Bio-Rad Mini-PROTEAN® Tetra Cell - Manual (Page 14)

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a. Set the clamping frame to the open position on a clean flat
surface (see Figure 4a).
b. Place the first gel sandwich or gel cassette (with the short
plate facing inward) onto the gel supports; gel supports are
molded into the bottom of the clamping frame assembly;
there are two supports in each side of the assembly. Note
that the gel will now rest at a 30° angle, tilting away from the
center of the clamping frame.Please use caution when
placing the first gel, making sure that the clamping frame
remains balanced and does not tip over. Now, place the
second gel on the other side of the clamping frame, again by
resting the gel onto the supports. At this point there will be
two gels resting at an angle, one on either side of the
clamping frame, tilting away from the center of the frame (see
Figure 4b).
Note: It is critical that gel cassettes are placed into the clamping
frame with the short plate facing inward. Also, the clamping
frame requires 2 gels to create a functioning assembly. If an odd
number of gels (1 or 3) is being run, you must use the buffer dam
(see Figure 4b).
c. Using one hand, gently pull both gels towards each other,
making sure that they rest firmly and squarely against the
green gaskets that are built into the clamping frame; make
certain that the short plates sit just below the notch at the
top of the green gasket.
d. While gently squeezing the gel sandwiches or cassettes
against the green gaskets with one hand (keeping constant
pressure and both gels firmly held in place), slide the green
arms of the clamping frame over the gels, locking them
into place. Alternatively, you may choose to pickup the
entire assembly with both hands, making sure that the
gels do not shift, and simultaneously sliding both arms of
the clamping frame into place (see Figure 4c).
The arms of the clamping frame push the short plates of each
gel cassette up against the notch in the green gasket, creating a
leak-proof seal (check again to make certain that the short plates
sit just below the notch at the top of the green gasket). At this
point, the sample wells can be washedout with running buffer,
and sample can be loaded (Figure 4d).
Note: If running more than 2 gels, repeat steps 1a–d with the
companion running module