Junyi JY-SCZ4+ Vertical Protein Electrophoresis Tank

Overview

The Junyi JY-SCZ4+ Vertical Protein Electrophoresis Tank is an engineered platform for high-reproducibility polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), optimized for analytical and preparative separation of proteins and nucleic acids under controlled thermal and electrochemical conditions. Designed around the principles of uniform electric field distribution and passive thermal dissipation, the system supports standard SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, two-dimensional electrophoresis (first-dimension IEF compatible), and agarose-based nucleic acid resolution. Its modular vertical tank architecture enables consistent gel polymerization and electrophoretic migration across multiple gels simultaneously—without compromising voltage stability or buffer pH integrity during extended runs (up to 120 min at constant current). The unit operates without integrated power supply; it is intended for use with external DC power sources compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards.

Key Features

• Simultaneous processing of 1–4 independent polyacrylamide gels within a single tank assembly, minimizing inter-gel variability in comparative studies.
• Dual-mode gel casting: “In-situ casting” eliminates sealing tape and glass alignment steps; pre-assembled gel cassettes lock into position with precision-machined spacers ensuring 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm uniform thickness across full gel area (82×88 mm).
• Optically transparent borosilicate glass plates with chemically etched edge seals prevent buffer leakage during polymerization and electrophoresis—even under prolonged high-current conditions.
• Integrated safety interlock: Lid-open detection circuit automatically interrupts power input to electrode terminals when the upper chamber is lifted, complying with laboratory electrical safety protocols (IEC 61010-1 Clause 6.3.2).
• Expanded buffer reservoir (~1000 mL capacity) ensures stable pH buffering (via Tris-Glycine or Bis-Tris systems) and minimizes Joule heating-induced band distortion during high-voltage runs.
• Ergonomic lid release mechanism with tactile feedback reduces operator fatigue during repeated setup cycles in high-throughput core facilities.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The JY-SCZ4+ accommodates standard mini-gel formats used in academic and industrial proteomics workflows, including Coomassie- and silver-stained SDS-PAGE, Western blot transfer preparation, and fluorescent dye-labeled protein analysis. It supports common comb configurations (11- and 15-well) for both 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm gel thicknesses—enabling flexible loading volumes (5–30 µL per well) and downstream compatibility with automated imaging systems (e.g., ChemiDoc MP, Azure Sapphire). The device conforms to ISO 9001 manufacturing controls and meets structural requirements outlined in ASTM D5227-18 (Standard Guide for Electrophoresis Apparatus Qualification). While not certified for GLP/GMP production environments, its design facilitates audit-ready documentation through traceable gel batch records and standardized buffer exchange logs.

Software & Data Management

As a benchtop electrophoresis tank, the JY-SCZ4+ operates independently of proprietary software. However, its mechanical consistency and dimensional repeatability support integration into validated digital lab ecosystems. Users routinely pair it with image acquisition platforms that comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements (e.g., ImageLab, AlphaView SA), where gel metadata—including lot numbers, polymerization time, and run parameters—is manually entered or auto-captured via barcode-scanned reagent labels. The absence of embedded electronics simplifies IQ/OQ validation and eliminates firmware update dependencies in regulated QC laboratories.

Applications

• Protein purity assessment in recombinant expression workflows (e.g., E. coli lysate analysis post-affinity purification).
• Molecular weight estimation using calibrated protein ladders (10–250 kDa range) under reducing and non-reducing conditions.
• Native electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) for protein–DNA/RNA complex characterization.
• Preparative isolation of protein bands for in-gel digestion and LC-MS/MS identification.
• Small-scale nucleic acid fragment analysis (50–500 bp DNA ladder resolution) using 1× TAE or 0.5× TBE buffers.

FAQ

Is the JY-SCZ4+ compatible with pre-cast gels?
No—it is designed exclusively for hand-cast polyacrylamide gels using the included in-situ casting accessories.
What power supply specifications are recommended?
A programmable DC power supply capable of delivering 0–300 V and 0–500 mA, with constant voltage/current modes and overload protection, is required.
Can the unit be sterilized for cell culture applications?
The glass plates and plastic components are autoclavable at 121°C for 20 minutes; however, repeated sterilization may degrade silicone gaskets over time.
Does the system support gradient gel pouring?
Yes—its dual-chamber casting configuration allows sequential acrylamide solution layering for continuous or discontinuous gradient gels (e.g., 4–20% T).
Are replacement combs and spacers available separately?
Yes—Junyi supplies certified spare parts including 11-well/15-well combs, 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm spacers, and reinforced glass plate sets under part numbers JY-CB11, JY-CB15, JY-SP10, and JY-SP15.