Glossary

ElectrophoresisThe migration of electrically charged proteins, colloids, molecules, or other particles when dissolved or suspended in an electrolyte through which an electric current is passed. The most important use of electrophoresis is in the analysis of blood proteins. Since the proportion of these proteins varies widely in different diseases, electrophoresis can be used for diagnostic purposes. Electrophoresis is used to study bacteria and viruses, nucleic acids, and some types of smaller molecules, including amino acids.

(ASTM B 912 - Standard Specification for Passivation of Stainless Steel Using Electropolishing) The electrochemical process in which the article(s) to be passivated are treated anodically in a suitable acid medium.Surface passivation occurs simultaneously with electropolishing under proper operating conditions. The quality of passivation will depend on the type of stainless steel, the formulation of the electropolishing solution, and the conditions of operation. Free iron on the surface of stainless steel is removed resulting in improved corrosion resistance. Surface smoothing obtained by electropolishing will also improve corrosion resistance. Electropolishing will also remove heat tint and oxide scale.

Also known as “chemical machining” and “reverse plating”, electropolishing is an electrochemical process far superior to any available mechanical process for the removal of minute surface imperfections in stainless steel. It levels and brightens the material surface by anodic dissolution in an electrolyte flowing solution with an imposed electrical current. When the proper combination of electrolyte current & temperature is attained, the high points of surface irregularities, or high current density areas, are selectively removed at a greater rate than the remainder of the surface resulting in improved surface smoothness. During electropolishing, the polarized surface film is subjected to the combined effects of gassing (oxygen) that occurs with electromechanical metal removal, saturation of the surface with dissolved metal, and the agitation and temperature of the electrolyte.

Controlled electro-chemical process utilizing acid electrolyte, DC current, anode and cathode to smooth the surface by removal of metal.

Controlled electro-chemical process utilizing acid electrolyte, DC current, anode and cathode to smooth the surface by removal of metal.

1. An electrical treatment of cells that induces transient pores, through which DNA can enter the cell.2. The introduction of DNA or RNA into protoplasts or other cells by the momentary disruption of the cell membrane through exposure to an intense electric field.NOTE: Although the precise mechanism of electroporation is poorly understood, pores are thought to form by the local polarization of the cell membrane when it is exposed to a high electric potential. These openings persist for a variable amount of time, depending upon the temperature at which the cell is treated. Macro-molecules, such as DNA or RNA, enter through these openings either through diffusion or through electrophoretic movement. The membrane openings then re-seal, capturing introduced DNA and preventing escape of the cell contents.

A chemical bond of two atoms by an electrostatic force (static electricity) caused by one or more electrons moving from one atom to the other.

The movement of static electricity, e.g. sparks, from a non-conductive surface to an approaching conductive object that can damage or destroy semiconductors and other circuit components. Static electricity can build on paper, plastic or other non-conductors and can be discharged by human skin, e.g. finger, contact. It can also be generated by scuffing shoes on a carpet or by brushing a non-conductor. MOSFETs and CMOS logic ICs are especially vulnerable because it causes internal local heating that melts or fractures the dielectric silicon oxide that insulates gates from other internal structures.

A container holding powder coating material which is aerated from below so as to form an air-supported expanded cloud of such material which is electrically charged with a charge opposite to the charge of the object to be coated. Such object is transported through the container immediately above the charged and aerated materials in order to be coated.

Effluent Limitations Guidelines

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

A sensitive technique for accurately determining specific molecules in a mixed sample. The amount of protein or other antigen in a given sample is determined by means of an enzyme-catalyzed color change, avoiding both the hazards and expense of radioactive techniques. It takes various forms. In the most common form, two antibody preparations are used in ELISA. An antibody (primary) specific to the test protein is adsorbed onto a solid substrate, and a known amount of the sample is added; all molecules of the test protein in the sample are bound by the antibody. A second antibody specific for a second site on the test protein is added; this is conjugated with an enzyme, which catalyses a colour change in the fourth reagent, added finally. The color change is measured photometrically and compared against a standard curve to give the concentration of protein in the sample. ELISA is widely used for diagnostic and other purposes.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Spot assay

A membrane-bottom plate ELISA assay where an antibody against a specific cytokine is bound to a membrane instead of a styrene plate. Then cells are added and if they produce the appropriate cytokine, it will bind the antibodies on the membrane. After washing away the cells, a second antibody against the cytokine is added that is labeled and will show a spot where the secreting cells lie. Often the membrane is punched out and analyzed under a microscope.

A complex medium for growing Leptospira. Contains numerous salts, nutrients, and BSA (Bovine Serum Albumin).

A rare autosomal recessive disorder that leads to dwarfism, extra fingers, and malformations of the heart, among other abnormalities.

Electronic Laboratory Notebook

Evaporative Light Scattering Detection

Also called elution fractions: the separated components of a mixture that wash out from a chromatography column during elution.

The substance used to recover samples from a chromatography column; sometimes an elution solvent. When a buffering agent is used, it is called an elution buffer. Sometimes a solvent is used and just referred to as the eluent.

To separate one solute from another by washing. Elution may include the removal by means of a suitable solvent of one material (absorbed material) from another (adsorbent) that is insoluble in that solvent.

The separation of one solute from another by washing.

Washing out; removing adsorbed material with a solvent or buffering agent.