Single fragment at 48,500 bp1 3 pg/µL – 25 pg/µL input DNA
Maximum gDNA Concentration
25 pg/µL per fragment; 100 pg/µL total input DNA
Physical Specifications
Total electrophoresis run time
90 minutes
Samples per run
12-Capillary: 11 (+1 Ladder Well)
Sample volume required
2 µL
Kit stability
4 months
Agilent Genomic 55 kb BAC Kit
Quick Guide for Femto Pulse
Systems
The Agilent Femto Pulse system is an automated capillary electrophoresis platform for scalable,
flexible, fast, and reliable electrophoresis of nucleic acids.
This Quick Guide is intended for use with the Agilent Femto Pulse system only. The 55 kb BAC kit (275
Samples) (Part # FP-1003-0275) is designed for the Pulse-Field CE separation and sizing of bacterial artificial
chromosome (BAC) fragments smaller than 55 kb in length.
Specifications
DNA Fragment Concentration Range
1
Lambda DNA sizing.
2
1kb and 1.5kb fragment sample sizing.
Single fragment at 1,000 – 2,000 bp2 1pg/µL – 12.5 pg/µL input DNA
1
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
DNF-498-0012
Dilution Buffer 0.25x TE, 12mL
1
DNF-497-0060
0.25x TE Rinse Buffer, 60mL
1
GP-435-0100
Storage Solution, 100 mL
1
FS-SMO15
Mineral Oil Dropper Bottle, 15 mL
1
*Not Orderable.
•
•
Kit Components – 275 Sample Kit
Kit Component
Number
Part Number
(Re-order Number)
Description Quantity Per Kit
5191-6604*
FP-1003-FR*
5191-6618*
Femto Pulse, 4oC
FP-5001-0250 FP Large DNA Separation Gel, 250 mL 1
DNF-306-0005 BF-P25 Blank Solution, 5 mL 1
DNF-325-0075 5x Inlet Buffer, 75 mL 1
55 kb BAC, FR
FP-6001-U030
FP-8001-0003
FP-7003-U035 FP 55 kb BAC Ladder, 35 μL 1
C27-130 Eppendorf LoBind 0.5 mL Tubes (Bag of 50) 1
C280-101 Wide-Bore Genomic Pipette Tips, 1 Box 1
DNF-425-0050 5x Conditioning Solution, 50 mL 1
FP Intercalating Dye, 30 μL
FP gDNA Diluent Marker, 3 mL
BAC, RT
1
3
WARNING
Refer to product safety data sheets for further information
When working with the Femto Pulse assay follow the appropriate safety procedures such as
wearing goggles, safety gloves and protective clothing.
2
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
•96-well PCR sample plates. Please refer to Appendix – Femto Pulse Compatible Plates and Tubes in the Femto Pulse
System User Manual for a complete approved sample plate list
• 50 mL (Femto Pulse system): BD Falcon #352070, available from Fisher Scientific #14-432-22 or VWR #21008-940
• 250 mL (Femto Pulse system or larger volumes): Corning #430776, available from Fisher Scientific #05-538-53 or
VWR #21008-771
• Capillary Storage Solution (p/n GP-440-0100)
Essential Measurement Practices
conditions
Steps before
sample preparation
Pipetting practice
•
• Allow Reagents to equilibrate at room temperature for 30 min prior to use
• Pipette reagents carefully against the side of the 96-well sample plate or sample
tube
3
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
Marker/Ladder/Sample Preparation
General Information
1. The recommended 96-well sample plate for use with the Femto Pulse system is a semi-skirted PCR plate from
Eppendorf (#951020303). Please refer to the Appendix – Femto Pulse Compatible Plates and Tubes in the Femto
Pulse User Manual for a complete approved sample plate list. The system has been designed to operate using
these dimensions/styles of PCR plates.
2. Store the gDNA Diluent Marker solution at -20ºC and the 55 kb BAC Ladder at 2-8ºC upon arrival.
3. Allow the gDNA Diluent marker and 55 kb ladder to warm up to room temperature prior to use. Briefly spin the
tubes after thawing to ensure liquid is at the bottom of the tube.
NOTE: The use of PCR plates with different dimensions to the above recommended plate could lead to decreased
injection quality and consistency. Damage to the capillary array cartridge tips is also possible.
55 kb BAC Ladder Handling and Storage
Prior to first use, the 55 kb BAC Ladder should be aliquoted to minimize the number of freeze/thaw cycles.
