Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca Cell User Manual

Mini-PROTEAN®3 Dodeca

™

Cell

Instruction Manual

Catalog Number

165-4100

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 General Information ................................................................................1

1.1 Introduction............................................................................................................1

1.2 Safety .....................................................................................................................1

1.3 Components ...........................................................................................................2

Section 2 Setting up the Dodeca Cell for Electrophoresis ......................................3

2.1 Buffer Preparation ..................................................................................................3

2.2 Gel Preparation.......................................................................................................3

2.3 Assembly ...............................................................................................................4

2.4 Required Accessories for Cooling ..........................................................................6

2.5 Running the Gels....................................................................................................6

Section 3 Maintenance..............................................................................................6

Section 4 Troubleshooting Guide.............................................................................7

Section 5 Product Information and Accessories .....................................................8

Section 6 Warranty Information............................................................................11

Section 1 General Information

1.1 Introduction

The Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca Cell is a multi-cell for mini-vertical gel electrophoresis. It can run four to twelve identical polyacrylamide gels simultaneously. The Dodeca cell includes clamping frames, buffer dams, a drain line, and gel releasers. Ready Gel precast gels are compatible with the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca Cell. Handcasting electrophoresis gels is also an option; see Section 5 for recommended handcast accessories.

Specifications

Tank and lid Acrylic Clamping frame Polycarbonate and liquid crystal polymer Upper electrode holder Polycarbonate with 109 mm (43”) platinum wire Lower electrode assembly Polycarbonate with 89 cm (35”) platinum wire Drain line Tygon tubing Drain line connectors Delrin Cooling coil Acrylic Cooling coil connector tubing Tygon Maximum buffer volume 4.4 liters Minimum buffer volume 3.4 liters Overall size 41.5 x 15 x 16.2 cm (L x W x H) Precast gel compatibility Ready Gel precast gels Handcast gel compatibility Mini-PROTEAN 3 glass plates and spacers Safety limits 500V, 500W Weight 5 kg (11 lb)

Note: Dodeca cell components are not compatible with acetone or ethanol. Use of organic solvents voids all warranties. The Dodeca cell is compatible only with aqueous reagents.

1.2 Safety

Power to the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell is supplied by an external DC voltage power supply (not included). The output of the power supply must be isolated from external ground to insure that the DC voltage output floats with respect to ground. All Bio-Rad power supplies meet this important safety requirement. Regardless of the power supply used, the maximum specified operating parameters for the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell are as follows:

500 VDC maximum voltage limit

500 W maximum power limit

40 °C maximum ambient temperature limit

The current to the cell enters the unit through the lid assembly and provides a safety interlock to the user. The circuit between the cell and the lid’s upper electrodes is broken when the lid is removed. Always turn off the power supply before removing the lid. Do not

attempt to use the cell without the safety lid.

Important: This Bio-Rad product is designed and certified to meet *IEC61010-1 and EN61010-1 safety standards. Certified products are safe to use when operated in accordance with the instruction manual. This instrument should not be modified or altered in any way. Alteration of this instrument will

• Void the warranty

• Void the IEC61010-1 and EN61010-1 certifications, and

• Create a potential safety hazard

Bio-Rad is not responsible for any injury or damage caused by use of this instrument for purposes other than those for which it is intended or by modifications of the instrument not performed by Bio-Rad or an authorized agent.

*IEC61010-1 and EN61010-1 are internationally accepted electrical safety standards for laboratory instruments.

1.3 Components

To get the best performance from your Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell, familiarize yourself with the components by assembling and disassembling the cell before using it.

Buffer tank and lid The buffer tank and lid combine to fully enclose

the inner chamber during electrophoresis. The lid cannot be removed without disrupting the electrical circuit.

Cooling coil The integrated cooling coil chills the lower

buffer chamber. The cooling core must be connected to a refrigerated circulator.

Electrode assembly The lower buffer chamber contains the anode.

The lid of the Dodeca cell houses the cathode.

Drain port The drain port allows buffer to be removed

from the tank. The drain line attaches via a quick connect fitting; this assembly is provided with the cell.

Clamping frame

The clamping frame holds two gel sandwiches in place. It houses the notched gasket.

Buffer dam The molded, one piece buffer dam is used

when running only one gel in a clamping frame.

Gel releaser The gel releaser is a small green tool that

loosens the two glass plates following electrophoresis.

Gel sandwich A spacer plate and a short plate with a

polymerized gel form a gel sandwich.

Gel cassette A Ready Gel precast gel or a handcast gel in

an empty Ready Gel cassette is referred to as a gel cassette.

U.S. Patent 6,436,262.

Section 2 Setting up the Dodeca Cell for Electrophoresis

2.1 Buffer preparation

Prepare 3.4–4.4 liters of running buffer (minimum/maximum) for electrophoresis. Buffer should be equilibrated to room temperature prior to electrophoresis. Premixed buffers are available (see Section 5).

2.2 Gel Preparation

Ready Gel precast gels or handcast gels using Mini-PROTEAN 3 glass plates can be run in the Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell. Note: All gels in a single electrophoresis experiment must be of the same gel type, with the same buffer and the same % acrylamide.

2.2.1 Ready Gel Precast Gel Cassette Preparation

Note: The Mini-PROTEAN 3 Dodeca cell is guaranteed only for use with Ready Gel precast gels.

For complete Ready Gel precast gel instructions, order catalog number 161-0993, Ready Gel Applications Guide. The Applications Guide is also available on the internet at www.bio-rad.com in the literature section.

a. Take the Ready Gel precast gel out of its storage pouch.

b. With a razor blade, cut the tape along the black line at the bottom of the gel.

c. Pull the clear tape at the bottom of the Ready Gel Cassette to expose the bottom edge of

the gel.

Repeat for additional Ready Gel precast gels up to a maximum of 12 gels.

Note: If an odd number of gels is to be run, use the buffer dam on the opposite side of the clamping frame with only one gel to create the clamp assembly.

2.2.2 Handcast Gel Preparation Using Mini-PROTEAN 3 Glass Plates

a. Cast gels per the instructions with the Mini-PROTEAN 3 multi-casting chamber.

b. Remove the gels from the casting chamber or from the storage container.

+ 9 hidden pages