the scientist _ laid out flat_ mini horizontal electrophoresis devices [23!11!1998]

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Laid Out Flat: MiniHorizontalElectrophoresisDevicesThe Scientist 1998, 12(23):16

Published 23 November 1998

Date: November 23, 1998

Horizontal Gel Apparatus

One needs only a glimpse of the total number ofhorizontal submarine electrophoresis devices currently onthe market to understand the importance ofelectrophoresis to the life scientist. This importance hasspawned a vast market with many players strivingdiligently to find niches as successful manufacturers andsuppliers. The resulting competition has produced a bevy

of electrophoretic systems and devices, some with a fewclever and unique characteristics.

In this profile, LabConsumer rounds up a small herd ofmini-horizontal electrophoresis systems. Offering fasterrun times and less reagent consumption than their largercousins, the minigel devices profiled here represent asmall subset of the raft of available electrophoresis units.For the most part, when selecting the equipmentfeatured here, LabConsumer relied on the manufacturers'desi nations of the size status of their roducts.

Comment on this articleVolume 12 | Issue 23 | Page 16Reprints | Issue Contents

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Generally, the mini-horizontal devices run gels ranging

from 50 to 150 cm 2, with gels near 70 cm 2 being themost common size.

The process of casting agarose gels constitutes a largepart of the operation of mini-horizontal gel devices. Twocasting strategies are prevalent. The first involves theuse of a casting tray independent of the buffer chamberso that gels can be cast and run simultaneously. Thesecond uses wedges or dams to form a gel mold directlyinside the buffer chamber. This method has the

advantage of reducing the number of system componentsrequired to pour and run a gel. Indeed, some of thesedevices include storage compartments for the wedges andcombs so that the entire device becomes a self-containedunit. Personal preference and frequency of gel use areprobably the most likely reasons to choose one methodover the other.

Practically all of the minigel devices use a UV-transparent gel tray sealed in some temporary fashion atgel-pouring time. Designed to eliminate the use of tape,the seals run the gamut from tapered baffles to neoprenerubber dams, with one system using frozen aluminumbars to solidify molten agarose on contact.

Sample-well-forming combs create one or two

preparative wells to as many as 120 sample wells. A fewcompanies offer combs with microtiter plate spacing. Listprices for the minigel devices ran from a low of $90 forthe smallest Bare Bones Horizontal system from R.Shadel, Inc., to a high of $1,550 for the automated SEA2000 from AMRESCO.

Pushing the fast running characteristics of minigels to

their limits, the new RAGE (Rapid Agarose GelElectrophoresis) devices from Cascade Biologics, runminigels in 10 minutes or less according to companyliterature. Employing patented direct water coolingtechnology that places a reservoir of distilled waterdirectly over the gel, the easy-to-use RAGE devicesenable faster run times by reducing heat generation andincreasing heat absorption in the system. The

combination permits the use of higher voltages and,consequently, faster run times. All this is made possibleby the unique construction of the RAGE devices, wherethe gel forms a barrier between the running bufferchambers and its overlying cooling water reservoir.

The speedy nature of the RAGE devices has beenimproved with the recent introduction of a new gel trayfor the RGX-60, the smaller of the two RAGE devices.

This gel tray accommodates Reliant Ready-To-Useprecast agarose gels from FMC BioProducts, eliminatingthe time required for gel pouring. An additional new geltray designed for the larger RGX-100 device accepts fourcombs, creating enough wells for 96 samples and 8standards on a single gel. The RGX-100 resolves thesesamples in 6 minutes or less.

A well-thought-out selection of combs, all of which arecompatible with multi-channel pipettors, is available forboth RAGE models. Most of these combs are available in 2different thicknesses, allowing for greater flexibility inloading volume and resolution.

