molecular biology laboratories. It operates on the principle of electrophoretic mobility—where DNA fragments migrate through a polyacrylamide or agarose matrix under an applied electric field, with separation resolution governed by fragment size, gel concentration, and buffer ionic strength. Designed specifically for denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), the DYCZ-20D supports applications requiring fine discrimination of single-base differences, including Sanger sequencing readouts, single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis, differential display PCR, and DNA fingerprinting. Its robust vertical architecture ensures uniform electric field distribution across the full gel surface, minimizing band distortion and enhancing reproducibility between runs. The apparatus is intended for use with compatible power supplies—including the DYY-10C, DYY-12, DYY-12C, DYY-12D, and DYY-15D series—enabling precise voltage and current control per experimental protocol requirements.

Key Features

• Large-format gel plate assembly (300 × 340 mm) optimized for high-throughput DNA sequencing gels, accommodating up to 68 sample lanes with standard 0.4 mm thick shark-tooth combs
• Dual-glass plate design with precision-machined spacers and silicone gasket sealing, ensuring consistent gel thickness and eliminating leakage during polymerization and electrophoresis
• Integrated buffer reservoir with dedicated drain port for rapid, spill-free buffer exchange—critical for maintaining stable pH and conductivity during extended runs
• Laser-etched scale markings on front glass plates for accurate gel loading alignment and lane identification without external templates
• Modular accessory kit including calibrated gel casting chamber (with leveling base), stainless-steel clamps (12 pcs), and dual-height comb options (68- and 100-tooth variants) for flexible sample throughput
• Compact footprint (505 × 220 × 345 mm) and lightweight construction (9 kg) facilitate benchtop integration and routine relocation within shared core facilities

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DYCZ-20D accommodates standard denaturing PAGE formulations (e.g., 6–10% acrylamide/bis-acrylamide with 7–8 M urea) as well as native agarose gels up to 3%. Its 1000 mL total buffer capacity supports uninterrupted operation at constant voltage (up to 2000 V, when paired with appropriate power supply) for durations exceeding 4 hours—sufficient for full-length sequencing ladder resolution. All wetted components are chemically resistant to common electrophoresis reagents, including TEMED, APS, ammonium persulfate, and ethidium bromide alternatives. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or ISO/IEC 17025 out-of-the-box, the system conforms to general laboratory safety practices outlined in CLSI EP25-A and supports GLP-compliant documentation workflows when used with validated protocols and traceable power supplies.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone electrophoresis apparatus, the DYCZ-20D does not incorporate embedded firmware or digital interfaces. However, it is fully compatible with industry-standard imaging and analysis platforms—including Bio-Rad Quantity One®, Thermo Fisher ImageQuant TL®, and open-source tools such as ImageJ/Fiji—when coupled with UV transilluminators or CCD-based gel documentation systems. Users may integrate run parameters (voltage, time, gel composition) into LIMS or ELN environments via manual entry or CSV export from associated power supplies. For audit readiness, laboratories routinely pair this unit with power supplies supporting 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic logs (e.g., timestamped voltage/current records), enabling full traceability in regulated environments.

Applications

• DNA sequencing (Sanger method): Resolves fragments differing by a single nucleotide over 300–1000 bp range
• SSCP analysis: Detects point mutations based on altered secondary structure migration shifts
• Differential display: Compares mRNA expression profiles across tissue or treatment conditions
• RAPD and AFLP fingerprinting: Generates reproducible multilocus banding patterns for genetic diversity studies
• Oligonucleotide purity assessment: Verifies synthesis integrity and identifies truncation products
• Small RNA isolation validation: Confirms size distribution of miRNA and siRNA preparations

FAQ

What power supply models are compatible with the DYCZ-20D?
The DYCZ-20D is designed to operate with Beijing Liuyi’s DYY-10C, DYY-12, DYY-12C, DYY-12D, and DYY-15D electrophoresis power supplies. These units provide adjustable voltage (up to 3000 V), current (up to 500 mA), and power (up to 400 W) outputs suitable for both standard and high-resolution PAGE.
Can the DYCZ-20D be used for protein electrophoresis?
While primarily configured for nucleic acid analysis, the system supports SDS-PAGE and native PAGE when equipped with appropriate combs, gel concentrations, and running buffers—though optimal performance requires verification of thermal management under prolonged high-voltage conditions.
Is the 100-tooth comb included in the standard configuration?
No—the 100-tooth shark-tooth comb (part #311-0022) is an optional accessory. The standard kit includes two 68-tooth combs (0.4 mm thickness).
How is buffer temperature controlled during extended runs?
The DYCZ-20D lacks active cooling; users must employ external recirculating chillers or ice baths for temperature-sensitive applications. Recommended maximum ambient temperature is 25°C, with buffer pre-chilling advised for runs exceeding 2 hours.
Are replacement glass plates available separately?
Yes—flat and concave glass plates (part numbers 142-2042 and 142-2041) are stocked as individual consumables, along with silicone gaskets (143-2004) and sealing clamps (144-0040).