1. Equilibrate the 55 kb BAC Ladder to room temperature for about 30 min and mix briefly by vortexing. Aliquot 5.0 µL
of the 55 kb BAC Ladder to 7 different Eppendorf LoBind tubes (provided with kit) using the provided wide-bore
genomic pipette tips. Each aliquot is good for 4-times use (1 µL per use).
2. Store the 55 kb BAC Ladder aliquots at 2-8ºC; avoid freeze-thawing.
55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution
1. Before use, equilibrate the 165 kb Ladder aliquot to room temperature for about 30 min.
2. In an Eppendorf LoBind 0.5 mL tube (provided), aliquot 9 μL of the DNF-498 0.25x TE Dilution Buffer.
3. To the same Eppendorf tube aliquot 90 μL of the FP-8001 gDNA Diluent Marker solution.
4. Aliquot 1 μL of the 55 kb BAC Ladder into the same Eppendorf tube containing 99 μL of the solutions from steps 2
and 3 above (FP-8001 Diluent Marker + 0.25x TE). Vortex to mix. This is the 55kbBAC Ladder Working Solution; use
within one day of preparation.
5. Load 20 μL of the prepared 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution into Well 12 of a sample plate row that is to be
analyzed.
6. The 55 kb BAC Ladder should be run in parallel with the samples for each experiment. It is not recommended to
import a previously run 55 kb BAC Ladder.
NOTE: For samples that do not require predilution or the predilution is less than 160x, the sample matrix is expected to
influence sample sizing. Please refer to Preparation of 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution for instructions on preparing a 55 kb
BAC Ladder Working Solution that contains the sample matrix.
Sample Plate Preparation
Important gDNA Sampling Procedures:
Before sampling, the sample stock of BAC fragments must be acclimatized to room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
1. The total input BAC sample concentration should be no higher than 100 pg/μL. As a general note, smaller BAC
fragments should be run at a lower limit of the concentration range; larger BAC fragments should be run at a higher
limit of the concentration range.
4
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
2. If the starting material is at a higher than 100 pg/μL concentration, pre-dilute the sample to the specified
concentration range with DNF-498 Dilution Buffer 0.25x TE.
3. The sample matrix, i.e. salt concentration in the restriction digestion buffers, can affect the mobility of the DNA
fragments and therefore the sample sizing accuracy. Pre-diluting the BAC samples 160-times or more usually
nullifies the sample matrix effect on sample sizing. If the sample pre-dilution is less than 160x or not required due
to a low initial sample concentration, refer to the Appendix - Preparation of 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution of
this manual for special instructions on the preparation of the 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution to compensate
for the matrix effect on the sample migration.
4. Using a clean 96-well sample plate, pipette 18 μL of FP-8001 gDNA Diluent Marker Solution (DM) to each well of the
96-well plate to contain a sample. Fill any unused wells within the row of the sample plate with 20 μL/well of BFP25 Blank Solution.
5. Pipette 2 μL of each BAC sample into the 18 μL of DM in the respective wells of the Sample Plate.
6. Load 20 μL of the 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution into Well 12 of a sample plate row that is to be analyzed (See
previous Section).
7. After loading the samples and 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution in each well, check the wells of the sample plate
to ensure there are no air bubbles trapped in the bottom of the wells. Centrifuge the plate to remove any trapped
air bubbles. The presence of trapped air bubbles can lead to injection failures.
8. Run the sample plate immediately once prepared, or cover the sample plate with a cover film, store at 2-8°C, and
use as soon as possible. Alternatively, to prevent evaporation, place a mineral oil overlay on each sample (20
μL/well). The sample plate should be analyzed within a day after preparation.
9. To run the samples, place the plate in one of the three sample plate trays (Drawers 4-6 from the top) of the Femto
Pulse instrument. Load the experimental method as described in the following sections.
NOTE: Avoid total DNA input sample concentrations above the specified limits. Overloading of DNA sample can result in
saturation of the CCD detector and poor results. The peak heights for individual DNA fragments should lie in an optimal range
between 100–5,000 RFUs.
NOTE: The sample matrix, i.e. salt concentration in the restriction digestion buffers, can affect the mobility of the DNA fragments
and therefore the sample sizing accuracy. Pre-diluting the BAC samples 160-times or more usually nullifies the sample matrix
effect on sample sizing. If the sample pre-dilution is less than 160x or not required due to a low initial sample concentration,
refer to Appendix A - Preparation of 55 kb BAC Ladder Working Solution of this manual for special instructions on the
preparation of the 55 KB BAC Ladder Working Solution to compensate for the matrix effect on the sample migration.