AMRESCO,distributes the SEA2000 submarineelectrophoresisapparatus and a

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AMRESCO

Embi Tech Run One

battalion of 55different precastgels manufacturedby Guest ElchromScientific AG ofSwitzerland. TheSEA 2000 is anadvanced device

engineered with innovative features. These includeelectrodes positioned in the same plane as the gel toprovide a uniform electric field, a built-in buffer

recirculation pump, and a heat exchange element incontact with the gel and running buffer. An optionaltemperature probe, used in conjunction with a constant-temperature circulating water bath, maintains runningtemperatures to within 0.5C. The water bath,temperature probe and programmable power supplies arealso available.

The SEA 2000 runs three minigels or one wide minigeland includes gel casting accessories as an option. Its realstrength, however, comes from Elchrom's long line ofprecast gels. First of all, Elchrom's Spreadex gels offersuperior resolving power. This is achieved partly due tothe novel "Exclusion Limit" in each type of gel, whichlimits the size of the fragments that migrate from thewell into the gel. These gels can resolve DNA bands

differing by 4 base pairs on a 4 cm gel and by 1 bp on an8 cm gel and can resolve bands up to 1,200 bp overall.Elchrom's second type of precast gels, called Poly(NAT),consists of a nontoxic monomer derived fromtris(hydroxymethyl)-aminomethane, a common buffercompound. Chemically similar to acrylamide, Poly(NAT)gels provide high resolution, capable of 1 to 2% resolutionin the 100 to 2000 bp size range.

AMRESCO sells these gels in three concentrationsdesigned to resolve fragments ranging from 10 to 20,000bp. Finally, the optically clear Clearose BG gels arecomposed of agarose cross-linked with butanedioldiglycidylene. Tough and elastic, Clearose BG gels arethe first reusable precast gels available. At thecompletion of an experiment, the DNA bands are driven

out of the gel by reversing the gel in the electric fieldand running it for 10 minutes longer than the originalsample resolution run. The gels can then be reloadedwith new samples and used again. Because Clearose BGdoes not melt at 100C, DNA bands are easily recoveredby diffusion at 70 to 75C.

These precast gels are available in mini (9.2 x 6.2 x 0.3cm) and wide mini (25.7 x 9.2 x 0.3 cm) formats with upto 100 sample wells. While designed to function in othergel devices, they perform best in the SEA 2000.

Four companiesoffer all-in-onehorizontal systemscomplete withdedicated, mini

power supplies andindependentcasting trays forpreparing up to sixgels. Three of thefour systemshandle bothagarose andpolyacrylamide gels. The RunOne Electrophoresis Systemfrom Embi Tec is representative of the four. Its castingtray consists of six molded compartments for four mini(5.2 x 5.9 cm) and two mini wide (10.7 x 5.9 cm) gels


4/11



Ambion

and includes gel covers for casting polyacrylamide gels.Overall, the casting tray has the flexibility to cast up tosix gels, including a mixture of agarose and acrylamidegels, simultaneously. Extra gels are readily stored in therefrigerator. The available combs form 6 or 8 wells in theminigels and 12 or 17 wells in the mini wide gels.

Two minigels or one wide gel can be run in the RunOneElectrophoresis Cell. The RunOne Power Supply slidesright into the running unit, supplying 25, 50, or 100 voltsof output, and the Electrophoresis Cell's vented lid

eliminates condensation for improved visibility.Additionally, Embi Tec offers precast acrylamice gels forresolving DNA f ragments from 40 to 2,000 base pairs, aswell as over 100 different precast agarose andacrylamide gels.

Operating in a similar fashion with many of the samefeatures and benefits as the RunOne system, are theMupid-21 Mini-Gel Electrophoresis Unit, manufactured byNihonbashi Kobuna (Tokyo) and distributed in this countryby DNA Technologies and EY Laboratories, and theJoule Box Minigel Electrophoresis System fromStratagene. The Mupic-21 casts six agarose and/oracrylamide gels and include a 50/100 volt power supply.Both systems, as well, have the capability of resolvingnucleic acids and proteins. Look for Stratagene to

introduce VisiGel precast gels for the Joule Box soon.VisiGels consist of a novel gel matrix developed for theresolution of nucleic acid fragments.

