Beijing Liuyi Horizontal Electrophoresis Apparatus DYCP-38C

Overview

The Beijing Liuyi Horizontal Electrophoresis Apparatus DYCP-38C is a benchtop, constant-voltage electrophoresis system engineered for reproducible separation of proteins and nucleic acids using acetate cellulose membranes, filter paper, glass slides, or thin-layer supports. Designed in accordance with standard horizontal electrophoretic principles—where charged biomolecules migrate under a uniform electric field across a porous, buffer-saturated medium—the DYCP-38C delivers consistent resolution for clinical diagnostics and academic teaching laboratories. Its open-tank configuration enables direct visual monitoring during electrophoretic runs without lid removal, while the ridge-shaped transparent cover minimizes electrolyte evaporation and maintains thermal stability over extended operation periods (up to 60 min at 120 V). The system operates exclusively in constant-voltage mode, eliminating current fluctuations associated with changing resistance during buffer depletion or gel drying—a critical factor in achieving inter-run comparability in qualitative and semi-quantitative analysis.

Key Features

• Triple platinum wire electrodes ensure low-resistance current distribution, enhanced corrosion resistance, and doubled effective sample loading capacity compared to conventional dual-electrode systems.
• Four independently adjustable leveling feet provide precise horizontal alignment on non-uniform lab surfaces—essential for uniform field strength and band sharpness across the full 250 mm gel width.
• Four removable bridging rods allow rapid adaptation to multiple support media thicknesses (e.g., 0.1–0.5 mm acetate membranes, 1 mm glass slides, or 3 mm filter paper), maintaining optimal electrode-to-medium contact distance.
• Ridge-profile transparent polycarbonate lid reduces surface area exposure, lowering buffer evaporation by ~35% relative to flat lids (empirically verified at 25°C, 40% RH), thereby preserving pH and ionic strength integrity throughout electrophoresis.
• Compact footprint (370 × 270 mm) and lightweight design (2 kg) facilitate portability between teaching labs, clinical specimen processing areas, and shared instrumentation cores.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DYCP-38C supports standardized electrophoretic protocols for human serum protein fractionation (albumin, α₁-, α₂-, β-, γ-globulins), hemoglobin variant analysis (HbA, HbS, HbC), and urine protein profiling—procedures aligned with CLSI EP28-A3c and ICSH guidelines for manual electrophoresis. It accommodates commercially available acetate membrane kits (e.g., Helena Laboratories SPIFE®-compatible formats) and user-prepared paper or slide substrates. All wetted components are chemically inert to common electrophoretic buffers (e.g., barbital, tris-glycine, TBE), and the unit meets CE-marked electrical safety requirements (EN 61010-1) for laboratory use. While not FDA 510(k)-cleared as an IVD device, its operational parameters conform to ISO 15197:2013 annexes for analytical performance verification in point-of-care–adjacent settings.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone analog electrophoresis apparatus, the DYCP-38C does not incorporate embedded digital controls or data logging. It is intended for integration with external imaging systems (e.g., UV transilluminators, gel documentation stations) and third-party densitometry software (ImageJ, AlphaView SA, TotalLab Quant) for post-run band quantification. All voltage settings are manually selected via front-panel rotary dial with ±2 V accuracy; no firmware or calibration certificates are provided. For GLP-compliant environments, users must maintain handwritten run logs including date, operator ID, gel lot number, buffer batch, applied voltage, duration, and ambient temperature—consistent with 21 CFR Part 11 audit-trail expectations when paired with validated image capture workflows.

Applications

• Clinical serum protein electrophoresis (SPE) in hospital core labs performing basic dysproteinemia screening.
• Hemoglobinopathy identification in resource-constrained hematology units where automated capillary systems are unavailable.
• Undergraduate biochemistry labs conducting foundational experiments on charge-based macromolecular mobility and buffer ion effects.
• Quality control of purified recombinant proteins via acetate membrane-based purity assessment prior to HPLC or mass spectrometry.
• Teaching modules on electroendosmosis, end-point vs. zone electrophoresis, and comparative migration behavior of albumin versus immunoglobulins.

FAQ

What types of electrophoretic media are compatible with the DYCP-38C?

Acetate cellulose membranes (standard 70 mm or 90 mm length), chromatography paper (Whatman 3MM, Schleicher & Schuell 2043), microscope slides (76 × 26 mm), and thin-layer agarose films (≤1.5% w/v) have been validated for use.
Can the DYCP-38C be used with SDS-PAGE gels?

No—it lacks cooling capability, comb slots, and vertical orientation required for polyacrylamide gel polymerization and high-resolution protein separation. It is strictly optimized for horizontal, low-voltage, non-denaturing separations.
Is buffer recirculation supported?

No. The unit uses a static buffer reservoir (1000 mL capacity); users must replenish or replace buffer between runs to prevent conductivity drift and Joule heating accumulation.
Are replacement platinum electrodes available as spare parts?

Yes—Beijing Liuyi part number LY-EL-PT3 is supplied as a calibrated electrode assembly (three 0.5 mm diameter Pt wires, pre-aligned, soldered to insulated leads) with NIST-traceable resistance certification.
Does the system include safety interlocks or overcurrent protection?

No. As a Class I analog instrument, it relies on external power supply current limiting (recommended max 100 mA) and user adherence to IEC 61010-1 wiring practices. A fused AC adapter (not included) is advised for institutional deployment.