Thermo Fisher Scientific has filed a patent for an electrophoresis separation medium that can separate biomolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, glycoproteins, and glycans. The medium consists of a non-crosslinked or sparsely cross-linked polymer or copolymer, denaturant compounds, an aqueous solvent, and optional additives. The medium exhibits functional stability for at least seven days at 23°C. The patent also includes methods for separating biomolecules using the separation medium. GlobalData’s report on Thermo Fisher Scientific gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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Electrophoresis separation medium for separating biomolecules
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230314369A1) describes a method for separating biomolecules in an analyte using a separation medium. The separation medium consists of at least one polymer or copolymer and an aqueous solvent or buffer. The key feature of this separation medium is its functional stability for electrophoresis after storage at a temperature of at least 15°C for one week.
The method involves passing the analyte through the separation medium under an applied electric field, enabling the electrophoretic separation of biomolecules. The analyte can include nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, glycoproteins, or glycans. In particular, the method can be used for separating nucleic acids containing short tandem repeats (STRs).
The electrophoretic separation is carried out under non-denaturing conditions, and the separation medium itself is non-denaturing. This means that the structure and function of the biomolecules are preserved during the separation process. In the case of double-stranded DNA analytes, intercalating dyes can be used to enhance the separation.
The separation medium can be stored at a temperature of 15°C to 40°C for at least one month before passing the analyte through it. It exhibits functional stability for electrophoresis even after storage at a temperature of at least 20°C for one week.
The separation can be performed using a plurality of capillaries, allowing for high-throughput separations. Additionally, the separation medium may contain an organic water miscible solvent, such as DMSO or acetonitrile, to enhance the separation process.
To inhibit electroosmotic flow, a wall-coating material can be included in the separation medium. Urea is not present in the separation medium, making it suitable for applications where urea interference needs to be avoided.
The polymer or copolymer in the separation medium can be crosslinked, providing stability and durability to the medium. The polymer can be an N-substituted acrylamide polymer, such as N-substituted dimethylacrylamide, N-substituted diethylacrylamide, N-acryloyl-aminoethoxyethanol acrylamide, N-allyl glucose, or a combination thereof.
In addition to the method, the patent also describes an electrophoresis separation medium that includes a sieving component (polymer or copolymer), one or more agents, and an aqueous solvent or buffer. The separation medium can exhibit functional stability for electrophoresis after storage at a temperature of at least 15°C for one week. The agents can include denaturants like methylurea, ethylurea, dimethylurea, or diethylurea, or sucrose at a concentration of 10 wt. % to 50 wt. %. The polymer or copolymer can be an N-substituted acrylamide polymer.
Another variation of the electrophoresis separation medium is described, which is substantially free of urea. This variation can be useful in applications where urea interference needs to be avoided.
Overall, this patent presents a method and various compositions for separating biomolecules using a stable separation medium, offering potential advancements in the field of electrophoresis.
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