The all-in-one Pico-2 System from TAITEC InstrumentsUSA, Inc., has been designed for agarose gels only. Itsgel-maker component forms five gels in three differentsizes using UV-transparent gel trays; in fact, the Pico-2 isthe only all-in-one systems to provide UV-transparentcomponents. The power supply generates 80 or 120 volts.

Amersham Pharmacia Biotech offers two automatedhorizontal gel systems. The first, the GenePhor DNAElectrophoresis Unit, brings maximized separation andreproducibility to advanced DNA analysis techniques suchas SSCP, VNTR, RAPD, and DDRT. The GenePhor usesprecast 12.5 and 15% acrylamide gels placed onto acompact, temperature-controlled, flatbed electrophoresisunit equipped with a Peltier heating and cooling system.DNA bands are visualized by silver staining technologyprovided by the Hoefer Automated Gel Stainer.

The PhastSystem automatically separates and stainsproteins and nucleic acids resolved on 43 x 50 x 0.45 mmprecast polyacrylamide gels cast on a Gelbond filmbacking. A variety of gel formulations are available,including homogeneous, gradient, and IEF gels. ThePhastSystem consists of a separation-control unit forsystem control and electrophoresis and a developmentunit for staining. The latter unit runs Coomassie Blue andsilver staining procedures.

Not to be ignored or forgotten, here are brief profiles of

38 more horizontal minigel devices from 20 companies.

AmbionAmbion's HorizontalGel ElectrophoresisApparatus featuresa casting tray withadjustable rubberend caps thatenable theformation of gelsfrom 3 to 12 cm in


5/11


6/11



CBS MGU-100T

EC 370

injection moldedpolycarbonate construction. UV-transparent gel trays arethicker than most with built-in fluorescent rulers. Gelcasting gates in the unit and the external Mini Gel Casterhave been designed to provide flexibility in gelpreparation. Other features touted for these unitsinclude easy to change electrode cartridges, gel depthindicators and smoothly releasing safety lids. The Mini-Sub GT has performed separation of small DNA fragmentsin 15 minutes at 150 volts, and the Wide Mini-Sub GT hasbeen designed for rapid screening applications of

multiple samples.

C.B.S. ScientificCompanyC.B.S. Scientificoffers twohorizontal minigelsystems: the MGU-100T and the MGU-200T. The MGU-200T runs a slightlylarger gel than theMGU-100T, butboth units employtapered baffles forcasting gels inside

the running unit.Each unit also features storage slots for the baffles whenthey aren't needed. Gel casting support trays for pouringone, three, or six gels are also available. Additionally,these units feature optional hinged Flip-Lid safety coversdesigned for smooth opening to prevent sampledisturbance. And to brighten up that bleak labenvironment, the MGU-200T is available in a choice ofthree fluorescent colors: yellow, green, and pink.

C.B.S. Scientific also sells the British Mini-Gel System,which is one of the most popular minigel devices used inthe United Kingdom. Its 8 x 10 cm gels are easily pouredby inserting the necessary dams and combs into groovespositioned in the body of the unit.

Crescent Chemical CompanyCrescent Chemical distributes the AE-6100 Agarose EP Kitmanufactured by ATTO Corporation of Tokyo, Japan. Thiscompact unit runs an 8 x 10 cm gel with a choice of 1, 6,10, or 16 sample wells.

E-C ApparatusThe EC370Minicell from E-CApparatus has beendesigned withseveral minorimprovementsthat, whencombined, becomesignificant to theunit's overall

operation. To beginwith, the Minicellruns an 8.2 x 6.5 cm gel on a UV-transparent gel trayfeaturing a fluorescent ruler and fill lines. These linesfacilitate the reproducible pouring of uniform-thicknessgels, and inclusion of the ruler eliminates the need topurchase a separate one. Seals on the gel tray areformed by easy-to-use, leak-free end blocks. One of thefew minigel devices equipped with a built-in level andleveling feet for added consistency of operation, theMinicell's injection-molded construction provides foryears of leak-free operation. The system also includes a


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Fotodyne Mini Single Cell

Idea Scientific Chameleon

safety interlock lid and two unique depth and levelinggauges used to ensure correct comb positioning.

