Vertical Electrophoresis System
Compact vertical electrophoresis system for protein and nucleic acid separation with intelligent PID control and comprehensive safety features for laboratory gel electrophoresis applications.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Director of Science · ConductScience
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Key Specifications
Full details →- Model fit
- Configured during quote
- SKU family
- SB-SVE-2
- Sizing
- 45.0 x 45.0 x 40.0 cm
- Ordering
- Online checkout and quote request available
- Category
- Gel & Protein Analysis
- Build notes
- Acrylic
The Vertical Electrophoresis System (SB-SVE-2) is a compact, semi-automated platform designed for protein and nucleic acid separation via polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. This system accommodates gel sizes up to 83x73 mm with thickness options of 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm, utilizing a discontinuous buffer system with upper and lower chambers for optimal resolution. The acrylic construction provides chemical resistance while maintaining visibility of the electrophoretic process.
The system includes intelligent PID control with multiple working modes including constant voltage timing, constant current timing, and gradient programming capabilities. Built-in protection features include overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, variable load, and no-load protection with automatic alarm functions. The forward switching power supply design ensures stable current delivery throughout the separation process. Complete gel casting capabilities are provided through included glass plates, combs, and sealing components for both 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm gel thicknesses.
How It Works
Vertical electrophoresis separates proteins and nucleic acids based on their differential migration through a polyacrylamide gel matrix under an applied electric field. The system utilizes a discontinuous buffer system with separate upper and lower chambers, where the cathode is positioned in the top chamber and the anode in the bottom chamber. This configuration creates distinct pH environments that enhance separation resolution through a stacking effect in the upper gel region followed by separation in the lower resolving gel.
The intelligent PID control system maintains precise voltage and current parameters throughout the run, with the forward switching power supply providing stable power delivery. Sample molecules migrate through gel pores sized between 10-200 nm, with smaller molecules moving faster through the matrix while larger molecules are retarded. The discontinuous buffer system creates a voltage drop that concentrates samples into tight bands before entering the separating gel, resulting in sharper bands and improved resolution.
Multiple working modes allow for customized separation conditions including constant voltage timing for routine applications, constant current timing for temperature-sensitive samples, and gradient programming for complex separations requiring variable field strengths. The comprehensive protection features monitor system parameters and provide automatic shutdown with alarm notification if operating conditions deviate from safe parameters.
Features & Benefits
Instrument Type
- Electrophoresis
Application Area
- Protein Analysis
Automation Level
- semi-automated
gel_thickness
- less than 2mm
pore_size
- 10-200nm
buffer_system
- Discontinuous
chamber_configuration
- Upper and lower buffer chambers
electrode_configuration
- Cathode in top chamber, anode in bottom chamber
control_type
- Intelligent PID control
working_modes
- Constant voltage timing, constant current timing, gradient voltage programming, gradient current programming
protection_features
- Overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, variable load, no-load protection with automatic alarm
power_supply_design
- Forward switching power supply
included_components
- Two gel-cast frames, glass plates, two combs
applications
- Nucleic acid gel electrophoresis, protein gel electrophoresis, Western Blot protein transfer
Brand
- Servicebio
Material
- Acrylic
Display Type
- LCD
Research Domain
- Analytical Chemistry
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical QC
- Protein Analysis
Weight
- 4.5 kg
Dimensions
- L: 45.0 mm
- W: 45.0 mm
- H: 40.0 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gel Thickness Options | Dual capability for 1.0 mm and 1.5 mm gels with included plates and combs for both configurations | Many entry-level systems offer single thickness configuration | Provides flexibility for different sample volumes and separation requirements without additional purchases |
| Control System | Intelligent PID control with multiple working modes including gradient programming | Basic systems often provide only constant voltage operation | Enables precise parameter control and complex separation protocols for demanding applications |
| Safety Features | Comprehensive protection including overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, variable load, and no-load protection with automatic alarm | Entry-level models may have limited protection features | Protects valuable samples and ensures operator safety through comprehensive monitoring and automatic shutdown |
| Buffer System Design | Discontinuous buffer system with optimized upper and lower chamber configuration | Some systems use simpler continuous buffer designs | Provides enhanced separation resolution through sample stacking effect and improved band sharpness |
| Display Interface | LCD display for parameter monitoring and control | Basic models may use analog meters or simple LED indicators | Enables precise parameter adjustment and real-time monitoring for better experimental control |
| Complete System Integration | Integrated gel casting system with all necessary components included | Some systems require separate purchase of gel casting accessories | Provides immediate operational capability without additional component purchases |
This vertical electrophoresis system combines intelligent control capabilities with comprehensive safety features and dual gel thickness capability in a compact, integrated design. The discontinuous buffer system and PID control provide enhanced separation performance compared to basic constant voltage systems, while the included gel casting components offer complete operational capability.