Important Sample Mixing Information
For best results, it is important to mix the contents of the sample wells thoroughly. It is highly suggested to perform one of the
following methods to ensure complete mixing:
• After adding 2 μL of sample to the 18 μL of diluent marker, place a plate seal on the sample plate and vortex the
sample plate at 3000 rpm for 2 min (two vortexing pulses, 1 min each are recommended). Any suitable benchtop plate
vortexer can be used. Ensure that there is no well-to-well transfer of samples when vortexing. The plate should be
spun via a centrifuge after vortexing to ensure there are no trapped air bubbles in the wells.
•Mix the sample wells by pipetting up/down 2-3 times with a wide-bore genomic pipette tip and the pipettor set to ~18
μL volume.
5
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
12
1.0 µL
10 mL
10 mL
24
2.0 µL
20 mL
20 mL
36
3.0 µL
30 mL
30 mL
48
4.0 µL
40 mL
40 mL
96
8.0 µL
80 mL
80 mL
0.5 N NaOH is corrosive
•
Use extreme caution when handling, as exposure can cause severe eye and skin burns. Avoid
contact with eyes, skin, or clothing. Wear eye protection and impervious gloves. Clearly label
containers to avoid accidental exposure.
•
Refer to the product material safety datasheets for all warnings and precautions before
proceeding.
Gel preparation
Prepare gel/dye mixture for Femto Pulse Systems. To ensure the gel/dye mixture is mixed homogeneously without generating
bubbles, gently invert the centrifuge tube 5 to 10 times, depending on the volume of the mixture.
5200 Femto Pulse system volume specifications
# of Samples to be
Analyzed
1
1
One sample well per separation is dedicated to the ladder.
Volume of Intercalating
Dye
Volume of Separation
Gel
Volume of 1x Conditioning
Solution
Method D Flush
Occasionally when performing separations of high molecular weight (HMW) DNA > 100kb, loss of HMW DNA peak shape or
peak signal can occur. In such cases, it is recommended to perform an additional cleaning of the capillary array with 0.5 N
NaOH solution, conditioning solution, and gel using the Method D Flush to restore separation performance. Instructions for
performing this protocol are outlined below.
WARNING
1From the main screen of the Femto Pulse controller software, select the Operation tab. Under the Capillary Array >
Conditioning field click Add to queue. The Select Conditioning Method form will be displayed, enabling the user to select the
conditioning method from the dropdown menu.
2Select Method D Flush – 0.5 N NaOH – Conditioning – Gel from the method dropdown menu. This method will perform a
20 min 0.5 N NaOH solution flush from the Gel2 fluid line, a 20 min conditioning solution flush from the Conditioning line,
and a 3 min gel flush from the Gel1 line (figure below).
6
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
3Click OK to add the method to the instrument queue (click Cancel to abort adding the method).
4Open the Femto Pulse system side compartment and replace the Gel2 bottle with a bottle containing a minimum of 25 mL
of 0.5N NaOH solution.
5Ensure there is a minimum of 25 mL of 1x Conditioning Solution in the Conditioning bottle, and a minimum of 10 mL of FP
Large DNA Separation Gel in the Gel1 bottle.
6Close the door to the system side compartment and click the Play icon to start the selected capillary conditioning
method.
7Once the capillary conditioning method is complete, open the waste drawer and remove the 96-deepwell 1mL plate.
Empty the waste plate contents in the proper waste disposal area and return the empty plate to the waste drawer.
8The Femto Pulse system is now ready to run additional samples or can be stored until next use.
7
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
Daily Conditioning (Recommended)
For optimal array performance when running the FP-1003 55 kb BAC kit, it is recommended to perform an additional daily
conditioning of the capillary array for 20 min.
1. From the main screen of the Femto Pulse controller software, select the Operation tab. Under the Capillary Array >
Conditioning field press
Add to queue. The Select Conditioning Method form will be displayed, enabling the user to
select the conditioning method from the dropdown menu.
2. Select the “20 min Conditioning” method from the dropdown menu. This method performs a 20 min conditioning
solution flush followed by a 3 min Gel fill.