Fisher ScientificThe FisherBiotech Horizontal Electrophoresis MinigelSystem uses a gasket-sided gel tray for casting its 7 x 10cm gels. Here, the UV-transparent gel tray is pushed intoposition inside a heavy-duty buffer chamber before themelted agarose is poured in. After the gel has solidified,the tray is simply lifted out, rotated 90 degrees, andplaced back into the chamber. This system runs up to 24

samples.

FotodyneFotodyne's MiniSingle and MiniDual CellElectrophoresisChambers havebeen designed torun one or two 7.1x 9.3 cm gels,respectively. Both

units use UV-transparent, "no-tape" gel trays equippedwith self-sealing, adjustable, leak-proof gates. The traysfeature notches for positive placement of two combs.The two chambers are supplied with the appropriate

number of 6-, 8-, 10-, and 12-well forming combs andcasting trays. Lastly, the Mini Dual Cell Chamber comessupplied with acrylic centering blocks used for runningsingle gels.

Idea ScientificThe Mini-ChameleonSubmarine Gelfrom Idea Scientifichas some uniquefeatures. Its mostinteresting one isthe aluminumcasting bar system.With this method,chilled aluminumbars taken fromthe freezer areplaced against theend of the UV-transparent gel trays. When moltenagarose contacts the chilled bars, it gels immediately,forming an instant seal. Multiple 7 x 10 cm gels are easilypoured simultaneously by positioning the gel trays end toend with a single chilled bar in between each tray. Otherfeatures include positioning notches on the gel trays toprevent the gels from floating or sliding, an internal portfor buffer recirculation on a stir plate, and ventedcovers. The vents also act as a guide for sample loading.Each tray includes an etched centimeter ruler that formsa ruler into each gel. A slightly larger 10 x 15 cm unit,the Chameleon has positions for up to five combs,allowing the formation of a maximum 120 sample wellswith a 2.5 cm path length.

IscoIsco's Little BlueTank does a lotmore than its nameimplies. Besidesrunning a 9 x 10cm gel, the LittleBlue Tankfunctions as anelectroelutor for


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ISCO Little Blue Tank

Kodak Biomax

the recovery ofproteins and othermacromoleculesfrom gels. It alsoconcentrates

proteins, nucleic acids, certain whole cells and cellfragments, and other ionic macromolecules fromsolutions and suspensions. In the agarose gel castingdepartment, the Little Blue Tank features neoprenecasting dams that tolerate hot agarose poured directlyfrom the microwave. This system includes combs for 12-

well analytical and 3-lane preparative gels and features aUV-transparent tray with a fluorescing scale.

Kodak ScientificImaging SystemsDesigned for therapid separation ofnucleic acids andelectrophoresisprocedures that donot require bufferrecirculation, theBioMax QS 710(Quick Screening 7x 10 cm unit)includes a casting

unit with a UV- transparent casting tray, two eight-toothcombs, power cords, a leveling bubble, and a manual.The dedicated casting unit casts gels without tapeindependently of the unit. The vented lid on the BioMaxallows heat to escape, resulting in better resolution offast runs andimproved visibility of the gels by reducingcondensation. Its patented Gravity electrical connectorincreases user safety by disconnecting the power whenthe lid is removed.

Koh DevelopmentAmong the many electrophoresis systems designed andmanufactured by Koh Development, Inc., four fit themini-horizontal device description. All four use UV-transparent gel trays with end caps for gel casting. TheSingle Chamber Mini System runs a 9.5 x 10.5 cm gel. The

larger Double Chamber Mini System accommodates asmaller gel (6.5 x 8 cm) but has a larger buffer capacityfor better cooling of the gel during electrophoresis.These systems use combs with up to nine teeth.

The Wide Chamber Mini System drives an extra-wide 6.5 x15 cm gel with room for up to 25 samples. For directphotography of the gels directly within the gel box, Kohhas developed the new Direct Photo ElectrophoresisChambers. Built in two sizes for either a 5.1 x 10.2 cmgel or a 10.2 x 7.6 cm gel, these gel chambers feature aUV-transparent base and 9.5 mm thick acrylic walls foradded protection from radioactive samples.