Practical Tips
Verify electrode contact and buffer conductivity before each run to ensure proper current flow and uniform field distribution.
Why: Poor electrode contact can result in uneven migration patterns and irreproducible results.
Clean buffer chambers thoroughly after each use and inspect glass plates for scratches or chips that could affect gel integrity.
Why: Buffer residue can cause contamination and damaged glass plates lead to gel leakage and poor band quality.
Allow gels to polymerize completely at room temperature and pre-run briefly to stabilize the buffer system before sample loading.
Why: Incomplete polymerization results in soft gels prone to tearing, while pre-running removes persulfate and establishes stable pH gradients.
If bands appear distorted or smeared, check for bubble formation at electrodes and ensure proper buffer ionic strength.
Why: Bubbles disrupt current flow causing band distortion, while incorrect ionic strength affects migration patterns.
Include molecular weight standards in each run and maintain consistent buffer temperature to ensure reproducible migration patterns.
Why: Standards provide reference points for molecular weight determination while temperature consistency ensures predictable migration rates.
Ensure buffer chambers are properly filled to prevent arcing and never attempt to adjust connections while power is applied.
Why: Insufficient buffer can cause dangerous electrical arcing, while live electrical connections pose electrocution risk.
Use the gradient programming mode for complex protein mixtures requiring optimized separation of closely sized proteins.
Why: Variable voltage profiles can enhance resolution of specific molecular weight ranges within the same gel.
Store glass plates in protective cases and replace sealing gaskets when they show signs of compression set or cracking.
Why: Damaged plates compromise gel quality while worn seals lead to buffer leakage and uneven field distribution.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Electrophoresis scaffold body (1 set)
- Gel base (1 set)
- Electrophoresis box (1 set)
- 1.0mm electrophoretic glass plates (2 sets)
- 1.5mm electrophoretic glass plates (2 sets)
- 1.0mm 11-tooth sample combs (2 pieces)
- 1.5mm 11-tooth sample combs (2 pieces)
- Glass replacement plate (1 piece)
- Gel cutting boards (3 pieces)
- Prefabricated gel seals (2 pieces)
- Power cables (typical)
- User manual (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup, operation, and troubleshooting assistance.
Compliance
References
Background reading relevant to this product:
What gel concentrations can be used with this system?
The system accommodates standard polyacrylamide gel concentrations from 4% to 20% depending on separation requirements. Consult product datasheet for specific gel formulation recommendations and compatibility with different buffer systems.
How many samples can be loaded simultaneously?
Each gel accommodates up to 11 samples using the included 11-tooth combs. Two gels can be run simultaneously for a total capacity of 22 samples per run.
What voltage and current ranges are supported?
The system provides intelligent PID control with multiple working modes including constant voltage timing, constant current timing, and gradient programming. Consult product datasheet for specific voltage and current range specifications.
Can this system be used for both native and denaturing gel electrophoresis?
Yes, the discontinuous buffer system and temperature control capabilities support both native and SDS-PAGE denaturing electrophoresis protocols with appropriate buffer and sample preparation modifications.
What maintenance is required for optimal performance?
Regular cleaning of buffer chambers, inspection of glass plates for damage, and verification of electrode contact integrity. Glass plates should be replaced when scratched or chipped to maintain gel quality.
How does the safety protection system function?
The system monitors overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, variable load, and no-load conditions with automatic shutdown and alarm notification when parameters exceed safe operating ranges.
Is the system compatible with pre-cast gels?
The system is designed for hand-cast gels using the included glass plates and gel casting accessories. Compatibility with pre-cast gels would depend on gel dimensions matching the 83x73 mm format.
What data output capabilities are provided?
The LCD display provides real-time monitoring of operating parameters. Consult product datasheet for specific data logging or export capabilities of the control system.
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