3. Press OK to add the method to the instrument queue (press Cancel to abort adding the method).
4. Press the Play icon to start the sequence loaded into the queue.
1. Mix fresh gel and dye according to the volumes in the Gel preparation tables. Refill 1x Capillary Conditioning
Solution as needed.
2. Place a fresh 1x 930 dsDNA Inlet Buffer in drawer ‘B’ on the system, 1.0 mL/well. Replace daily.
2.1. Femto Pulse system; Fill row A of buffer plate
3. Prepare Capillary Storage Solution plate. Replace every 2-4 weeks for optimal results.
3.1. Femto Pulse system; Fill row H of buffer plate with 1.0mL/well, place in drawer “B “
4. Place 0.25x TE Rinse Buffer plate in drawer ‘M’ on the system, 200 µL/well. Replace daily.
4.1. Femto Pulse system; Fill row A of sample plate
5. Dilute the FP 55 kb BAC Ladder solution 100x to make the ladder working solution (9 µL Dilution
Buffer 0.25x TE + 90 µL FP gDNA Diluent Marker + 1 µL FP 55 kb BAC Ladder solution). Mix by
vortexing. Prepare daily and use within a day.
6. Mix samples with Diluent Marker in sample plate, add 20 µL of BF-P25 Blank Solution to unused
wells. Place ladder in corresponding well 12.
Femto Pulse system; Ladder – well 12, depending on
which row is chosen
8
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
•
•
Follow the appropriate safety procedures such as wearing goggles, safety gloves and protective clothing.
WARNING
Working with Chemicals
The handling of reagents and chemicals might hold health risks.
Refer to product material safety datasheets for further chemical and biological safety information.
Agilent Femto Pulse software operating procedure
1. Select Row, Group or Tray to run.
2. Enter sample ID and Tray ID (optional).
3. Select Add to Queue, from the dropdown menus select the corresponding method based on your capillary length;
3.1 FP-1003-22 – 55kb BAC
4. Enter Tray Name, Folder Prefix, and Notes (optional).
5. Select OK to add method to the queue.
6. Select to start the separation.
55 kb BAC Ladder result
Expected 55 kb BAC Ladder result, using the Femto Pulse System with the FP-1003 55 kb BAC kit. Peaks are
annotated by size (bp). Method: FP-1003-22 –55kbBAC
9
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
Issue
Cause
Corrective Action
55 kb BAC Ladder peaks are
followed.
the ladder as directed in the manual.
Large size compressed peak at the
1 The BAC sample is too large for the
BAC kit and method.
1 Analyze the BAC sample using the
Analysis kit.
The peak signal is >>5,000 RFU.
1 Input sample concentration too high.
1 Further dilute input sample
voltage and repeat the experiment.
No expected DNA fragment
1 Sample concentration is below
1 Prepare more concentrated
was selected for the analysis.
No sample peak or marker peak
Troubleshooting
The following table lists several potential assay specific issues which may be encountered when using the FP-1003
55 kb BAC kit and suggested remedies. Contact Agilent technical support if you have any additional troubleshooting
or maintenance questions.
missing, and/or48,500bp ladder
peak is degraded.
end of the BAC sample.
peak(s) observed. Lower Marker
observed.
observed for individual sample.
1 The 55 kb BAC Ladder has degraded
or handling instructions have not been
resolution using the FP-1003 55 kb
detection.
2 Sample was not added to a
sample plate, or wrong sample
row was selected for analysis.
1 Air trapped at the bottom of
sample plate and/or marker plate
well or bubbles present in well.
2
Insufficient sample volume. A
minimum of 20µL is required.
3
Capillary is plugged.
1 Start with a new aliquot of the 55
kb BAC Ladder. Prepare and handle
FP-1004 method 165kb BAC
concentration with 1xTE buffer and
repeat the experiment OR Reduce
injection time and/or injection
sample and repeat the
experiment.
2 Verify sample was correctly
added or the correct sample row
Check sample/marker plate
1
wells for trapped air bubbles.
Centrifuge the plate.
2
Verify proper volume of solution
was added to sample well and
marker well.
3
Check waste plate for liquid in
the capillary well. If no liquid is
observed, follow the steps
outlined in the Appendix –
Capillary Array Cleaning of the
Femto Pulse User Manual for
unclogging a capillary array.
10
FP-1003 55 kb BAC Quick Guide for Femto Pulse System
Technical Support and Further Information
For technical support, please visit www.agilent.com. It offers useful information, support and current developments about the
products and technology.