Koh Development also builds custom electrophoresissystems.

Life TechnologiesThe Horizon 58Horizontal GelElectrophoresisApparatus has beendesigned to cast,load, and run a 5.7x 8.3 cm gel in aslittle as 30minutes. Itspatented drop-indams and gel


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Life Technologies Horizon

Owl Separation System

castingcomponentswithstand boiling

agarose for rapid gel preparation. The unit also includesa removable buffer tray and gel deck with threevisualization stripes and multiple comb slots. The Horizon58 is part of a family of Horizon electrophoresis systems.Each system is composed of three primary components:the electrophoresis apparatus: an external, stand-alonecasting system; and a blot transfer apparatus.

Medical Research Apparatus InternationalMRA International, an "Original Equipment Manufacturer"specializing in medical research equipment, manufacturestwo mini-horizontal systems. The first, the EG7010 Mini-Gel Horizontal System, is the company's most popularminigel system. This system includes a gel box with ahinged lid, four gel trays, a casting bed, two combs,cables, and proprietary "Snap-In" electrodes. Theseelectrodes are removable to simplify cleaning.

MRA International's second unit is the EG8000 Mini-WideHorizontal System. Billed as feature packed and valuepriced, the Mini-Wide System is constructed of plasticinjection-molded components. The system includes thegel box, a vented lid, gel trays, a casting bed, combs,and power cables.

Owl SeparationSystemsWith six separatemini-horizontaldevices, OwlSeparation Systemshas the widestselection ofproducts in theprofile. The threeunits belonging to Owl's family of EasyCast( MinigelSystems all use a proven, simple, in-place casting design.Here, a gasketed gel tray fits into the buffer chamber sothat the gaskets form a seal against the chamber walls.After the agarose has solidified, the tray is removed androtated 90 degrees into its running position. This designeliminates the need for additional equipment by castingand running gels in the same chamber.

All three EasyCast devices feature UV-transparent geltrays with fluorescent rulers, lane markers, and twocomb positions. The individual devices run a 7 x 8 cm, a9 x 11 cm, or a 12 x 14 cm gel with a maximum of 24,28, and 48 wells, respectively. Custom combs are alsoavailable.

Owl's Buffer Puffer Recirculating Gel System is identicalto the largest EasyCast Minigel device in terms of theEasyCast casting technique, gel size, and samplecapacity, but the Buffer Puffer incorporates a bufferrecirculation system that does not require any externalequipment or accessories. This system uses the gas

bubbles formed at the cathode side of the unit todisplace the buffer on the anode side, creating a buffercirculation flow within the chamber.

The Wide Format Minigel System runs a 14.4 x 10.2 cmgel on an EasyCast- gasketed UV-transparent tray with amaximum sample capacity of 80 wells. A 15-well combdesigned to accommodate multichannel pipettors is alsoavailable.

Finally, Owl's Extra Small Minigel System runs gelsprepared on 2 x 3 inch glass slides. This system includes a


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11/11



Stratagene Joule Box

Advertisement

of three lengths: 5, 7.5, or 10 cm. Its larger counterpart,the Ultrawide Mini Gel-O-Submarine System, handles a23.5 cm wide gel with 7.5, 10, or 15 cm lengths. Thesample-well combs for the Ultrawide System form up to100 sample wells in a microtiter format.

StratageneStratagene'sHorizontalElectrophoresisApparatus consists

of a thermoformedplastic base and aUV-transparentacrylic gel bed.The mini version

runs a 10 x 10 and a 20 x 20 cm gel formed with a uniqueC-shaped gel casting clamp that fits over the gel traysealing the ends with rubber gaskets. Combs are settablewith a choice of two depths to accommodate thin andthick gels. This unit runs up to 20 samples.

Horizontal Gel Apparatus

Michael Brush is an Associate Scientist at HitachiChemical Company in Irvine, California. He can be

reached at [email protected].

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the scientist _ laid out flat_ mini horizontal electrophoresis devices [23!11!1998]

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