LY DYCP-31E Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System

Overview

The LY DYCP-31E Agarose Horizontal Electrophoresis System is a precision-engineered nucleic acid separation platform designed for routine and high-throughput DNA analysis in academic, clinical, and industrial molecular biology laboratories. Based on the fundamental principle of electrophoretic mobility—where charged biomolecules migrate through a porous agarose matrix under the influence of a uniform DC electric field—the DYCP-31E delivers consistent, reproducible band resolution for fragments ranging from 100 bp to >20 kbp. Its horizontal configuration enables direct visualization during electrophoresis without UV exposure interruption, supporting real-time monitoring of migration progress and optimal run termination. The system is optimized for standard TAE or TBE buffer systems and integrates seamlessly with downstream applications including gel extraction, Southern blotting, and digital documentation via UV transilluminators or gel imaging stations.

Key Features

• Bridge-style buffer chamber architecture minimizes electrolyte consumption while maintaining uniform field distribution across the entire gel surface—reducing buffer volume requirements by up to 30% compared to conventional tank designs.
• Polycarbonate housing manufactured via high-precision injection molding ensures structural integrity, chemical resistance to common electrophoresis buffers, and zero leakage under prolonged operation—even at elevated temperatures (up to 60°C).
• Removable electrode assemblies with platinum-coated stainless steel terminals facilitate thorough cleaning, corrosion resistance, and long-term current stability; electrode polarity is clearly marked for unambiguous setup.
• Integrated comb positioning stops guarantee precise, repeatable well formation—critical for multi-channel pipetting workflows involving 8- or 12-channel repeaters in PCR product screening or library QC.
• Optically transparent polycarbonate lid permits continuous visual assessment of sample migration without opening the chamber, minimizing buffer evaporation and contamination risk.
• High-flexibility insulated leads with reinforced strain relief provide secure electrical connection and meet IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DYCP-31E accommodates dual-format gel trays: a large tray (200 × 160 mm) for high-resolution separation of multiple samples or large-volume loading, and a compact tray (150 × 160 mm) for rapid screening or reagent conservation. Compatible with standard 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm thickness combs in both 17- and 34-well configurations, the system supports diverse experimental needs—from low-density genotyping assays to high-density plasmid or amplicon profiling. All materials comply with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU for hazardous substance restriction. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, the unit meets general laboratory safety requirements per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A.2 for equipment suitability in testing and calibration laboratories.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone electrophoresis apparatus, the DYCP-31E does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. It functions as a passive, analog-driven platform compatible with all commercially available power supplies (e.g., LY DPS series, Bio-Rad PowerPac, Thermo Fisher Owl models) supporting constant voltage, current, or power modes. Gel documentation workflows integrate natively with third-party imaging platforms (e.g., Azure Biosystems Sapphire, UVP BioSpectrum) and analysis software such as ImageLab, Quantity One, or open-source tools like Fiji/ImageJ. Audit-ready data capture—including run parameters, gel images, and annotated molecular weight ladders—is achievable when paired with compliant imaging systems adhering to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records.

Applications

• Routine PCR product verification and size-based qualification prior to sequencing or cloning.
• Restriction digest analysis for plasmid mapping, CRISPR editing validation, and construct verification.
• Genomic DNA integrity assessment (e.g., degradation screening in FFPE or environmental samples).
• RNA quality control via denaturing or native agarose gels (with appropriate buffer and staining protocols).
• Educational laboratory instruction in molecular biology techniques, emphasizing hands-on electrophoretic theory and practice.
• Preparative electrophoresis for excision and purification of DNA bands using electroelution-compatible gel slices.

FAQ

What power supply is recommended for the DYCP-31E?
A programmable DC power supply capable of delivering 0–300 V and 0–500 mA is recommended. Typical operating conditions range from 80–150 V at 50–120 mA, depending on gel concentration and buffer conductivity.
Can the DYCP-31E be used with polyacrylamide gels?
No—it is specifically engineered for agarose-based matrices. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis requires vertical systems with specialized casting and running configurations not supported by this horizontal platform.
Are replacement combs and trays available separately?
Yes. All accessory components—including 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm combs (17- and 34-well), large and small gel trays, and gel casting frames—are stocked as individual SKUs under LY’s consumables catalog and are fully interchangeable across DYCP-series instruments.
Is the unit suitable for use with ethidium bromide alternatives such as SYBR Safe or GelRed?
Yes. The polycarbonate construction is chemically inert toward common nucleic acid stains, including SYBR Safe, GelRed, GelGreen, and Midori Green, enabling safe post-staining or pre-cast incorporation without material degradation.
Does the DYCP-31E include a built-in UV shield or safety interlock?
No. As a non-illuminating platform, it lacks integrated UV sources or interlocks. When used with external transilluminators, standard UV protective eyewear and acrylic shielding must be employed in accordance with institutional biosafety policies.