C.B.S. Scientific DCX-MC-10 - Manual (Page 3)

separation sheet
notched glass plate
spacer
unnotched glass plate
shim sheet
front panel with
captive thumbscrews
casting chamber
lid (used to tilt
assembly)
separation sheet
figure 1.
GEL CASTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Place lid on bench and put the top end of the casting chamber (locating groove provided) on the lid so that it rests at
an angle with the gasket facing up.
2. Start by stacking one separation sheet, followed by unnotched glass plate, spacer set, then notched glass plate.
Repeat this sequence until all 4 sets (or 10 sets) are neatly stacked into the casting chamber. Place one additional
separation sheet on the last glass plate. See figure 1.
3. Place front panel on chamber and tighten the 5 captive thumbscrews. With 4 (or 10) sets of glass plates with 0.75mm
spacers, the front panel seals against the gasket and compresses the glass sandwiches. Using fewer than 4 (or 10)
glass plate sets at 0.75mm thick will require the use of the enclosed shim sheets to achieve a tight seal and light
compression of the glass plate sets. Use of other than 0.75mm thickness spacers may require the use of additional
shim sheets, which must be ordered separately.
4. Bring assembled caster to the vertical position. Test the tightness of the assembly by pulling one of the polycarbonate
shim sheets. If it comes out easily, use extra shims to increase tightness against the front panel.
5. Single percentage gels can be cast by adding liquid monomer from through the luer valve using a pump or large
volume syringe. For gradient gels connect a gradient former to a small peristaltic pump (MPP-100), and the pump
outlet to the luer valve mounted on the front panel. Fill caster to within 0.5cm of the glass plate notches, turn pump off
then close luer valve.
6. Carefully insert combs into glass plate sandwiches. Place lid on top of chamber until gels polymerize.
DISASSEMbLy
1. Remove lid and carefully remove one comb to ensure polymerization is complete. Return caster to horizontal angle
position as shown in figure 1. Disassemble the unit by unscrewing thumbscrews. Release each gel sandwich by
pulling the polycarbonate separation sheet. If you are planning to store some of the gels for later use, leave the
comb in place, rinse excess acrylamide from glass plates, and wrap in Saran wrap or store in Zip-Lock bags in the
refrigerator.
2. Wash all Multi-Caster components after each use with mild detergent and rinse with DI water.