Bio-Rad PROTEAN Plus Dodeca Cell - Manual (Page 9)

Note: Do not turn on the pump. Wait until the lid is attached to the cell, and you are ready to
start the run.
2.4 Additional required components
Refrigerated circulator
The PROTEAN Plus Dodeca Cell requires a refrigerated circulator for optimal results.
The refrigerated circulator works in conjunction with the buffer recirculation system to
provide efficient cooling. The PROTEAN Plus Dodeca cell has a built-in ceramic cooling
core that must be connected to a refrigerated circulator. The refrigerated circulator must
be able to maintain the buffer temperature of 18–20ºC during electrophoresis (see note
below). Tubing with 3/8" ID connects the Dodeca cell to the refrigerated circulator. Insert
the male quick-connect fittings (included with the Dodeca cell) into the inlet and outlet
tubing on the refrigerated circulator. The buffer coil in the Dodeca cell has no specific
orientation, so direction of flow is not specified. An ethylene glycol:water (20:80) solu-
tion is recommended as coolant.
The recommended minimum cooling capacity of the refrigerated circulator is 240W
and pump flow rate is 4 liters/ minute. A specific refrigerated circulator is not required, any
refrigerated circulator with a similar flow rate and cooling capacity is sufficient to use
with the Dodeca Cell. Some recommended chillers include the Model RTE-111 and RTE-101
from Thermo NESLAB and the Model WKL 26 from Thermo Haake.
Vacuum grease
Dow Corning high vacuum grease (Dow Corning part number 1597418) is suggested.
Grease is required when using unhinged glass plate cassettes.
Multi-casting chamber
The PROTEAN Plus multi-casting chamber is required if gels are handcast. Product
information is available in section 6.
Gradient former
The Model 495 Gradient Former is required if gradient gels are handcast. Product
information is available in section 6.
Section 3
Preparing for Electrophoresis
3.1. Buffer preparation
Prepare 17–23 liters of electrophoresis buffer to fill the buffer tank. The minimum
volume is required to run twelve 18 x 20 cm gels; the maximum volume is required to run
twelve 25 x 20.5 cm gels.
Note: The refrigerated circulator used during development of the Dodeca cell (Forma Scientific Model 2006 Bath and circulator) was
set to 15°C and had a flow rate of 3.8 liters per minute. Under these conditions the buffer temperature during electrophoresis was
maintained at 18–20°C.
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