Bio-rad 485 User Manual

Model 485

Gradient Former

Instruction

Manual

Catalog Number

165-4120

For Technical Service Call Your Local Bio-Rad Office or in the U.S. Call 1-800-4BIORAD (1-800-424-6723)

Table of Contents

Page

Section 1 Introduction..................................................................................................1

Section 2 Pouring Multiple Gradient Gels in the Multi-Casting Chamber...........2

2.1 Calculate the Volume of Acrylamide to Prepare.......................................................2

2.2 Calculate the Chamber Volumes ...............................................................................2

2.3 Reassemble the Multi-Casting Chamber...................................................................2

2.4 Pour the Gels ..............................................................................................................2

2.4.1 Pour Linear Gradient Gels ............................................................................2

2.4.2 Pour Convex Exponential Gradient Gels......................................................3

Section 3 Pouring One Large-Format Linear Gradient Gel ...................................4

3.1 Calculate the Volume of Acrylamide to Prepare.......................................................4

3.2 Calculate the Chamber Volumes ...............................................................................4

3.3 Set Up the Glass Plate for Casting.............................................................................4

3.4 Pour the Gel................................................................................................................4

3.4.1 Pour a Linear or Concave Gradient Gel from the Top.................................4

3.4.2 Pour a Linear or Convex Gradient Gel from the Bottom.............................5

Section 4 Gradient Former Car e and Maintenance.................................................6

Section 5 Product Inf ormation....................................................................................6

Appendix A Estimated Volume of Acrylamide for 12 Mini-PROTEAN 3 Gels.........6

Section 1
Introduction

The Model 485 Gradient Former is primarily used to construct reproducible linear and
exponential polyacrylamide gradient gels. It has a 175 ml capacity, making it ideal for
preparation of up to 12 identical Mini-PROTEAN®3 gradient gels. It can also be used to
prepare PROTEAN II gels.

The mixing (labeled "light") and reservoir (labeled "heavy") chambers have identical
dimensions. The outlet from the mixing chamber leads into a multi-casting chamber. The
exponential piston is available as an accessory; it is used to fix the volume in the mixing
chamber to produce concave or convex exponential gradients.

Figure 1.1 Model 485 Gradient Former, major parts

1.1 Specifications

Overall size 10 cm x 10 cm x 16 cm (W x L x H)
Weight 500 g
Capacity 40–175 ml
Materials of construction
Body Machined from an acrylic block
Valve stem Delrin

®

Stopcock Plastic
Piston Delrin
Tubing Tygon

®

1/8” ID

1

Exponential piston

Mixing chamber

(light)

Reservoir chamber

(heavy)

Luer taper coupling

Valve stem

Y-connector

Stopcock

Tubing

Multi-casting

Chamber