Diagnostics in the field of genetic mutations (e.g. for the early detection of cancer) should recognise genetic changes before the clinical symptoms of their presence become visible. Therefore, the decisive parameter of successful techniques for detecting small genetic variants is their sensitivity. Here, for example, native nucleic acid electrophoresis, known as SSCP, is used. The most important physical conditions that influence ssDNA conformers and SSCP patterns are: pH, ionic strength, but also temperature. However, temperature control during electrophoresis is a major problem due to the heat generated by the current flow. However, it is important as it has been shown to increase the mutation detection rate. A multi-temperature SSCP device has been developed, the DNA Pointer System, which performs genetic analyses by electrophoretic separation and sequentially changing gel temperature.
An electrophoresis gel is pressed against the heat exchanger. In order to enable uniform heat distribution in the gel, electrophoretic glass plates must be precisely bonded to the heat exchanger. In the system's predecessor model, glass plates were manually inserted into the electrophoresis chamber and held in place by two clamping cam levers. To improve device handling and, above all, safe temperature control during electrophoresis, a suitable linear bearing solution was to be found instead of cam levers.