Modifications and additions to the ISO-DALT system for two-dimensional gel electrophoresis

Modifications of ISO-DALT devices that further enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of two-dimensional mapping of proteins are described. The principal changes in ISO system devices include the introduction of a gel casting trough with a removable panel to permit the removal of excess gel without introducing air into the electrofocusing gels and the introduction of an upper electrode compartment with a separate watertight septum for each electrofocusing tube to permit tube removal for cleaning and replacement. The principal changes in DALT system devices include the use of modified powder funnels to introduce acrylamide solutions into the slab gel gradient former without aeration; the introduction of a flexible outlet system for the gradient former to facilitate the removal of air bubbles; the introduction of an inexpensive two-part mixing chamber to permit disassembly for cleaning; the use of split gel holders to eliminate deformation and breakage of electrofocusing gels during loading onto slab gels; the introduction of an inexpensive integrated slab gel casting/rotating apparatus; and the introduction of a simple, water-cooled slab gel electrophoresis apparatus to reduce the volume of running buffer used in electrophoresis.