LY DYCZ-24FN Electrophoresis Apparatus (Model 121-2461)

Overview

The LY DYCZ-24FN Electrophoresis Apparatus (Model 121-2461) is a benchtop vertical slab gel electrophoresis system engineered for high-reproducibility SDS-PAGE, native PAGE, and two-dimensional electrophoresis applications in academic, clinical, and quality control laboratories. It operates on the principle of electrophoretic mobility separation—applying a controlled DC electric field across a polyacrylamide gel matrix to resolve proteins based on molecular weight, charge, and conformational state. Designed for operational continuity and thermal stability, the unit integrates an internal S-channel coolant pathway that enables precise temperature regulation when paired with an external recirculating chiller (e.g., WD-9412), mitigating Joule heating effects that compromise band sharpness and resolution—particularly during extended high-voltage runs.

Key Features

• Modular glass plate architecture: Compatible with both LY DYCZ-24F and DYCZ-24FN components—including upper/lower tanks, combs, and spacers—ensuring legacy part interoperability and reducing long-term consumables cost.
• Dual-glass assembly design: Concave glass plates pre-bonded with permanent 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm silicone edge strips mate precisely with flat plates to form leak-proof gel chambers; eliminates manual sealing steps and improves gel uniformity.
• Precision alignment system: Fixed silicone edge strips permanently mounted on long glass plates guarantee consistent inter-plate spacing and parallelism—critical for minimizing buffer leakage and ensuring even current distribution.
• Enhanced thermal management: Increased upper tank buffer volume (1000 mL) and lower tank capacity (1500 mL) reduce the need for mid-run buffer replenishment; integrated S-flow coolant channel supports stable operation at ≤15 °C under continuous 200 V conditions.
• Optical-grade PMMA housing: Fully transparent acrylic body permits real-time visual monitoring of buffer circulation, gel polymerization, and electrophoretic band migration without opening the chamber.
• Adjustable dual-side clamping mechanism: One-piece pressure frame applies independently tunable compression force to both sides of the glass assembly—optimizing seal integrity across variable gel thicknesses and ambient humidity levels.
• Safety-certified lid interlock: Automatic power interruption upon lid removal meets IEC 61010-1 Class I electrical safety requirements for laboratory equipment.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DYCZ-24FN accommodates standard vertical polyacrylamide gels up to 18 cm × 20 cm, supporting common analytical formats including mini-gels (10 cm × 10 cm), large-format gels for proteomic profiling, and gradient gels. Its comb configuration options (16- and 21-tooth, 1.0 mm or 1.5 mm thickness) enable flexible sample loading for Coomassie- or silver-stained gels, Western blot transfers, and fluorescent detection workflows. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments, the system complies with general laboratory safety standards (IEC 61010-1) and supports GLP-aligned documentation practices through traceable component lot numbers and standardized operating procedures. Its compatibility with pre-cast gels (e.g., Bio-Rad Criterion TGX) expands utility in regulated QC settings where method transfer and reproducibility are prioritized.

Software & Data Management

As a standalone electrophoresis chamber, the DYCZ-24FN does not include embedded firmware or digital controls. All voltage, current, and power parameters are set externally via a compatible DC power supply (e.g., LY DYY-6C or third-party units meeting 0–300 V / 0–400 mA specifications). However, its mechanical and thermal design facilitates seamless integration into automated imaging and analysis pipelines: gel trays are dimensionally aligned with standard scanner beds (e.g., Bio-Rad ChemiDoc, Azure Biosystems cSeries), and consistent gel geometry ensures reliable spatial calibration for densitometric quantification using ImageLab, Fiji/ImageJ, or AlphaView SA software. Audit-trail-capable power supplies with USB/RS-232 output may be used to log run parameters in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed in regulated bioanalytical workflows.

Applications

• SDS-PAGE for molecular weight determination and purity assessment of recombinant proteins, monoclonal antibodies, and vaccine antigens.
• Native PAGE analysis of protein complexes, enzyme activity gels (zymograms), and oligomeric state evaluation under non-denaturing conditions.
• First-dimension isoelectric focusing (IEF) in 2D-PAGE workflows when used with immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips and compatible electrode assemblies.
• Preparative electrophoresis for downstream mass spectrometry sample preparation, leveraging its 1.5 mm gel thickness option for increased protein load capacity.
• Teaching laboratories: Robust mechanical design, visual accessibility, and modular component layout support hands-on training in electrophoretic theory and technique validation.

FAQ

Is the DYCZ-24FN compatible with pre-cast gels from other manufacturers?

Yes—its concave/flat glass plate interface and standardized 18 cm × 20 cm gel cassette dimensions ensure mechanical compatibility with commercially available pre-cast gels, including Bio-Rad Criterion and Thermo Fisher Novex systems.
What cooling solutions are recommended for temperature-sensitive runs?

The unit is optimized for use with the LY WD-9412 constant-temperature circulating chiller (±0.1 °C stability), though any chiller delivering 0.5–1.5 L/min flow rate at ≤15 °C is functionally suitable.
Can the system run two gels simultaneously?

Yes—the dual-gel configuration is supported by the included double-gel casting apparatus and spacer sets; both gels share the same buffer reservoirs and electrical field, ensuring identical run conditions.
Are replacement platinum electrodes available as service parts?

Yes—LY offers OEM platinum wire replacement kits (P/N: 412-4620) with calibrated 0.3 mm diameter wire and crimped terminal connectors for field maintenance.
Does the apparatus meet CE or UL certification requirements?

The DYCZ-24FN complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety; CE marking is applied to units distributed within the EEA. UL listing is not held, but the design conforms to UL 61010-1 structural and insulation criteria.