Preparations - GE SE 250 Mighty Small II Operating Instructions Manual

5.1

Preparations

Prepare the gel sandwich
Both precast and self-cast gels can be run in the SE 250/260 Mighty Small II units. This
unit accepts gels in 10 × 8 cm plates, which can be cast in SE215, SE245, or SE275 gel
casters.
Each unit includes notched alumina plates and rectangular glass plates. If casting your
own polyacrylamide gels, we recommend using a notched alumina ceramic back plate
because it transfers heat 40 times more rapidly than glass. For applications that are not
heat sensitive, a notched glass plate is available.
Before installing the gels into the electrophoresis unit, the separating gel should already
be completely polymerized. Clean away any gel adhering to the notched alumina back
plate. The stacking gel (if applicable) can be cast in place on the electrophoresis unit.
Load liquid samples after the gel sandwich is installed.
Maintenance before use
Rinse the instrument before each use. Before using the first time, disassemble the unit
completely and wash with a dilute solution of a laboratory detergent and thoroughly
rinse with water and distilled water.
Check the gasket. Periodically remove the gray silicone rubber gasket from the core. In-
spect for nicks and wear. If the gasket is intact, apply a light film of Gel seal, and replace
it in the groove. Avoid stretching the gasket. Lay it onto the groove and press it into place.
Disassemble a fully assembled
unit
Step
1
2
3
SE 250/260 Mighty Small II Operating Instructions 29281629 AA
Action
Remove the safety lid by pressing on the handle at the top of the upper
buffer chamber core while lifting the lid by the bottom edges.
Empty all buffer chambers and remove any gel sandwiches.
Depress both release tabs and lift out the upper buffer chamber core.
5 Operation
5.1 Preparations
31